another approach to toolbit radius compensation

Using Visio (whose DXFs are VERY readable by Yeager's ACE Converter),
use the "pencil" tool to draw the edges of the item to be machined.
Then, select the entity, change the line width to that of the tool to
be used (i.e., .125 for a 1/8 in. endmill). Then, using the same pencil
drawing tool, (and a different color - say, red) draw a new path along
the
outside edge of the wide line, where you want the centerline of the
toolbit
to go. next, delete the fat line, and you're left with something that
can be exported as dxf, converted by ACE, and which will give you the
shape you want.

I had bought 2 copies of Visio 5.0 Technical version (needs "standard")
upgrade; contact me if interested. /mark