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.

I have work at companies that used the collet pads with standard 3 jaw chucks. http://www.huronmachine.com/catalog/jaws_collet_pads.cfm They work really well with bar feeders and pullers. You can also get custom pads made and also order emergency pad you can machine in house. Also found this on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/New-ATS-Low-Profile-Tr...=item19ba46ab52

I have an ATS on my Okuma Howa, it is the standard pullback type. It uses 16C collet, and works very well for what little turning work I have. For a high production job, the standard might not be the best choice because chips could get into the collet and would have to be cleaned from time to time.

Look at the X4 videos on Mastercam web page. Looks like the 5-Axis circle mill tool path would be worth the upgrade cost. Would save alot of time.

Didn't work for me either, but Mastercam still opens fast for me.

I get that error also, but using Vista-64bit, but Mastercam opens in 11 sec. though. Thats with a 3DConnexion mouse also.

Yes, that's plenty big, your right nothing is made or produced that hasn't had a machinist involved. It amazes me that so little people understand the important role that machining takes in everyday life.

Wow, how many programs have you seen on TV that covers machining and manufacturing lately. I think any airtime that us machinist can get is good airtime. The general public could care less about how they operate the shop, but seeing the machines and showing people that it's not a sweat shop, should help the image of US manufacturing. I'm not saying that with just this one show it's going to turn it around. But it might just reach a few people that thinks that looks pretty cool. Make a good living, learn a skill that you can take with you and find a job almost anywhere. I'm sorry but if your bitchin about this show then you just don't see the bigger picture.

The C-hook ad's depth cuts for every step over, would work great for harder material and deeper cuts.

James, that Swept 2d C-hook is pretty sweet. I only have Level1, so that could come in handy. I've used the Ruled toolpath alot and I think I am pretty good with it. The thing I like about the wireframe toolpaths is the shorter program's. That could really come in to play with older control's.

The old Solid drill was so much easier.

The Mazak would come with a warranty, I'd say you couldn't go wrong with either machine. That is if the okuma has been taken care of. Does the Okuma have the 15K spindle or the 8K, and would you use the 15k for the work you do(more alum, or stainless work)?

Nice, so David, how you like your new gig?

I believe you have the "do not calculate toolpath" button pressed.

If he used the wireframe toolpath, he used wireframe not surfaces to drive the tool. If you still have problems after using the wireframe path I'd say its a mchine issue. Try rotating the part like motor said.

I don't think tools made from copper could last all that long.

I would look at the Xeon line of processors, with an Intel board. They seem to have some of the fastest times in the benchmark and should be a powerful combo if you get the right video card to handle the graphic duties. Like John said Win7 64bit can handle mucho ram.

Glad you liked it James, I was laughing as I was typing it. I had to stop and type it a few times over.

Not sure if this could help but, create edge curves, then xform offset contour to shrink the contours to look like stick letters. Not even sure if it works like that, might be something to try.

It feels like CNC is like Congress, "The people have spoken, they want MC Art!"

How are getting it to post a G98, I can only get G99 to post for some reason? This is with X4 MPMASTER.

Are you in 2D mode or 3D?

Just use Multi Passes, my need to do some math to get the correct amount of step overs.

Home comp, Vista 64, AMD 720 Phenom Black 6Gig Ram, MSI 260GTX, Corsair 650 single rail psu. X3 would mess up, X4 and X4MU1 works great.

Motorcity, that was funny. I love the humor in this forum from time to time.