And, this is just one more thing I can eliminate from having to manually edit. Rottn

You can do an N search in Auto with write protect on(fanuc). This is really for the operators--the ones I don't want messing with the program. Rottn

I know this should be an easy one, but I still can't figure it out. I have modified an mpfan post so that only my tool callouts have N numbers--helps w/searches. Now I would like to modify my post so that the N number equals the Tool number. Can this be done? Rottn

Yeah, I tried every which way, but hope springs eternal--although now it is dashed on the rocks of reality. Oh well, back to solids. Thanks, Rottn. p.s. DAMN YANKEES ---(HAPLESS REDSOX )

Is there a way to edit Surface Variable Radius Fillet parameters after the surface fillet is created (after Do It)? Thanks in advance, Rottn

Mostly I just want the letter height to be the same, but it would be nice if everything else was too.

Is there some way to setup drafting globals so that when I am attaching baseline dims, the dimensions have the same attributes as the first dimension (base dim)? Along those same lines, why can't I drag a baseline dim the same way that I can drag any other dim that I snap--It's kind of a pain in the A__ to have to go back and re-align dims in a baseline so they fit the way I want. Thanks in advance for the help.

Solid Works Rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ditto on the Carbon-only machines--saves much hassle and cleaning time. A good vacuum system is an absolute must--I used a 5-gallon shop vac and made a custom large mouth intake plenum rather cheaply with some parts from Home Depot--works great. I also use a low pressure air stream directed across the electrode being machined into the vacuum suction--this helps with tool wear as it will keep the graphite from building up in pockets around the electrode. Sometimes if I have problems with chipping(sharp features) I will brush a little dialectric on the electrode, and this too can help. Coolant--NO WAY--It just makes a disgusting mess. The worst coolant stench I've dealt with is graphite contaminated YUCK!!! Although I have seen some graphite coolant systems, it just doesn't seem worth the trouble. Graphite mfg is a whole different ball of, well, carbon. Les

And now I can say I've learned something new today (I try to do that at least once a day). Thanks TriTech--great tip!!!! Les

I'm used to getting small busted taps out of large mold bases(too large to fit in a hole popper)--similar to iowajim62 but with a slight variation. I use a two flute carbide ball mill (a used one works fine) the same size as the tap drill diameter cutting on the hole location with plenty of air to blow out the chips. The vast majority of the time this completely cuts out the center of the tap and the tap threads fall out (sometimes with a little persuasion) I've done this to #6-32 taps, so I know it works well. Les.

P. S. a custom stock definition would be real nice--especially when it comes to working with castings! Les

How about an intercranial usb interface so MC can know what I am thinking and behave accordingly? Les

Claus--great info. Where, if possible, could I find more of this stuff (comm wiring diagrams)? Les

Cadcam--boddaboom boddabing you say da right ting! An "Omit -y/n" would be perfect! Les

Cadcam--given the choice I would rather have line numbers in the program, however often I need to get the file size down, and it's the only way to do this without changing stepovers, cut tolerances, etc. Maybe I should have two different posts, but it is nice to only work with one that runs all my machines. Les

1. James: quote: You can accomplish this in the toolpath editor. This is true, however editing involves time and the opportunity for errors/mistakes/f...ups---besides, there already is a pocket finish dialog box, so how hard would it be to add Finish Feed Rate? 2. While we're on the subject of extra things I don't want to have to do that take up extra time that can easily be added/changed?---Frequently I have to go into an nc file to remove line numbers so as to be able to fit a program into a machine control (it's old but it still runs great). So, howsabout being able to post without line numbers from the post dialog box (don't want to mess with my post)? Les.

I've found that a couple of hefty rottweillers keeps the callers reeeeeeal polite and very well behaved! Les

Howsabout a seperate pocket finish feed rate? Les

Live and Learn. Les.

In operations manager: Select All-right click operation group-options-toolpath display-off; or Hotkey: select all operations, then Alt T Hope this helps. Les

On the same general subject--every time I get an operation from my op library, my work offset number in t/c plane changes back to -1. Not a BIG deal, however it's just one more thing I would like not to have to do everytime I import an operation (quite often). Les.

I took Beg M.C. at Costa Mesa NTMA Fall of 2000--it was one of their first classes and they didn't have a very good curriculum--instructor was a salesman and knew all the bells and whistles but wasn't so good at showing MC for what is was made for--making parts! Also, NTMA required mandatory 5-9:30 PM twice a week,16 weeks, punching a clock(very strict about this). While I did learn a lot, I found that my time was better spent at Santa Ana College, where I get college credit for my time. They also have a good range of courses, and a good selection of class times. I'm in the summer session right now. Also, for Fall 2002 we will have all new 2gig p4 computers, flat screen monitors, and v9 for your learning enjoyment. Great instructor--Randy Dunn. Also--we will actually cut parts on two new Fadals and a new HAAS in the advanced class. There are also MC classes at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. I have'nt seen their programming lab, but their department is in a brand new state of the art facility. Fall Class schedules are already out, so you can check on the Internet to see if it is convenient. Also--at $11.00 a unit ($33.00 for a 3 unit class), you would be remiss not to consider this option. Les

Toolpaths--Operations--T/C plane checked Tool Plane/ Construction Plane--Tool plane checked Work offset checked -1 = tplane is off--defaults to G54 0 = tplane is on G54 + 0 = G54 1 = " " " " + 1 = G55 2 = " " " " + 2 = G56 3 = " " " " + 3 = G57 4 = " " " " + 4 = G58 5 = " " " " + 5 = G59 6 = " " " " + 6 = G54P1 7 = " " " " + 7 = G54P2 ...= " " " " + . = G54P... I have my post customized to output the "P" offsets, so your post may not output the same. The only thing I can't figure out is how to force the tool to a new clearance plane between offsets (I want my tools to rapid up +2.00 before moving over to the next wfo). Hope this helps. Les.

Does this method work with setting any other system defaults? This could solve a lot of problems for me. Les.