I need to modify my post so that the M00 or M01 codes are posted after the tool change. Anyone know how to do this? My mill (Haas VF2-SS) has a side mount tool changer and I was told that doing this would get the tool pocket in the right location before initiating a tool change. In the current configuration the spindle retracts and then waits for the pockets to cycle around to the correct tool. Also, what is tool staging? Another comment was: "Also, you may stage the tool like any old Fanuc by calling the tool without an M06 next to it. This will bring the pocket down to ready position regardless of the mentioned M codes (M00, M01) in case you don't want to edit your programs." I'm relatively new to CNC machining so I don't really understand what he is talking about. Thanks, Bob

What should I be looking for? It just started doing this out of the blue. Bob

well, that did it. Thanks! Is that a known bug or something? Bob

I am trying to post a program with 5 total tool paths (face, drill, tap, etc...). When I go to post I select all tool paths and hit the post button, then Mcam unselects the last four of the tool paths and only tries to post the first. If I then cancel out of that dialogue another dialogue pops up asking where I would like to post the final four. None of these have been set to prevent posting (little ghost icon). Any idea what is going on and how to fix it? Thanks, Bob

That brings up another question. Most of my work is prototyping and I also wanted to standardize my first 10-12 tools. Is it possible to have the tools preloaded in a Mastercam file or do they need to be manually inserted every time I create a new file. My goal would be to have the standard tools already there when I create a new file. Is this possible? Thanks, Bob

I recently received my new mill (Haas VF2-SS) which brings up a question about tools. My other mill is a Mini Mill with a 6000 rpm spindle and my entire tool library is built around this. With the new mill (12k spindle) I should be running most tools much faster than they are currently set up for and I have to type the speed and feeds manually. Is there a way to have the tools' speeds and feeds automatically adjust depending on which mill I select in Mcam? Thanks, Bob

With heat shrink how long does it take to change tools? I run a lot of prototypes so I change tools often and this could be an issue. I guess I could get 6-8 heat shrink holders for the standard sizes (.125", .1875", .375", etc...) and just leave the end mills in those permanently and use ER collets for the other stuff (drills, taps, etc...). What do the heat shrink holders cost? How expensive is the device to heat them up for changing tools? Thanks for the input, Bob

I just took delivery of a new Haas VF2-SS and I need to order 20 tool holders (CT40). I was planning on getting ER16 and ER32 collet holders and I was curious about balancing these. The machine has a 12000rpm spindle and I plan to run it at this fairly often. Will these tool holdres need to be balanced? My current tool holders are made by YG though I'm not sure which brand I will go with for the new holders. How do YG and Command holders compare? Is there a web site for YG? Thanks, Bob

I figured it was a pretty open ended question. I don't have a specific part that I need to machine though I would like to do more of this work in the future. I machined a part last week where I roughed with a .5" cutter, the rest milled with .25" but there were features that needed to be finished with a .125" cutter and it didn't go all that well. The part turned out okay but it could have been better and faster. I probably should have taken more roughing passes. There is a steep learning curve with this stuff. Bob

Are there any rules of thumb when it comes to roughing a surface that requires a cosmetic finish? If I plan to finish with a 1/8" ball mill, how would I rough it most efficiently? Could I start with a .5" end mill, then .25", then .125" for roughing, then do one finishing pass with the .125" ball mill? What is the best way to learn about this stuff? Trial and error is very time consuming and potentially costly. Any insight on the strategy would be a big help. Thanks, Bob

Is there a way to set the cutter compensation to Wear, to be adjusted on the machine, when cutting circular milling contours? My mill is a Haas Mini Mill and I always seem to get errors when trying to do this. I have the same question for ID thread milling also. Thanks, Bob

yeah, my legs are getting a good workout getting this stuff squared away. I have the mill running DNC right now but I still had to use Hyperterminal to do it. I need to get the job done so I gave up on Mastercam for now. Boy, the manual for the Haas and the support material that came with Mastercam (help files, etc...) are absolutely CRAP! There isn't anything that I could find that shed any light on this stuff. I was entering the file name in the format you mentioned, "O" included, but I was in the worng menu. I was tying it in the I/O menu window and not the program list. I really don't think Mastercam is communicating with the machine at all though.

No, it is asking for a program name and when I type one it says "bad code" or something.

Yes, I am talking DNC but I would also like to figure out how to just send a program to the mill so I don't have to fuss with the disk. I guess my last question was more geared to the disk issue. Thanks, Bob

When I send a program to my mill, how do I select it to run? I seem to be able to send okay but when I go to the mill I can't find the file.

So I figured out how to run my Haas Mini Mill DNC with the Windows utility Hyperterminal, but still no luck with Mastercam. What is the difference between a program like Hyperterminal and the one Cimco sells? What are the advantages of some of the other programs? Also, the Haas user's manual recomends setting the synchronization to Xmodem but it is not an option in either Hyperterminal or Mastercam so I have been running with that set to Xon-Xoff on the software side and Xmodem on the Mill control. Any problems with that? Thanks, Bob

With the Bondo, how difficult is it to remove?

For fixturing I was planning on using Invert-a-bolts at the corners which essentially clamps the part straight down. I also have the 6061 on hand and there isn't time to order alternative material, but it is something to think about in the future. Thanks, Bob

Okay, than makes sense. How do the different ratios come into play? It also sounds like the machine will run considerably faster with filtering on. Is this correct? Thanks for the info. Bob

I have a surfacing roughing operation and I turned on filtering (1:1) and the NC program shrunk by 70%. What exactly is happening with filtering? Also, what do the different values mean - 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, etc...? My Mill doesn't have high speed machining activated (Haas Mini Mill) so what setting will allow the mill to run more efficiently? I'm sure it is obvious that I am somewhat new to this stuff and I appreciate the help :-) Thanks, Bob

I guess I should add that I have run small programs to date and they have all been entered with a floppy drive.

I need to set up my Haas Mini Mill (2005) for DNC and I have the cable etc... What settings in Mastercam and the Haas control do I need to fiddle with? Thanks, Bob

How much extra stock should I leave during roughing?

It will be inspected in the free state. I also do need to machine from both sides.

Flat within a few thousandths would be fine, I just can't have it warping like a potato chip. The part is the size and shape of a laptop computer lid (~10.5" x 11" x ~.25" with much surfacing).