Was programming a tailstock part on our ST-10, I have only programmed for a tailstock once before; years ago. I am using 2023, btw. Define the tailstock in stock parameters, it is checked to be shown, and I can see it as I am in the parameters menu. But every time I leave that menu, it disappears. Both in my normal graphics window and in verify. I loaded up the old one, and it shows the tailstock. I even checked every parameter/option I could think of; all the same between the two programs. I'm about to safe/dry run the program regardless, but I would like to know what I'm missing in case this happens again. TIA

2-axis lathe. Yeah, I mean Im sure the generic could work. (and I am about to test that out right now) But, budget available, why would you not have one made for you? Like even the HAAS 4x post we have isn't set up how I want, outputting to degrees/min instead of unit/min. So why would my rep tell me to just use generic? (rhetorical)

I remember not having to adjust for that 0.050. Like we set up mastercam in a way that it automatically compensated for that. I even found a very detailed set-up sheet, step by step on how to run the ST-10. and there was no mention of changing/adjusting z-face measure. I could easily write a new program that avoids this hole thing. But my concern is that, if Im right and something isnt working right, then what else may not work right.

So, I wrote up a simple little program to refresh my memory on the ST-10's, now that I'm about to start running them again. I could not find the post for our ST's, I found the machine definition for our ST-10's though. So I reached out to our cad/cam dealer, explained the issue that it seems like I was simply missing our post file. They said: Just use generic definitions and posts.... I may only have 5 or 6 years in industry, but I have never used a generic post before. I had a boss write his own once, but we always have used "custom" or specific posts.... Regardless, I tried it and it didn't quite work. I wrote a quick simple lathe program, gave myself 0.050" Z-margin for the face pass. Told the pass to finish at Z=0.0 and all it did was cut air. I havent moved on to profiling as, obviously, something is off. Probed in my tools, touched off on the face, z-face measured, and it literally just barely kisses the part. I even found old programs from someone before me, same face pass parameters but they were using a specific machine definition. I have that definition still, but I dont have the, or cannot find, the post that went with it. Am I messing something up? Or is it the fact I'm using a generic post? TIA

It WORKED! Challenger Coin Engraving Thanks ya'll! I did the engraving tool path - first rough then finish, selected "clean corners" for my roughing, smooth corners, cut geo: at depth, with a 20 degree entry ramp, and a 10% stepover on a 0.040" diameter tapered ball mill. These are still test pieces so I will keep working. My first attempt I did a re-machine with a 0.020" tapered ball mill and it just left a rough finish on the proud features. I cant remember if I mentioned this or not, but this is for a program Im teaching called "Operation Next". Its a semester of online training, 7 weekends of shop time, and 4 NIMS certification test. It was started to help exiting military have a skilled job lined up after they get out; help transition into civilian life. Its just an Machine Operator certification, so loading parts and tools, and pushing buttons. But at least its a foot in the door at a machine shop and it counts towards credits if they want to come back and get their associates in machining later. Regardless, I know the importance of challenge coins in the military. So, near the end of the semester, they will each submit an image and it will have the college on one side and their custom image on the other. They will be award these with their certificate of completion. So, again cant thank yall enough for the help!

Not sure if it has a technical name, but I want to engrave a pocket around a logo. So instead of cutting out the logo, cutting out everything else leaving the logo proud in a pocket. I have done this before with a normal pocket toolpath, but it was a huge name plate. I was able to use a 3/8" end mill for roughing and re-machined with a 1/4" end mill to finish. But this project is tiny, they are 1.5"Ø challenge coins for a military charity thing; I picked up some 0.010" and 0.020" tapered ball-nose endmills for it. So before I start, I wanted to see if there is a specific toolpath for something like this, or if anyone had any suggestions on what toolpath would be best suited. I am using 2023 mastercam, and I dont want any vertical walls on the proud parts. Not sure if thats easier done in the geometry or if its possible to define in a toolpath paramter. TIA!