Why does your CNC need a roughing pass first?

The roughing toolpath is the first major step when carving a 3D model. Its job is to remove the bulk of the material quickly and safely, leaving a small amount of material for the finishing pass.

Inside the CAM

3D Roughing

Model

Tool: —
Stepdown: —
Allowance: —
Strategy: —

This is the form you want to leave in the wood. Everything else is waste.

Roughing is about speed and material removal — not the final surface quality.
Next, the finishing toolpath reveals the details.