Help with project longer than M3 project size

[cdb0ewm]

I'm trying to make the part that is attached. My problem is that its 13.25 inched long. I'm using Fusion 360.

Any suggestions on how I can make this on a M3

Thank you

[oldtech]

I would use a jig to allow cutting in multiple passes.

The detail will vary, but ,for example, are the holes spaced evenly? If so the first pass could just machine three holes and then use two of the holes to attach (say using screws) the part to your spoil board and mill around the front and then the back by shifting the part by one hole using the same screws just shifted by one hole.

It should also be possible to mill first the front and then the back - you just need to figure out how to align the part. For example, if the stock is square and without any margin on a corner then a right angled stop block or set of pins could be used to align the part with the rotation taken care using fusion 360 setups.

This works because Fusion 360 will let you set the origin and orientation for milling at any point. It can get complicated to figure it out but it will be worth your time. Try it on some scrap pieces.

If you have specific question just ask.

[cdb0ewm]

i'll give it a try but may be asking more questions once I give it a shot
thank you

[cdb0ewm]

ok... I guess I'm stuck.

In Fusion 360 I did 1 setup for the holes.
I tried to do a 2nd setup to machine one end of the piece. I set the stock size to a length (X) that was 10 inches and the model orientation at one end.
I next tried to machine one of the grooves using 2d contour but I can figure out how to limit the selection to the size specified in the stock size window
See below

[oldtech]

One solution is to temporally split your part using Fusion 360 split body. Then create or change the model in setup.

To split use sketch to draw a line where you want to stop. Then exit sketch and choose modify -> split body. Next use the line as the tool to split the body.

Note: be sure to check the tool path to make sure the bit does not not cut into your piece where you split it. In your case I think that you want the bit to keep going straight pass the split and then retract.

Another option would be to edit your sketch for the part and create overlapping paths where you want to stop.

[oldtech]

I should've added that if you have problems with the cuts not matching where you did the split, that a solution is to create two overlapping splits with each 'half' larger than a half.

[cdb0ewm]

Thanks again.

I got the split done based on your advice. Now I'm not sure how to limit the tool path so it doesn't cut where the split is. Nothing I try seems to work

Thanks for your thoughts and help