Well On a Haas I use a M97 P??, and I put a N?? in front of the line I want to start at. It will jump down to the line with the N?? in front of it. Make sure to use the M97 after the Modals are started (Fixture, spindle speed, and tool length offset). For safety sake I change my initial Z 2 0r 3" above my part and feed into my part then let it rip.

How's thing's going with the new mill? Haven't heard much as of late, is everything running smoothly?

I would check out the Dynamic facing, I've had good results with it.

For UHMW the surfaces came out nice and smooth. Great looking part and great job.

Also shop rate may be diff. from machine to machine, lathe may be 50/hr and 5Axis mill 250/hr so make sure you quote the part for the machine it's going on. Seem simple but sometimes you get a brain fart and have to start all over.

Most of the milling is close, you can go out in the shop and get an average for some drilled holes. If its an average time of 1minute chip to chip for drilling then count the number of holes and add that to the milling time and you'll be pretty close. Also shop around for material, you can loose your a$$ fast if you don't shop around.

I think I can speak for most everyone when I say, I would love to see that Mag3 cutting on some aluminum at 30,000RPM.

From MCX help, looked up Trace Image and this is what I got. This topic outlines the process of creating and machining an application using Mastercam Art, and lists the basic steps for each phase of the process. Click on each process step below to display detailed information. Import and refine the 2D art design Use Art, Trace Image - Raster to Vector to convert clip art to 2D geometry. Or choose Art, Browse Classic Design Library function to import geometry. You can also use the built-in converters in Mastercam's File, Open function to import geometry from a third-party file, Or you can use Mastercam's CAD functions to create the geometry you want to work with. hope that helps.

I can call my reseller and get help over the phone. If I need help with simple post mods they can get me going right over the phone most times. I couldn't ask for better help, really great guy's, and a pleasure to work with.

If using Mastercam Lathe I've always used computer comp and never had any problems.

Dave was this on the Mori mill? I would have taken .69 depth with a nice cleanup of .01 on the floor and sides. The numbers look fine but the Highspeed toolpath were made to take advantage of the full flute length, and amazing things happen with the right combo.

Congrats Chris keep us posted. This forum is great aint it.

If someone hasn't upgraded from V9 by now, they probably aren't going to upgrade. I seriously don't see what the big fuss is from going from V9 to X, I've used it since day one when it came out and I cannot ever see me going back. If I were looking for a job and all they had was V9 I would walk away. If they don't care enough to keep up with the times then god forbid what they think of the employee's. Just my opinion though.

I've used Chick Tombstones in the past. Machinable jaws and very quick change over and setup times make them a good choice for repeat jobs. They make all kinds of workholding for many different applications, easy to rebuild and repair also. http://www.chickworkholding.com/

I would say just try it and if it alarms out it wont work.

The Mazak rep in my area is a very good guy, and you can get a hold of him anytime and offers great service. They have a tech center about 40 miles from my shop and they have great support. Tim Kramer is his name and I would recommend him and his company to anyone, just a top notch group to work with.

Lars congrat's on the new gig, please don't be a stranger come back anytime. You have helped many people also, and will be missed. Good luck and have a great 4TH.

You will see some new toolpaths that are coming in X5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNoxHVZIWu0

That is a really good idea Mic6.

I've found if you are using a solid and click the edge curve for the hole center it wants to sort the toolpath for you. If you create a point in the hole centers then turn off shading and pick you points it will toolpath in the order you selected.

I also use circle mill for most of my milled holes. It has all the control I need most of the time.

And yes, in MCX you can set spring pass's, roughing pass's, overcut amount, tapper angle, and just about anything you can think of. You dont have to create a custom tool, you can just use an endmill and set it to the correct diameter and away you go. super easy.

Sorry odell, you beat me to it.

I've wrapped rubber bands along the shank of boring bars, its an old trick and it may help reduce the chatter.

It would be nice to use a solid face or surface for the geometry, but only having level 1 mill might be an issue for me. Just pick the face to machine and run with it.