We don't do mad quantities just big expensive parts mostly. I try to have my guys keep a constant 5ipm on all taps, the RPM is easily confirmed by the operator (multiplying it by 2) We used to use 10ipm but noticed most "send backs" were cut in half. 1/2-13 @ 5ipm = 65rpm x 2 = 130 1/2-20 @ 5ipm = 100rpm x 2 = 200 3/8-16 @ 5ipm = 80rpm x 2 = 160 If a tap gets broken it won't be from a speed feed issue. I know it may sound slow but in the end way faster than burning out a broken tap.

Mark, I'd highly recommend just buying "Beyond Compare 4" (Scooter Software), and plugging that into Code Expert. It gives you the best comparison tool on planet! I signed up for a Pro license of Beyond Compare, and it is indispensable to me.

Running this toolpath group (1-26) thru vericut quickly shows just about 29min

Beyond Compare is also reasonably cheap! I believe a standard license is $30. The Pro version (not really necessary for most users), is only $60. For thirty dollars, Beyond Compare is an awesome tool. My favorite feature in the software is the "Align with..." function. This lets you manually align different sections of code, between the two columns. I use this for both "post editing" when I'm comparing code blocks between Posts. Often you'll get a Post that has many of the same chunks of code, but each block of code can be thrown anywhere in the text file. So having the "align with" feature lets me quickly align two start block locations. This also works great if you happen to use Subprograms, and need to line up blocks of code for comparison.

This is most likely a post issue.. when you use a 5X toolpath, your post is outputting 5axis code, which will be point to point ( no arcs and no CDC) when you create a toolplane to drive circle tool paths you a really creating a 3+2 toolpath and your post is outputting tilted tool plane code. The solution is to ask your post developer to give you a misc integer switch to enable tilted tool plane output for 5x toolpaths when needed.

I don't like that it won't create arcs/ or cutter comp when using axis control in either helical or circle mill when you select a solid feature. I have to manually create ops on each rotation/plane using arc geometry in order for it to use comp and arcs. The idea of simplifying the tool path is great, but the execution is not very useful.

thats the problem, 1/4-20 is 20 threads per inch = 200 rpm 10 ipm, 3/8-16 = 160 rpm 10 ipm also are you sure you have rigid tapping?

Also check out the Tool Axis Control page on Thread Mill and Helix Bore

Been broken since about 2018. It has to be done through the planes manager. Click the position in the planes manager and go pick a point then it will associate it. This cannot be done when 1st creating the new plane. Create the plane 1st then click on the position arrow in the planes manager and now the programmer have the ability associate it to the point or feature they wanted. Right clicking and editing the plane will not give the programmer this ability. This is the only way I have found that works. Greyed out even after plane is created.

No i never purchased it personally. If I ever did contract programming it would be #2 on the buy list. Got a free license ATM. Northwoods: I liked how you could post comments in the NC code that would build the tool list. If cimco had a better tool library function, that would be great.

I don't know what goes on with backplot times...op6 reports 16min???