I'm interested. I did something similar a few months ago to get our Mcam tool library into an Access backend for the tool management system in our cell. It really beat typing in hundreds of tools. I used the detailed report file because I had no interest in putting the info back into Mastercam, and it was easier to read. The exported txt is the way to go though for sure.

look for "X MR2 SCT Threadmill Assortment.zip" on the ftp for profiles of Scientific Cutting Tools threadmills. I don't know who put it up, but it is great to have.

CNC Apps Guy (I think) put a zip file on the FTP of Scientific Cutting Tools thread mills it's called "X MR2 SCT Threadmill Assortment.zip" in the /MCX_MR2_or Earler_Files/ folder

quote: NOt gonna bury that 1" E/M in 55-60Rc are ya??? Not on purpose anyway. But I'm not ruling it out.

Also, ask your dealer about editing the accel/decel on the fly. We have a macro that is called with a 'G150 Q1', G150 Q2, etc. That basically adjusts some of the accel/decel parameters in the machine. It works with G08 too. It's not a subsitute for the higher level look ahead, but it may help you out.

Sorry I didn't actually answer your question above. The NH4000 is nice machine for sure. Had them since 2004. I can't really think of anything specific you need to look out for. Keep the washdowns aimed in the right places in the machine to keep the chips washed down... especially around the shutter door to the toolchanger. We added some "y" fittings to get a few more streams.

88Matt. What do you mean by fewer crashes? We have MAPPS (CRAPPS) on 4 machines and it has never caused a "crash" of any kind. Cumbersome at times, maybe. Crashes no way.

A few days ago I filled out a crash report not caring if I heard back or not, because it wasn't a big deal. I had an email the next morning asking for more info and a litte explaination of what was going on.

quote: that is just almost too tempting...naw don't do it. Nope can't do it...wouldn't be right... No but It'd be funny

I think if you put a minus in front of it you're good

quote: ah! thats o.k. storky. forget about it. Ya no apology necessary. But thanks.

I put a file on the ftp server /MCX2_Files/jerosu_ccomperror.mcx

Setting was wear and .001 is a correct (viable) amount. My point being it works perfectly on another computer and is something I've done hundreds of times. Just a curiosity question more than anything

Circle mill works like a champ Wonder what's up with the contour not working

I have a hole .066 diameter. Endmill is .060 diameter. I made a 2-d contour with the circle chained and lead in/out set to perpendicular .001 and 0 arc. I get "cutter compensation not sucessful" So I make a new file with nothing but a .066 circle and try it - same thing. Then I switch computers - it works fine. Come back to my 'puter thinking I must have screwed something up.... no dice. Any ideas? I even tried the generic machine/control defs that installed with Mastercam X2 SP1/Mill Level 3/ solids

Or a serrated "rougher"

Yes heating it should help before machining. I don't remember the temp off the top of my head but I think it's around 900 degrees. Let it soak to get to temp, then air cool.

It is best for the machine and the FTP server to have a static IP address. We just set the machine up like it was hard wired (set machines IP in the control parameters). Then instead of a wire, we plugged in the adapter. The adapter, bridge, converter, whateveryoucallit should not be assigning IP addresses to anything. It's been a year since I did this and didn't write it down But I don't think the adapter needs an IP address (sounds wierd I know)

Our machines have the Fanuc dataserver option, so we are not drip feeding. We just have to run an FTP server on the network and the machines just point to that folder where the programs are stored. I have the CAPS software, but have not looked at it since we don't have the need. I would highly suspect that your problem was due to the ethernet bridge you were using. Sometimes they just don't play nice. I'm using one of these It seems to be completly transparent no matter what I plug into it (PC, laptop, machine, etc.) The key is making sure it is configured properly. Set it up from your PC then try to use your PC on the network using the adapter. If it works you should be able to plug your machine into it and never even know it's there.

For sure go for the ethernet option!!!!!!!!! And for wireless you'll need an ethernet bridge. I use one from Buffalo and it works great on a Mori mill. I just configured it from my PC with the network key etc. then plugged the machine into it. Easy as that.

I feel used and dirty

quote: Posted by James Meyette: GD&T has so much division period. Only about 10% of the Inspectors in my experience even come close to having a reasonable handle on it. They are clueless when it comes to measuring True Position. +1 to that. People get really stuck on "plus or minus" in two directions. What is even better when they combine block tolerances with GD&T and get some hybrid nonsensical method. I really do wish that the "bonus tolerance" was given out on little tickets so I could save them all up and use them at once Applied to the block tolerance of course.

quote: also in the bounding box feature you can turn everything off except center point. +1 to beej. Just to clarify, if you are in 2d mode the point will be created at your z depth

If I'm understanding you correctly you want to click "Planes" in the bottom toolbar thingy. Then choose "Geometry" from the menu. Click the surface, then arrow through the views in the little box that pops up until XYZ is like you want it. When you click the green arrow it pops up a box where you can name the view, set your WCS to it, etc

I think now SFM is only limited to your max RPM if you have the proper tools. The cut you refer to would sound reasonable to me depending on the rigidity of all the components and if you had enough torque and didn't try too much overlap.