Ron, Check your e-mail.

Sandybar, I set mine up in MPmaster as follows. code: ptlchg_com #Tool change common blocks pcom_moveb c_mmlt #Multiple tool subprogram call #ptoolcomment comment pcan if plane < 0, plane = 0 n, "G05 Q0", e # High Speed Machining Disable # if stagetool >= zero, pbld, n, *t, e n, *t, e n, "M06", ptoolcomm, e spaces=0 if output_z = yes, [ preadbuf5 if (opcode > 0 & opcode < 16) | opcode = 19, [ n, pspc, "(", "MAX | ", *max_depth, ")", e n, pspc, "(", "MIN | ", *min_depth, ")", e ] ] spaces=sav_spc # pstock pindex sav_absinc = absinc if wcstype > one, absinc = zero if not(index) & rot_on_x & lock_codes = 1, pbld, n, *sunlock, "(UNLOCK)", e if opcode=3 & nextdc=3, pcan1, pbld, n, *sgcode, *sgabsinc, pwcs, pfxout, pfyout, pfcout, pgear, strcantext, e else, pcan1, pbld, n, *sgcode, *sgabsinc, pwcs, pfxout, pfyout, pfcout, *speed, *spindle, pgear, strcantext, e if not(index) & rot_on_x & lock_codes = 1, pbld, n, *slock, "(LOCK)", e pbld, n, "G43", *tlngno, pfzout, e n, scoolant, e n, next_tool, e sav_coolant = coolant if coolant = 1, sm09 = sm09_0 if coolant = 2, sm09 = sm09_1 if coolant = 3, sm09 = sm09_2 absinc = sav_absinc pcom_movea if opcode <> 3, n, "G05 Q1",e # High Speed Machining Enable - Except Drills toolchng = zero c_msng #Single tool subprogram call last_op_id = op_id It always gets turned off at a toolchange but only gets turned on if it's not a drill cycle.

Replace the TA,1 at the start of the file with DNC.

Thanks for the help guys. Dean

I've got a new Okuma VMC on the way with a E100M control. I see 4 Okuma posts on my CD...MPOKUMA, MPOSP, MPOSP4, and MPOSP7. Does anyone know if one of these is suited for this control or am I better off starting with MPMASTER? Thanks, Dean

Gary, In your program the G98 is a "return to initial plane". If the top of your part is at "0" and your initial height is set to 2", but you only have 1" of clearance between your tool and the part at tool change position, the G98 will send it to the initial plane while it is still in the canned cycle. Once it comes out of canned cycle it sees the Z0 H0 and moves it back down 1" to the tool change position. The greater the difference between your initial height value and your actual tool clearance the more chance of an axis overtravel error. Hope that makes sense. Dean

Update your nci destination in the op manager.

I am in no way recommending going into a machine with a timed dwell on!!!!!! You asked what options were available for a Fadal with a 88HS control. All I said was that Fadal offers an ENDLESS dwell. If you look in your manual Fadal offers this as an option to a M0 or M1 command. When you code the P word at or above 66000, the control goes into a waiting state the same as if you did a M0. Nothing will happen until you press the start button. This just allows you a different set of options as far as the spindle and coolants remaining on.

Use a G4 P66000 (P=Dwell in milliseconds) 66000 will put the control in a endless dwell mode. Spindle and coolants will remain active. Press START or AUTO button to continue program execution.

Thank you sir. I'll check that out.

Is there a way to set a tool clearance plane that is in effect only during a tombstone index? I want to use my normal feed planes but still get tool clearance during indexes. TIA Dean V811 MPmaster post

Thanks for the help.

I'm working on a subprogram for a 4 axis tombstone part. I program my first part and translate using subprogram to complete the first face of my tombstone. All is cool!. But now, when I want to rotate the toolpaths of the first face to the other three faces using subprograms I have no option to select the first face of sub's - only the original parts individual operations. Bummer!! OK - try something else - program first part, rotate using subs to other three faces. Still cool!! Except now I can't translate the subs along each face to finish out all parts. Still bummed!! Am I missing something here? How can I program ONE part and do my translations and rotations using sub's to end up with minimal code and no hand edits? Level 3 Ver 8.1.1 [ 08-29-2001: Message edited by: Dean Lindblad ]

My apologies to the forum for my apparent lack of discretion in posting to this subject. This forum is extremely well mannered and informative and I do not wish to do anything to jeopardize its future or its content. I am not a basher of MC or its reseller group - quite the contrary. I have been a faithful and REGISTERED user for many years (I remember the DOS version running on a 6 MHz AT) and hope to continue to do so in the future. On the other hand, my response (however inappropriate) to a posed question was my opinion (read the fine print "your results may vary") and as with all opinions is subject to change as needed. As I understand it, this forum should be a place for exchanging ideas AND opinions. Even negative ones. No one is looking to turn this into a flaming war -least of all me. The worst thing that a negative (or positive) opinion should do is trigger a little scrutiny. The only ones that need worry are the ones that can't stand up to it. I read, with great interest, the thread on VMC's. Positive and negative opinions abound but that doesn't mean I regard them as gospel. It does mean that I will keep them in mind and when I buy that next machine I will scrutinize these manufacturers more closely. Then I will form my own opinion and act on it accordingly. We will all be the better for it. Thank you for your time, Dean

We have the same problems with our Fadals. Try using a cooking spray like Pam or something similar. It doesn't solve all the trouble, but it helps. Just spray the toolholder tapers after you have them in the toolchanger.