Cutting Direction or Cutting Method

Planar

This option generates tool moves that are linear and parallel, viewed from top view. Two positions must be provided to define the direction of cut. This could be any two locations. SURFCAM will display the Select Point menu to define the coordinates just before the tool motion is generated.

You have control of the direction of the parallel tool moves. A prompt tells you to select a beginning point and a point toward the direction of the cut. The tool moves are parallel to the line the two points define.

This line also controls the part of the surfaces that are cut. SURFCAM creates the toolpath on the side of the line you select. If the line passes through the middle of the design, only the area on that side of the line is cut.

Flow Surface

The flow surface option uses an existing surface to define the direction. When this option is used, SURFCAM will prompt you to "Select cut flow surface." This surface will not be machined. The arrow on the flow surface defines which direction to use—either the major or minor. To switch the direction, use the Edit > Surfaces > Direction command.