Profile Tool Path - how do Stock Remaining and Number of Passes work?

In creating a profiling roughing operation I wanted to remove the excess stock around the central boss. The Patterns tab Side Roughing shows exactly what I would like (see image below). I've played with the Stock Remaining and Number of Passes fields. My tool is a 1/4" end mill. Is there a method to figuring out how to set these to accomplish what you need or is it trial and error? Specifically, I don't quite understand the relationship between Stock Remaining and Passes.

Attachment 253558

Thanks,
Michael

"Specifically, I don't quite understand the relationship between Stock Remaining and Passes.
"


Side allowance is how much left for finishing tool.
Stock remaining is how much stock to be removed.
Number of passes is how many passes in addition to the material left for finishing.The stock remaining will be divided by the amount of passes.
So,if I have .110 of stock altogether to remove and .01 I am going to leave for finishing,,that would leave .100 for stock remaining.If I enter 4 passes,that would equal .025 of material removed per pass.If I entered 10 passes it would remove .01 per pass.
In essence,this is how you will be controlling the percentage of step-over of your EM.

Got it, thanks jrmach.

Cheers,
Michael

An approach I like is to use a dashed line for the outside geometry to create an open pocket and a solid line for the central boss. Use Advanced Pocket and select the outside edges and the boss for your geometry. It will remove the excess material and clean up the wall finish on the boss without you having to know how much material you're removing or how many passes to take. If you want, you can insert a second pocket routine for a finish pass on your bottom surface. Picture and example program attached.