PCNC 1100 3 here.

I make a lot of parts that have contoured surfaces. Or angles, elipsoids, etc. And I tend to simply use SprutCAM's waterline operations and a relatively fine depth of cut with square end end mills. Even as fine as .005. I've even done .001 steps.

The results are okay, especially in wood, but in aluminum of course it can be a mess. If the end mill isn't particularly sharp, etc. And I tumble my aluminum parts in ceramic media in rotary tumblers. And that works well.

But I keep wondering if there isn't a better way? I'll see photos of parts made on the Tormachs that honestly look a lot nicer fresh off of the machine than mine do.

Any tips on better ways to do this appreciated. CAM wise I plan on sticking with SprutCAM for now. I upgraded to 10 and whoa, no bugs. Woo. But if Fusion happened to have some kickbutt operation for such things, I'd be happy to give it a whirl.

Thanks in advance.