GearHeads Corner

A very useful addition to this program would be the ability to make gear cutters, just the reverse of what it generates so well now.

I could see at least two really good uses for cutter generation:

1. Those cases where the gear teeth are so small that no milling cutter is small enough. A cutter could be made for exactly that gear and avoid the commercial approximation cutters.
2. Those cases where it would be easier to shape the gear teeth.

I suppose that code to generate Hobbs wouldn't be bad either.

Hi:

  Gear cutter code will be put out very soon. I will be off on vacation shortly until about the 20th of March, when I return
we'll have a conversation here about just how folks would like that to work. As I developed GT, I made sure hooks were there to allow for
cutter generation so I already have most f the code done, its really just a matter of how best to do it. Ill rely on those that have experience
in such things to advise on best practice. It shouldnt take long once I begin.. ( Doesnt usually anyway.. :) )

Art

Keep single point flycutter bits in mind.

Maybe have an option for thin versions so they can gash, finish left, finish right? Bigger teeth might need this.

Allow stretching to compensate for rake and clearance angles?

Thanks.

:) Keep that thought, Ill want to discuss how some of that works when I get there..

Art

Hi
Just wondering if their has been any progress on the Gear cutter code ?.

Paul

Hi Paul:

Sorry, as yet no motion at all. Ill bump up this discussion in the fall to see how it might work..

Art

The code is nearly there.

On the DXF of a gear  is the shape of the cutter, just delete the gear and put the shape thru a CAM program to get your cutter.