No presetter here either. Come on, there has to be someone here that knows this controller.

No, mostly just 1 offs.

I am wondering if there is an easier way of setting work and tool length offsets on the lower end Fanuc OM controllers. I have no Calculate, or Measure features. The only way I can get it to work is to zero out the registers, then check machine position screen and enter those numbers into the offset registers. This is a pain in the neck, and I am sure there must be an easier way. I have had Hardinge service people hare and they are no help. Thanks in advance.

you know guys, here's the kicker. Why is it that the tool change macro still works?

O.K., here is my problem. I have little memory in my controler (Fanuc Professional A) so we use a card for the main program, and use memory to call up the program (M198 p????). I am trying to figure out how I can start the program at certain tool changes. I put a N1 at tool #1, N2 at tool #2, etc, and trying to pass a variable from the memory to the card as to start at certain places in the program. I get an error that I cant use macro in DNC??? Any suggestions??? [ 02-19-2008, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Larry1958 ]

O.K., that brings me to another question. I have set up my screen configuration to display WCS. I have always done programming at B0 on top WCS. When I change it to right (B90) and create toolpaths my WCS seems to display the X axis going in the direction the Y axis should be, but the viewports show correct. Is this just me????

I understand Crazy, and Tim. I just really want it for a visual aid. I just want is to display on the screen like a horizontal.

O.K., this is probably a stupid question but I am going to ask anyway. If there are any SmartCam users here then you will be able to relate. In SmartCam there was a Macro that would set up your screen to emulate Horizontal views. I can't seem to find it anywhere in MasterCam. It always looks as if it is set to vertical. It would be nice if front view were Top, and top view as if you were looking down on top of the tombstone. Also viewing as looking in a Horizontal Machining center. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Thanks Del, I have been do ing it that way in the past, but I was hoping I could load a macro, and let the machinist do it at the machine.

Hey, Does anyone have an engraving macro for a Proto Trak MX2 they would like to share? Thanks in Advance.

I thought there was a parameter setting in the HAAS controller for setting rapid move from tool change position to move xy 1st, then z. Do any of the experts know where this is. I looked down the list and can't find it. Thanks in advance.

I am taking a .010 finish cut w/.05 overlap.

o.k., I tried it and it seems to just be leaving the same mark only at the new end point. I think I am having some backlash issues with the machine, or the part is moving a little while machining. I am machining Black Delrin using double sided tape. I trammed the part after machining and only reads .001 T.I.R. on the bore, but the mark is very noticable.

Thanks. Would you want to do this as a default setting then or are there any negatives?

Hey, I just noticed the overlap feature on lead in lead out. I was told by one of the guys on the floor to use overlap on circle contouring to reduce the tool marking on start and finish of contours. I have never had to do this before. I have always use a tangent approach with a smaller arc to do this, but there is almost always some kind of dwell mark at the start, and end point. I used the overlap at .1 but still have a mark, although it is less noticeable. Call me stupid, but why would you use this feature anyway? It seems to me that it would just create another mark where the overlap would end with the new setting.

Sounds like you need a new job LOL>

Thanks, Shazam.

Does anyone know the M code to clamp, and unclamp for Fadal VH65 rotary axis????

When I 1st took lessons on MasterCam X there was a Chook file that the instructor used to create drilled toolpaths on holes in a solid. I cant seem to find the info on this anywhere. It would select the tools, speed and feeds on all the holes in the solid. It was not perfect but really was a good starting point. Does anyone here know where I can find this chook? Thanks in advance.

Actually, I just found the MR2 version for X+setupsheet. I tried the chook files themself and they work but I can not get the toolbar to work. They do not show up when I go to customize, and I tried to run the VB file for the toolbar and is gives me errors.

I am not sure how to. I did try to run the chook and it says "Incompatible C-hooks internal version number. Recompile and relink the chook:" I am not sure how to do this.

Hey Guys, I have just Downloaded the X2MR1 off the web site. I have lost the ability to run my chook for X+ setupsheet. Is there a compatible version out there? Thanks in advance.

I have a part that has a callout as follows ROUGHNESS 500MIN LAY SYMBOL X WAVINESS HT. .010 This callout is on a flat surface. I am going to create a ruled surface and create a finish surface parallel toolpath with a .125 ball e'mill, at .01 deep, with a cusp height of .010. I will use parallel with one angle at 45, then another at 135. This creates a diamond pattern on the surface. Is this the right approach? This is the first time I have seen a surface finish with this callout. Thanks in advance. [ 05-23-2007, 08:49 AM: Message edited by: Larry1958 ]

Thanks John, I usually use a 2:1 method to figure the size tool to mill with. If I am side milling a 1.0" thick part I will not use less than a .500" end mill. This usually gives pretty good results as far as taper goes. If I need to have minimal taper I will take a spring cut, use carbide, or face mill the surface on a horizontal. Thanks John.

I have been asked to change my programming methods from one of the machinist on the floor(imagine that). Anyway I have an Machinist on the floor that is insiting I change the way I program so that when rough milling to use the climb cutting approach, and finish using conventional. His reasoning is that this removes taper on the walls better. I have always programmed the CNC mills using climb milling mainly to obtain better tool life and get better finishes. I only conventional mill flame cut edges, or heat treated surfaces. I know on knee type manual mills it is prefered to conventional mill due to the flimsy ball screws but I have never heard that would be preferred on CNC mills. I would welcome any replies to this subject to see if this change should be made. Thanks in advance.