I see. I thought there was something I wasn't understanding because I knew there was no way you did not know how to do that. Sorry Chris for getting so far off your original topic.

We link ours up and when we create a new part file it stays linked. First toolpath--hit select tool and it will pull from that machines tool library. Sorry Double post

We link ours up and when we create a new part file it stays linked. First toolpath--hit select tool and it will pull from that machines tool library.

If I am understanding correctly what you want to do--can't you just link that machine def to the tool library for that machine right under that check box so everytime you load that machine def it loads the tool library for that machine. I see it is now linked to rich.toodb--link this to haas.tooldb or whatever.

70+ CNC machines, multiple shifts, and shortage of machinists I don't see that changing for us anytime soon.

Trying to lock out programming on the floor by pulling the panel/edit key off of our new Mori Seiki Verticals with MAPPS IV controller. We are full of programs in the front memory (400)and currently have a programmer or setup person unlocking machine to download a program. Does anyone know of a way to download a program without having the panel/edit key? We tried using the user memory area, but while we can punch to it without the key we can not read from it. Drip feeding from the user memory won't work because you can not skip around in the program such as skipping or rerunning a tool. I would be interested in hearing how other companies keep the operators from writing/editing programs on the floor. Thanks

I am also having problems adding tools in lathe, mill seems to work okay for me.

Do I assume that is a favorable opinion?

Oops, Should of posted this in the machining forum.

Does anyone have any opinions on MAG horizontal machining centers? We are looking at possibly buying a new large horizontal(over 1000mm pallet) and need some guidance for this large of a machine. Thanks.

We have several NL3000Y--I prefer the 1250 beds over the 700 ones.

We use Sandvik 210 and Sumitomo Slash mills. The tool life is way better with the Sandvik, but they seem to put a little more pressure on the part. Some application were we switched to the Sandvik picked up vibration.

We have an NL3000Y/1250 and it is Capto as is all of our lathes. We are looking at capto live tooling now.

Thanks for all the replies; it is interesting to see how other companies run things. What works well, and what doesn't.

Now that is funny. Right now we have 7 plants one right next to the other with a machine shop in each plant. The programmer(s) for each plant are under the respective machine shop manager who may or may not have any understanding of what CNC programming involves. Also, each plant tends to run things different, different programming methods, different tooling, etc. Those of you with programming managers: do they program or have any CNC programming background?