Basic pocketing question

Kiri:Moto
1

Hello, I am trying to do my first “pocket”. I want to cutout the external rectangle down to the bottom plus drilling the 7 small rectangles only 9mm deep.

If I use the “Outline” operation, I get the big rectangle cut, but also the small ones converting the pocket in a full hole. If I offset the outline, I don’t get the external rectangle to be fully cut.

The pocket operation does not seem to drill down. And I am not familiar with the Trace operation, that I have read in multiple threads that makes the trick for many operations.

What is the best way to get what I want? Here is my workspace:

workspace_basic_pocketing.kmz (382.3 KB)

And yes, I only have a 1/4 inch bit with enough depth to cut the 22 mm of my wood stock. I know it will create rounded inner edges on the small rectangles, but I am ok with it.

Thanks!

2

there are several approaches. pocket doesn’t work with thru holes, so for that you can use outline or trace. I’ve included a disabled trace op in this workspace so you can check it out. ctrl+click on an op toggles enabled/disabled for fast testing without moving the timeline.

I also split your single outline op into an outline with inside-only and an outline with outside-only and omitting thru-holes (so no duplicate cutting)

pocketing-holes-two-ways.kmz (773.5 KB)

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3

Thanks Stewart! Both Trace + Outline (outside) or Outline + Outline simulations show exactly what I want. Great inputs for my learning process.

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