Problem solved. I turned on rigid tapping in my machine and it tapped 40 holes perfectly. I guess when one orders a feature on their mill, such as rigid tapping, one shouldn't take for granted that the factory actually turned it on. Oh well, lesson learned. There is a definite difference in the way it taps holes now and if I had more experience I would have caught it right away. Thanks again for the help. Bob

I had a look at my machine and it appears that the rigid tap feature was not turned on. I paid for it, so it should have been Oh well, I'll bet that makes a bit of a difference. It is on now and I will be in touch with my Haas dealer soon. Thanks for the help. Bob

I guess I should add that I am new to CNC machining and I bought the Haas because I have wanted one for some time. I have several years of manual machining experience. By no means am I a CNC expert

M29? Whats that? I don't see one anywhere.

I am using rigid tapping without a floating tap holder. The tool is held firm in an ER16 collet with standard flood coolant and the code is as follows: N124 T2 M6 N126 G0 G90 G54 X3.2 Y-.2125 S480 M3 N128 G43 H2 Z.1 N130 M8 N132 G99 G84 Z-.35 R.1 F20.

I have broken a few taps now and I am getting a little frustrated about it. Last night I broke a 6-32 tap and tonight I broke a 10-24 tap, the first time I had ever used it. What might I be doing wrong? The taps are spiral fluted, bright finish and run at 300-450 rpm in 6061 aluminum. My mill is a Haas Mini Mill ('05) with the rigid tapping option and the taps are held firm in ER16 collets. It appears that the mill's feed and spindle are not perfectly in sync, but that is just a guess. I didn't have a lot invested in this particular part but that might not be the case next time. Any ideas? Thanks, Bob

Anyone know where I could buy polycarbonate in pieces ~4" x 4" x 4"? I need this stuff in small volumes and I have been buying through McMaster, probably not the most economical source. A supplier for G10 would also be helpful. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, Bob

What would be a good speed and feed to start at for 304SS and the following cutters: 1/4" 3 flute end mill solid carbide 3/32" 4 flute end mill solid carbide I am new to CNC machining so I appreciate any input. Thanks, Bob

I have a 3/16" solid carbide end mill and I need to machine a pocket to a depth of .75" in 6061 aluminum. What speed, feed, and depth of cut would you recommend? Thanks, Bob

Is a dwell setting typically required for rigid tapping (Haas Mill)? If so, how long? Thanks, Bob

If I am working on a part that will have three different setups in the milling vise, is there a way to do all of the tool paths in one MasterCAM file? If so, how are the different coordinate systems set up? Thanks, Bob

How would I modify a post processor to send the milling table to a certain location when there is a tool change? The current tool change string looks something like this: N118 M5 N120 G91 G0 G28 Z0. M9 N122 G28 X0. Y0. A0. N124 M01 ( TOOL - 2 DIA. OFF. - 2 LEN. - 2 DIA. - .75 ) N126 T2 M6 N128 G0 G90 G54 X7.38 Y.075 S3500 M3 Line N122 sends the machine to the home position and I would like to modify that via the post. This is for a Haas VMC and I am not an expert (engineering student) so please go easy on me :-) Thanks, Bob

I ran accross a Yuasa spindle multiplier that has a CT-40 shank and a 7:1 ratio (1000 mill spindle rpm = 7000 tool rpm). Does anyone have any experience with things like this? Do these work well, or not so well? Thanks, Bob

Do you have a web address for them? Thanks, Bob

Okay, I just purchased my Haas Mini Mill and I will receive it in a few weeks. Thanks for the input! I plan to do a lot of prototype work and some short run production parts and I will be using soft jaws extensively. Does anyone know of a soft jaw that is available that can be quickly replaced but it will have very accurate repeatability? Are there any tips or tricks that can be done such as pinning them to the vise jaws etc...? I know this is the Mastercam forum. Is there a machining forum where I could post future questions like this so I will not be cluttering up this message board? Is so, I would really appreciate a link. Thanks, Bob

Is anyone familiar with the Romi D400? It looks promising. http://www.romiusa.com/d400.htm

How do the prices of the mentioned brands compare to the Haas or Fadal machines of comparable size?

I am ready to purchase a CNC mill and I would like some input from people with CNC experience. This will go in my garage and the two that I am considering are a Haas Mini Mill or a Fadal EMC. My concerns with the Haas are the Z range (10", or 4" to 14") and the spindle speed (6000 rpm). The Fadal has 14" of z travel, 7500 rpm spindle, and included high speed machining in the controller. I will primarily be machining small aluminum and copper pieces with occasional surface milling. If anyone has advice or input I would like to hear it. Thanks, Bob [ 10-14-2005, 11:58 PM: Message edited by: BWolcott ]

When using a circle mill operation with a slitting saw to cut internal o-ring grooves, does MasterCAM automatically account for the saw thickness if the upper limit is selected as 'top of stock' and the lower limit is 'depth of cut'? Thanks, Bob

I need to cut an internal o-ring groove and would like to find out how I specify the tool's (saw type) entry and exit point. I need the tool to enter and exit on the cylinder bore's axis to avoid breaking the tool and ruining the work piece. Thanks, Bob