Hey Chris, Perhaps we can get together sometime for a whale blubber sammwich. Low calorie would be best Best of luck Regards, Jack

quote: - one named 640T.config, and one named M32.config.Welcome to the forum dave_l. I can't help but wonder what kind of machine tools would have such unusual config's.

quote: looks as though the control wants to see an ISO extension on the file to run. Is this correct? The correct extension for a Mazatrol control prior to the 640 Fusion is .NC Since the introduction for the 640 control the extension is .EIA (these are both just ascii text). Regards, Jack

DBrianB, Thank you for speaking up. I would encourage any and all competitors to frequent the forum at their hearts content. Many of us in here welcome a comparison or challenge, yet it is in our nature to make such comparisons ourselves. IMHO you’re recognized and respected as anybody else in here. MasterCam X has some problems for which I am sure if you did a simple search on this forum, you would agree with my opinion. You need to appreciate that switching to a windows interface was a monumental and necessary step to remain competitive with other cam demands and vendors. Even still most of us (est. 80% of the ver 9.1 users simply go it alone and learn the new interface as presented without specific or specialized training) some of us in here have used MasterCam from version 3 which would parallel your 12 years experience with WorkNc. Really, Cimdata says it all when it comes down to market share even though I believe they are for sale to the highest advertiser myself. Drop in often, you are always welcome as far as I am concerned. Regards, Jack

When ever I see this thread title in the recent posts, I see Helical Milling in France. Maybe it's my eyes - anybody else? Regards, Jack

A slot requires a multipass. Usually down and back with a slight "X" or "Y" shift. This makes for good machining practice. IE: a 3/4" slot drill that shifts plus then minus approximately .125" The same principal holds true for a pocket routine as well. Regards, Jack

I would suggest trying this approach instead. Run it high as a test. G90 G54 X1.5 Y-0.5 S450 G43 H01 Z1.0 M08 G84 G99 Z-0.1 R0.1 F22.5 Z-0.15 Z-0.2 Z-0.25 Z-0.3 G80 G00 Z1. M09 Regards, Jack

Psychomill and I are on the same page - sorry 88Matt Regards, Jack

On Jayson's Ftp under the training_files directory. Basic Centerline Mazak.dwg Basic Contouring Mazak.dwg These will open with Acad or Mechanical Desktop. The D01 reference actual was D17 since I used the first 16 for length offsets and the next column for radius offsets (the required program edits were also a part of the lesson plan). Regards, Jack

I did a lesson on comp using Autocad printouts many years ago featuring the comp argument. I would bring the students over to my shop and go through both methods (centerline & contour) and have them fill in the values used. I probably have this lesson on videotape as well but its really tough jamming 20 students around a machine tool while a student tries to capture the information. I will look about for the lesson plan and post it here if I can find it. This was done on a Mazak using Eia and the tool offsets and might even featuire the same simple program in Mazatrol. Regards, Jack

quote: Now Can any one tell me what the advantage to using the Tool Data option compared to say EIA?Tool Auto Measure (1.2.3.4.5) cycle start and walk away. Tool Semi Measure (IE: 3" Face Mill) Diameters are real and easy to use in Mazatrol in particular. The tool measuring is fully or semi automatic. The tool lengths are accurate and any measured tool can be used to establish a G54 "Z". This usually requires that the longest tool be used in an Eia program and that all subsequent tools be measured against such a reference tool as negative numbers. Change a program or change tools for another program then its the same redundant procedure which all takes time and still introduces the opportunity to screw something up. IE: 12 tools equals 12 opportunities to make an error or mistake. I have run a Mazak using the tool offset page in both centerline comp and contour comp (still nasty cause you need to cut the diameter in half). I now choose to run with the Mazatrol tool data where a G43 H01 grabs the tool length automatically. For contouring & surfacing through Mastercam I prefer to use computer to calculate the path rather than using control for path with comp calcs. Straight up - an operator can set the tools very quickly without the use of calculators & pencils & the opportunity to set a tool offset in the wrong direction = a quick setup with very limited chance for error. One other problem with a Mazak mill is that a G54 will remain constant at power up. Change the value and you will need to shut down and repower the machine otherwise the operator must constantly override the value of "z" for every subsequent tool length measure using feeler gages and calculators. [ 01-04-2006, 03:10 AM: Message edited by: Jack Mitchell ]

Parameters for an M32. Go to the parameter screen change the following. Power down the control and then power back up. Be sure to write the original values down before changing. These changes will access the Mazatrol tool data values for length and cutter comp. F92 10101000 F93 00000000 F94 11010000 That's it you're done. Personally, I would go the "use computer" for cutter radius compensation rather than "use control" - but that's just my own preferance. BTW - did you get the eia tranmission to go into the control? Regards, Jack

I agree with pip. I see only two required surfacing paths - actually only just one, with a mirror about the "Y" axis. Regards, Jack

I guess I’ve been in this trade longer than most (supposing I’m still wet behind the ears to some of the more senior members). I had the displeasure of working for a “know it all owner” at one time that scrimped on common tooling as well. My solution was to walk out the door, across the complex to a industrial supply company, and to buy the required tools out of my own pocket. So what did I gain from this? A quick and quality part, which was often the case when I had to fix the owners common screw-up’s on a weekly basis. Everybody gets stupid once. It’s a learned trait – when we survey the new job opportunity the first thing we look for is proper tools, fixtures, and machinery condition. This really does tell a complete story at a glance. The second glance is future opportunity, and lastly the pay. (That’s my take though I realize that many might have other priorities). It all builds character. Regards, Jack

Are you guy's and Brice running with the same step over values? Did the jittery finish disappear after changing the allowcations? Just curious about this since it has happened to me in the past as well. Regards, Jack

quote: however when you run it on your machine you probably won't see the "jitter"I disagree. It's been my experience that verify and the actual workpiece look exactly the same when surfacing.

I bought Easytalk Basic ver 5.33 somewhere around 1990 after using it from within MasterCam ver 3 or 4. I purchased this direct from Cnc Innovations in Connecticut. When talking with their support people, I was told that I would require a null modem cable. This proved rather easy since my neighbor manufactured cable assembly systems. It took a while but I finally got the parameters right and figured Eia transmission direct into memory or drip feeding from a pc. All information was faxed back to Cnc Innovations and I am sure the effort was released in future documentation. Note: Mazak will sell things that are options. I never bought any options. The only thing needed is the tape port which is usually located next to the cmt port. My cable is 25 pin to 25 pin but there’s a Dsub 9pin to 25pin example here if it’s helpful. http://ezatrol.com/html/support.html Regards, Jack

Should work with most editors: This will drip feed an Eia program from a pc. Connect cable to machine's Eia port and serial port on PC. Using Easytalk - curse to the desired program number and push “2” transmit program Place the M32 in tape mode (immediate left of memory key), then cycle start. M02 should be the last line (M30 will not work) To run again and again just push “Y” at the pc prompt and cycle the parts through. Certain parameters must be changed in order to use the Mazak tool data length & diameter pages. If you need these then let me know. Regards, Jack

Insert a line four or five past the modals. GOTO 1000 This will jump in where you want to restart (IE: N1000) Afterwards edit & delete the GOTO statement line. Assumed is either the Fusion 640M or 640MT. Regards, Jack

Hey guys, RandelXX is certainly worthy of a short story but I'll hold my tongue. I actually admire the man for just ringing you all up with such a minimal effort. Gettin played and lovin it Regards, Jack

I started at $5.00 per hour after taking a one year course in CNC programming, minimum wage at the time was $4.50 ~ the fork lift driver was paid $6.00 hr with one month’s experience. As cheap as I was at that time I enjoyed that position most of all the places that I worked. As the years go bye they just seem to move along a lot quicker. I have never requested a raise nor have I made it the deciding factor for remaining with any company. For me it’s always been about learning and self satisfaction by overcoming a challenge. Regards, Jack

Hey Putzalutz, Never ever surface unless absolutely necessary. Buy the proper tool for this job (corner rounding endmill or radius cutter if you prefer) and simply run a total of four lines of code giving your workpiece a deserving minimal effort. Welcome to the forum Regards, Jack

I would like rate a distortion factor on machining stresses to be relativly equal between 8620 or gas nitriding. Sand blast will clean the parts as this works on most carburized heat treat applications; the 8620 "slightly blackened" can be buffed to make it pretty though. The method of hanging the workpiece on wires or placing them on support blocks is evident with nitriding. Your heat treat specialist might have some valuable opinions to consider here as well. Regards, Jack

8620 cuts like mild steel without the gumminess (simply delish). The case harden goes up around 60Rc and can vary from .02" to .04" depending on your specification. I would likely experiment with 8620 before entertaining gas nitriding. Regards, Jack

Is the purpose of the nitride for extreme pressure or wear as in a dusty or grainy type environment? Perhaps core material hardness is a none issue or is the workpiece required to be tough as well? The basic size and function of this project is really the questionable factor here isn't it! Regards, Jack