The Pilot Hole operation cuts a hole to prepare for another operation that cannot cut a hole. This hole is called a pilot hole. The operation is needed when the second operation uses a tool that cannot cut in a plunge move.

The Pilot Hole operation analyzes the toolpath for the other operation to find the location and the depth of each drill move. The Pilot Hole operation then creates a toolpath that drills these holes.

You can use the Pilot Hole operation to cut a smaller center hole to prepare for a later drill operation.

SURFCAM automatically puts the Pilot Hole operation in a location where it will be done before the second operation.

When you click Pilot Hole, the Select NC Operation Dialog Box appears. A prompt tells you select an operation that has holes that need a pilot hole. The operations from the current project are displayed.

Click the operation that has holes that need a pilot hole. Then click the OK button. The 2 Axis Pilot Drill dialog box appears. Set the parameters, and click OK.