If you are dealing with leftovers in the blank database from manipulating solids then save some, only solids. This effectivly outputs the solid(s) and necessary defining entities blanked or visible. I do this before starting toolpaths and blank all defining entities, creating new toolpath geometry from the solid. This keeps me from mucking my solid by accident. CB

Having never seen a pull stud come loose (exception partially screwed in by hand and taper failed to register in spindle) Having seen many problems from overtightining, collets, studs, clamps, vises etc except during tool change the bellvile washers maintain force. Locktite unnessary. A decent snug works great and prevents problems later down the road

Just what kind of surfacing is this guy referring to. Mastercam has had bullet proof miultisurf since V8. Gantry drilling 5 axis spar holes aint no trick in MC. Loft and other reference data keeps well in the blank database. Perhaps he finds the learning curve daunting or is pining for the purity of APT code. Would he be so kind as to post an example of a part that would be more efficiently processed on another CAM system by the avalable pool of experienced skilled programers familar with that CAM package. Yes full time 5 axis kellering can produce an optimal cutter path for spar milling. But at the end of the day a less efficient but avalable and practical set of tools got the job done. Charlie Mirror x and Mirror y = 180 deg rotation

I have seen consistant results when machining super-alloys, high nickle, nastalloy, high temp alloys using the following guidelines. Positive rake, sharp tool, SFPM at lower limit, and a combination of (if not prohibited by customer)high lubricity cutting oil, with sulfer and chorine. We use MolyDee (300 ksi film strength) when possible These alloys are generally abrasive, ductile yet work hardening. A larger chip load at lower rpm with an extreme pressure lubricant greatly reduces cutter wear. Try to climb cut. Light cuts at higher SFPM with a water based coolant while applicable in some cases, probably allows the cutter to rub and dull as water based coolants do not have sufficient film strength or chemical additives to reduce friction and wear. Oil and chemicals really help below 200 sfpm. If you loose a tool and work harden the part do not try to recut it unless absolutly necessary.

Davidgil I dont know if this will be of any use but the manual for 2000g control can be downloaded free of charge from yaskawa web site. They actually (believe it or not) will provide technical support over the phone. Worst case e-bay a tape punch. YASNAC SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY YASKAWA In USA or South America: Our full Technical Support Staff and Call Center are available by phone at 800-927-5292, menu option 4 or by email, weekdays, 7am to 7pm (CST). In Canada: Contact Yaskawa Motoman Canada by phone at 800-854-4124 or by email, weekdays, 8am to 6pm (EST). In Mexico: Contact Pillar Mexicana by phone at 52-55-5660-5553 or by email, weekdays, 9am to 6pm (CST). After-Hours Emergency Service: Available by phone at 800-927-5292, menu option 4. While this thing is older than dirt it is closed loop, follows orders and has real time diagnostic output. While I still curse the day I offered to help my freind with his, if you manage to get it going I can e-mail you an operational procedure for a Mori Seiki SL-2. [email protected] Best of luck C.B. Mitsubishi still has the manual for download for the old DC spindle drives

Way cool The backplot is awesome, forward, backstep, rotate, zoom, translucent tool holder. Way to go. Charlie Gave up on IDIOT PROOF, the best I hope for is MORON RESISTANT

Department of redundancy Department Watch out for for filter settings. I may be wrong but in my opinion V9 filter creates arcs in yz or xz and fails to let MC know about the arc axis change Without knowing this g18 or g19 change was sent by the filter your next arc may have a deeper meaning than you intended. Most of us disable xz and yz arcs in the filter to avoid suprise deductions on payday. C.B. Got 2 paychecks Friday, an extended road trip and some time off. Toolbox was in back of my truck. Boss said he was going to get a new one. Lucky me. Finally the respect I deserve.

What is the best way to define a core drill(insert drill) can i make the output have the drill dia. this will force the surface speed? Insert drills present a unique problem as there are two non symetrical tips and a complex form at the bottom of the hole if not drilled through. For a practical workaround draw a line from deepest Z point (use c/l drill) to shallowest Z point (use o/d drill). I know that this is not technically correct (there is a xxxx in the center from a insert drill) however the resultant form pretty well shows the remaining stock. Core drills are another issue. With a pre existing hole as in pre drill or castings these deep DOC inexpensive reamers remove stock quickly and efficiently with a minimum tendancy to follow perhaps off center holes. Try the drill point calculator. Enter od, taper angle (usually 45 deg) and face (tip) diameter, select add to depth for good results. If you want to core out existing holes at max efficiency e-mail me [email protected] and I will send you .MC9 file of my insert core drill that has balanced, symetrical pockets, using low cost trigon inserts, that makes short work of balanced boring a start hole at lowest posible cost. Charlie These guys keep laughing at me at the auto parts store. Had to draw them a picture. I used to have a round thing that had 710 on a pipe on my valve cover. They turned the picture around 180 deg, and keep laughing at me. Rude to say the least.

Just for grins With good common grounding (no ground loop) on a bet, I got 200 feet, 9600 baud (.01 delay) with 2 wire speaker cable. NOT RECOMMENDED For short runs in a EMF clean environment (no arc or spot welding or electrical switching equipment)at lower baud rates 99 cent store phone cable works fine. But with modern CNC and high density code, for reliable high speed communication fully sheilded, no ground loop high quality cable connection is the minimum. Signal boosters may help on longer runs, however the old computer next to the machine suggestion, networked is 100% and essentially free as even kids wont touch old processors. Quit drinking: easy done it thousands of times C.B.

Solid tips A: I am not the sharpest tool in the shed B: Solids rock for geometry construction I make solids , then blank the geometry to keep from messing up the solid later by modifying the geometry. C: You can get the geometry back from your solid lines arcs etc (not weirdo splines like from surfs)whenever you want with create edge curves. D: You can get the surface model easily from the solid with create surfs from solid (faces N solids Y) E: Machining multisurf is 100% correct from surfs. ( been around for years and never violates boundaries when machining all surfs) However from time to time (for me) machining the same multisurf toolpath from solids an important face may dissapear necessitating time consuming and face losing explanations to people who do not want to hear it. (probably my own lack of understanding). F: Each transformation of the solid model creates duplicate entities in the blank database. (Mondo Confuso) To clean up your model (in the solid modeling stage, before toolpaths) Save Some - All Solids. Then File Get this will bring in a clean model with all defining chains in the blank database and a solid that will regenerate. G: To get a chain from a solid (that has a history) that has been filleted (messing up the sharp corners) try solids manager- select. Then click the offending fillet and either supress or delete. Regen gives the sharp corner model and create all edges - solids - faces-y solids-n on the selected face givs a perfect pocket, contour etc at correct 3d space position. In closing, a solid model with history and the defining geometry stashed in the blank database (cleaned of duplicates)will generate reliably any toolpath geometry you wish without biting you in the rear by not regenerating. All the geometry you get back from the solid by create curve or create surface can be manipulated freely without adversly effecting the defining (blanked)chains. Thanks for your patience: the verbose one Charlie

I keep geting tuned up by the simple stuff in the interface that I missed for years like rotate and type A for angle, brings up 2 line option etc. Transform, translate between views, so simple to take a 2d model into 3d wireframe in a few steps. GView rotate makes the most confusing blueprint projection easy. I learned the cereal bowl method for understanding blueprint projections. Put a cube in the bottom of your soup bowl, for the view to the right move the cube to the right side in the bowl (it rotates x plus up 90 deg). G View Rotate gives you perfect projections by then calling c-plane = gview. If you have ever had problems with top/front/side not jiving with your print views give it a try. After years the interface still amazes and humbles me with its simplicity. Henny Youngman rocks Chas

I don't know if it will be any help but I butchered some of Micks and Bulliness VBS code to come up with Lholes.vbs. It places 360 or -360 deg arcs on a named by diameter level and in a named group. Subtracts them from the display list by turning that level off and outputs a level list. For toolpaths select entities - group pick the listed group. Then import operations from library and all toolpaths will use group geometry for cutterpath. Just check feeds, speeds and depths Works great for Drilling, circle mill, pocket etc It is in a recent post and I would be happy to e-mail with libraries if helpfull. C.B.

When forced to work with a funky video system the display list or whatever usually updates and shows arrows after a regen/redraw aka f-3 On the same note assign Alt-f3 to screen clear colors AKA loose the purple, it is a natural extension of redraw Charter Member WTMFC - way to much fun club

Best on the net (DUH ?) e-mail comes a close second Charlie

Lucky dog Woof

oops Forgot to include this problamatic script Public Const DEF_ALL_LEVELS = 255 ' -- Start Script Call LvAllOn() ' //////////////////// ' Sub Declaration ' //////////////////// Sub LvAllOn() Dim intCurrentLevel, strCurrentLevelName() ' -- Iterate all levels For intCurrentLevel = 1 To 255 Call SetLevelVisibleByNumber(intCurrentLevel, 1) Next End Sub Thanks again guys

Mr Mick and Mr Bulliness Many thanks guys for all the help and advice you have allready offered to this novice VBScripter. If you have any insights that could help steer me in a more productive direction they would be greatly appreaciated I would like to modify this script to run automatically. Parsing through the database, gleaning each subisquent 360. or -360. deg arc automatically. And at the end of the search turn all levels back on. My first big mess is that when I turn all levels on the screen blinks on and off 256 times. Is there a better way to set all levels on without a screen regen for each level/ Second do you see a simple way to search the database selecting the next succesive diameter? Thanks for all the help you have given me despite the fact you have more profitable endeavors to persue. Charlie. ' ' SEARCH ARCS BY DIAMETER ' CBLYTHE3D ' Modified mcMick code ' ' This little puppy makes short work of sorting holes to layers ' by diameter. I would have liked to automatically set succesive ' level numbers and use the diameter as the name. ' ' While it works fine the coding is a really sloppy mess ' but meets the imediate need Any help would be appreciated ' ' '///////////////// My Constants ///////////////// Const DEF_CURRENT_ENTITY = -1 Const DEF_NEW_GROUP = " Arcs" Public Const DEF_NOTEPAD = "C:WindowsNotepad.exe" Public Const DEF_NOTEPAD_NT = "C:WINNTNotepad.exe" Public Const DEF_LIST = "mcLevelList.txt" Public Const DEF_ALL_LEVELS = 24 ' -- Start Script 'Call Main Call SearchArcsByDiameter Call LevList() ' //////////////////// ' Sub Declaration ' //////////////////// Sub SearchArcsByDiameter() Dim CArc, CNewArc Dim bRet, intCounter Dim cRet Dim dblExistingArcs Dim newLevel Dim intPoints Dim CPoint Dim objSelectedArc Call askLevel(newLevel) cRet=1 Do While cRet=1 Select Case askYesNoCancel("Shall We Procede?") Case mcMSG_CANCEL ' -- Bail... Exit Sub Case mcMSG_NO Exit Sub Case mcMSG_YES ' -- Procede End Select newLevel = (newLevel + 1) If AskForEntity ("Select arc diameter", 7) Then Set objSelectedArc = New McAr ' -- Get the properties of the selected arc bRet = GetArcData(DEF_CURRENT_ENTITY, objSelectedArc) dblExistingArcs = (objSelectedArc.r *2) ' -- Prompt for new dia If dblExistingArcs = 0 Then Exit Sub End If If SetLevelVisibleByNumber(newLevel, False) Then End If ' -- Initialize counter intCounter = 0 bRet = StartDBSearch(mc_alive, mc_arctype) ' -- Begin loop through database Do While bRet Set CArc = New McAr ' -- Get this entity If GetArcData(DEF_CURRENT_ENTITY,CArc) Then ' -- Test If Round((CArc.R * 2),3 ) = Round( dblExistingArcs, 3 ) Then If CArc.SW = 360 Or cArc.sw = -360 Then SetEntityLevel(newLevel) SetEntityColor(newLevel) If SetLevelName(newlevel,Round(dblExistingArcs, 3))Then Else ' -- Keep a running total intCounter = intCounter + 1 ' -- Get this arc properties If GetArcData(GetEntityEptr, CArc) Then Set CPoint = New McPt ' -- Assign this arcs location for the new point With CPoint .X = CArc.X .Y = CArc.Y .Z = CArc.Z End With ' -- Create the point If CreatePoint(CPoint,7, newLevel) = mcENTITY_INVALID Then ' -- Failed to create point.... Else ' -- Keeping score AddCurrentEntToGroup(Round(dblExistingArcs, 3)) intPoints = intPoints + 1 End If End If End If End If Else End If End If bRet = NextDBSearch Loop If intCounter = 0 Then ShowString "No matching arcs found" Else ShowString intCounter & " " & dblExistingArcs & " arcs processed" End If End If Loop End Sub '///////////////// My Constants ///////////////// ' -- Start Script ' //////////////////// ' Sub Declaration ' //////////////////// Sub LevList() Dim intCurrentLevel, strCurrentLevelName() Dim FSO, fsoLevelsList, intCount, strTemp, strShell intCount = -1 ' -- Iterate all levels For intCurrentLevel = 1 To DEF_ALL_LEVELS strTemp = Trim(GetLevelName(intCurrentLevel)) ' -- Is this level named? If Len(strTemp) <> 0 Then ' -- Resize our array intCount = intCount + 1 ReDim Preserve strCurrentLevelName(intCount) ' -- Assign level name and nunber strCurrentLevelName(intCount) = "Level #" & intCurrentLevel & " = " & strTemp End If Next ' -- Test If intCount = -1 Then ' -- No named levels found ShowString "No named levels found in current drawing" Else Set FSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") Set fsoLevelsList = FSO.CreateTextFile(GetPathOfThisScript & DEF_LIST) For intCurrentLevel = 0 To intCount fsoLevelsList.WriteLine strCurrentLevelName(intCurrentLevel) Next fsoLevelsList.Close ' -- Where is Notepad? If FSO.FileExists(DEF_NOTEPAD) Then strShell = DEF_NOTEPAD ElseIf FSO.FileExists(DEF_NOTEPAD_NT) > 0 Then strShell = DEF_NOTEPAD_NT Else strShell = vbNullString End If ' -- Are we ok? If Len(strShell) = 0 Then 'EditFile GetPathOfThisScript & "mcLevelList.txt" ' -- Stays modal to mc Else ' -- Ok, show the file strShell = strShell & " " & GetPathOfThisScript & DEF_LIST Call ShellAndWait (strShell, False) End If ' -- Clean up Erase strCurrentLevelName End If ' -- Clean up Set FSO = Nothing Set fsoLevelsList = Nothing End Sub

Caution: The Renishaw probe VQC (visual quick code) uses tool lengths (plus value)balanced by large g54,g55 etc minus Z values. While it works quite well it is not compatible with the native Z minus offsets entered by the Tool Offset Measure button. Haas has included for many years G codes for probing that are straight forward and easy to use. With a minimum effort by using the Haas G codes and macros you can configure the results you desire that are mutually compatable. Charles

2 possiblly usefull absolute depth approaches 1: in operation defaults set safe absolute depth limits (I use z-1.0) to prevent unintended z moves 2: When machining deep cavities using long carbide shank mills you can extend cutter and depths step at a time for efficient cutting at shallow depths with a short cutter, and practical parameters at greater extensions. Charles

Any ideas on a practical approach to having preset tool assignments for 11 and up while leaving 1-10 open for sequential assignment. The best I came up with was a full string of tools assigned by number with 1-10 replaced as needed. Many thanks Charlie Spindle CW takes it off. then CCW must put it back on?

If you drill your table your grid will be a mess t slots interfering at odd spacing with the grid. Making a sub plate with 1/2-13 holes thru at absolute machine position positions and .501 bores 1/4 deep for each hole provides best of both worlds. While the hardened bushings are first class the bored locating holes will suffice to accuratly locate work for years. I use a 2 inch grid for 1/2-13 and plug the holes with plastic caps eliminating cleaning problems. Charlie Added bonus if you sell the machine

A lot depends on your machine and setup. A ball bar test at more than one point on your table will tell you about your machine accuracy. On the cheap, mill a boss or hole on a test piece then spin it with a .0001 test indicator in spindle at a few table locations. The roughing/finishing method takes advantage of end cutting insert mills taking a finish cut on the way back up. The milling equivalent of a lathe spring cut dragging the tool backwards and making use of the unused side of the cutter. If you have more than one or many bore diameters it becomes an essential component in tool management, reducing tool count and simplifies operator inspection as the tightest diametrical tolerance controls the other holes. Take note of the fact that actual feed rate is not the feedrate you program. Actual feedrate is tangental. If you use a 1 inch tool to bore a 1.062 hole the outside of the tool will travel aprox 3 inches(1.062*3.14). While back at the ranch the center of the tool is only moving .190 thousandths. In addition the insert will rub more than cut with no space for chips. I try to use a tool not larger than 1/2 bore diameter and almost never more than 75% bore dia. External loc/Internal loc = feedrate division/multiplication factor 3" /.2" = 15 that is a feedrate at center of this cutter of 1 IPM is actually 15 IPM tangentally At 1/2 bore dia the feedrate multiplier is an even 2. With a small DOC radially, large Z pitch values act like a wiper insert making for fast reliable smooth finish. Charles AKA Luke Otta Vindoo (new deli weatherman)

For a few years you could make major money with 5c rotary hole drilling of turned parts on acrolocs. They went the way of the Yugo. (had rear window defroster to keep your hands warm when pushing it) The final curtan call was the innovative sales program that included a big screen TV and presumably the company of one of the female models that lined the lavish Westec booth for the person placing the order. This worked for a while until it became common knowlege and cause for dismissal. As the big screen did not go to the boss in most cases. made on a base of fresh unseasoned unground low carb plate steel accuracy was a joke and of course the tools often fell out when milling. the innovative quick tool changer was fast and cross hole drilling the applacation of choice. Rotary index head cnc drilling machines supplanted them and most were sold as scrap iron. Charlie

We have the latest Haas Beta software and it has been working without problem. The usb port is way cool. I can run programs right from my keychain,.(the usb memory stick is on the keychain). Charles Circumference of an igloo = eskimo pie

Layout so close yet so far away. Sometimes I give up and slice em. Thanks ron Charlie Sailors lament"water water everywhere yet not a drop to drink"