quote: I have also run into drawings that were wrong when they only changed the dimensions and not the drawing.I feel your pain. That used to be a problem here but haven't had one for a few years now. :knock on wood: The AutoCad files I used to get where the worst. A lot of the engineers and some of the designers thought a model was just something to draw the lines on the page so the could dimension. It took upper management making it policy and holding people accountable to finally change the culture. It took awhile, but we finally got everyone on board. quote: I know when to stop pushing just to get my way. It's not worth it. It's not about "getting your way". It's about improving the way your company does business. Don't tell them it needs to change for your sake. SHOW them they need to change for their own sake. I am dealing with something similar trying to update our tooling (some of which is left over from WWII). No one would listen when I was just telling them how it would be good. But when I should them a 50k savings, better tool, and shorter cycle time, and longer tool life on just ONE tool. All of a sudden, people are starting to listen and getting the ball rolling.

Good job Greg. Impressive.

I agree with Josh and use it often. It is also great for eliminating air passes on large parts when roughing using the highspeed toolpaths as well.

Thanks for the correction again. I'm lucky to spell my name right know with all the allergy meds I am taking.

These holders are a thing of beauty. rego-fix

quote: C60U? Don't you mean C600U. The C60U has not yet been released.Sorry, I stand corrected. We have C400U's down in production and we have C40u's here in the TR. We were given a quote for a c60u when we sent out for bids to replace a vmc w/ 4 axis. I can't say what the quote was, so don't ask. (see previous post)

Stainless Steels vary widely. Depending on how "sticky" it is a major factor on air or coolantf.

.0005 tol is well within a Hermle's capabilities. We have 2 c60u's in the toolroom and number of c40u's in production. Excellent machine, but you definitely pay to get it.

.0005 tol is well within a Hermle's capabilities. We have 2 c60u's in the toolroom and number of c40u's in production. Excellent machine, but you definitely pay to get it.

Think Mori......then double it. All kidding aside, it is the cats meow for 5 axis machining with tight tols.

I think he might also be asking what gramming classes/experience would be good to have as a base. I pretty much do all the post mods here (with gracious help from the experts here). I know I would like to go the next step and write my on code for specific tasks. What gramming classes do you guys recommend? I have written some basic macros for lathe, but that's been a while. Thx

Show them the price of a Hermle and they will be so stunned that they will gladly write the check for another good mill.

We use custom dnc software on fiberoptic to each machine. We use diskless workstations that run on glass as well. Very fast.

Hey guys and gals, Looking to order some boring heads for a vmc cat 50. Need tenth tolerance down to Ø.1250 holes and up. Thanks for your input.

The material is already decided on. I am needing to order some endmills to it at the R48 level with a 8k spindle. Any recommendations?

They decided to go with 13-8ph @ R48. Engineer wants me to go with carboloy, kennametal, or robbjack; but will look at any cutter. needing both an inserted em to rough and solid em's to finish. smallest em will be a .032Ø. Problem is still not enough rpm with what I have seen (8k). Any more suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

A2 is no good, to brittle. We might try D2. It is used on a clicker press and the knife edge doesn't hold up. I should hear if I can get the VascoMax today. If so that is what they want to go with. quote: 8000 rpm is not near enough speed for a .03 toolI was afraid of that. Any other suggestions would be welcome. Thanks

Got a steel rule die to make with a knife edge along the contour. I would like to hardmill the outside angle and then wire the inside. I need a material around 48-52c preferably. The smallest endmill I'll use is a .030in ball. This will be cut on a VMC 50 taper with 8k spindle. I need some opinions and recommendations on materials and tools. We are looking at something like 13-8PH or VascoMax C-250. I am really liking the VascoMax but it is hard to come by I am being told by my estimator. Thanks

I have to agree with TheePres & Chris, Go with the manufacturers specs and run it. With the quantity you have don't spend much time on optimizing it. Turn the thread and mill the rest. I would make a lock nut for it though.

MUCH much smoother toolpath. It has a lot smoother motion as well. We ran some tests between point-to-point (x.987 y1.234 z1.234 a123...) and vecor (l1.234 n2.258...) and got better result with the vector. we are running on Hermles w/ the Hiedenhien control. We have a 'yoda with fanuc but haven't look into its capability yet. The vector toolpath i believe basically uses the surf normal and inverse time and the control calcs the rest. I'm sure someone on here knows a lot more about it then i do. we just started using it this year.

I take it u r running point to point. Does your control support vector toolpaths? If so I would highly recommend it for what u r wanting.

Thx Jim. Works perfect.

quote: Maybe testing one app at a time, prior to installing the next app could reduce possible headaches.I have found this to be a must. Make sure and reboot between installs and test before moving to the next. This adds alittle time but can save hours (or days) if you install all at once and then have problems.

Thx Jim. That makes perfect sense. It has just been a couple of years since I have really had to do any post mods besides the basics. Thanks again

It is nowhere else. what is the best way to get the current xabs position to post out with an "R" instead of an "X"? thanks