Herbk--you're always sassy;) Unless I'm mistaken, Russ has taken the step of putting some controls onto the 3dSurface tool, which leverages OCL. The 3dPpocket operation utilizes a fundamentally different function, and already has inputs for step size and step-down size. One thing I found interesting...

I believe that touches on some of what you are trying to accomplish. I'll leave it there but if there's anything I can help with, don't hesitate to ask.
Regards,
Josh

While I did not do this here, the general approach could be something like: 1. Determine the "profile" shape of the job-model, in the range along the Z-axis, excluding the Chuck. Much as you have done, a cut of a plane, at the lathe's "Y" height, bounded by the stock radius, and ...

11. Here, I show a path for this insert, that moves the center of the radius of the tool insert's cutting corner. For this example, I drew it in Sketcher by hand. Note that I left space between the Chuck and the insert at that end. Note also that it is probably best to model the chuck--including jaw...

8. For "Along the Length" turning, the shank holds the insert at a fixed angle--30 and 45-degree appear common. Then, knowing the relationship of the shank to the work, defines the relationship of the insert to the work. If constrained orthogonal to the work--the relationship of the insert...

Hi Dan, Any progress on this? I noticed your post a bit ago, and have meant to touch base. In broad terms, lathe ops are easier than 4th axis milling, or 3d milling because the Job model is radial. But, the trade off is that the tool shapes no longer remain radial. My practical lathe experience is p...

Really nice job Russ! Thanks for sharing that.

I still think we could get some short-term benefit by doing more with OpenCamLib. Using the the tessellated shape of the part and pushing a tool shape against it is exactly the approach employed. Hey Brad, It's always been an option. I couldn't get it to compile--or figure out how to drive it. I'm ...

Hi Julian, Thank you so much for your response. I've been processing what you posted. I don't fully understand some, so wanted to respond: The path work bench is already too complicated for what it does. From an open-source standpoint, you don't need consensus, just implementation :D . You can take ...

Hi Kunda1, I've been following JulianTodd's posts, as he has mentioned he's successfully achieved 3d milling for commercial software in the past. I've been playing with mesh a bit since he mentioned it's a superior approach, and I've reached out to him by PM to see if there's any way I can be of hel...