To all, The catastrophe of the space shuttle this morning is a terrible event. Starfleet salutes all of the astronauts that perished in this tragedy and the many good people of NASA suffering with this loss, especially the families of all concerned. Their names are: Rick D. Husband William C. McCool Michael P. Anderson Kalpana Chawla David M. Brown Laurel B. Clark Ilan Ramon Who among us cannot relate to wanting to be an astronaut as a child? It doesn't really matter what nationality or culture from whence they come? I wish to take a moment of silence and reflection to those suffering on this night and wish to leave you with this one last thought. Entertainer Dan Hill said it best years ago in a song titled “Hold On” You’ve got to hold on, to what you believe in. Hold on, don’t let it fade. Still you’ve got to be strong, find yourself believing. No one changed the world, in just one day. You’ve got to hold on for yourself, or else you fail, You’ve got to hold on for yourself, or else you fail. My thoughts at this very moment are both of sadness and of joy – thank you to those that have sacrificed their very lives to improve on humanity and our sense of adventure – your loss will somehow strengthen our conviction to make this world a better place; The joy for me, is the child, in all of us, that will still pursue the dream of becoming an astronaut, after realizing this horrific tragedy. To our future astronauts! God bless! Regards, Jack [ 02-02-2003, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: Jack Mitchell ]

Ouch, I followed the link, I just had to finally know, I was weak and couldn't help myself, I now understand the comparison to this gentleman; How could you fine members make such a mistake in professional character judgment? This person does not show the redeeming qualities, kindness of heart, or the imagination of a true deviant, such as I. I am assuming that this gentleman was banned from the forum for perhaps, some unprofessional conduct? Regards, Jack [ 02-02-2003, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Jack Mitchell ]

Chris, Try this method instead. Use wblock, this allows windowing or feature picking exactly or only what you need; Of course you will be prompted for a drawing name as well.(this must be a different dwg) Model space is always the preferred medium, paper space is fine for basic 2d stuff, wblock will work with either. In my experience, I choose only to import the geometry that I need to get the job done; this method would likely suit your application best. Regards, Jack

I liked Bucket’s response immediately and would also tend to agree. Gcodes analogy is the result of countless hours of dealing with such difficult applications. Not to leave any response as better or worse – I believe the question and answers given on this particularly difficult task puts our members into an experts status. Thank you all, for I have learned something today as well. Regards, Jack

Captains log Stardate 012903, we are progressing towards Temporaryoid to try to find a few good men to stand-in for the injured ChrisMspock and Lt. Rekd, Temporaryoid is an outstanding resource for out of work actors/cnc machininsts/programmers and the like - when you’re out here this deep, good workers are virtually impossible to find – at any rate of pay. I have authorized MachineMasterG to shuttle ahead to do all necessary interviews; he is to report back to our Starcruiser later today with the final decision to be left with Lt. Richardson and myself, Karlhoff out. Lt. Slick – Captain, shuttle approaching with four occupants. Jim – tractor-beam them aboard when they are within range Lieutenant, please relieve Lt. Richardson and mind the helm. Yes sir! Kathy, shall we meet in the board room so we may make a final decision on the interviews? Yes Captain, I’ll be along very shortly, she replies. Kathy joins Jim in the board room, when a commotion immediately starts. – MasterG had just arrived to face cat calls, noises, and other comments. Knock, Knock – yes, please come in MasterG, MasterG – reporting as required Captain; I was overwhelmed with applicants, 125 in total sir, so I told them that if they were 45 or older that we would consider a temp for a senior officers position when I returned sir, I realize that this is an illegal hiring practice sir, but I really had no choice in the matter, otherwise I would have been there for weeks. Alright MasterG, good job, please send each person in individually, so that Lt. Richardson and I might arrive at a timely decision. The first applicant through the door was the lovely blonde “Britney Spears”, she walks up to Kirk, goes um, yah, yah, yah and slaps each side of Kirks face – she proceeds to Kathy for the same and pow, Kathy socks her and says – don’t even think of it. Ok Britney, What is G41? Says Kirk – um, I think it is the new viewer rating on one of my upcoming videos, um baby, baby, why would you ask me this Kirky? Kathy - That will do Miss Spears, if we have an answer, we will let you know. NEXT! The next applicant through the door was “Al Pacino” Kirk stands up, Mr. Pacino, it is truly an honor to meet you – “Scent of a woman” is one of my favorite movies of all time. Why thank you Kirk, he replies, I’ll just help myself to this chair. Kathy – impressive references, large and small arms expert, eyesight diminishing, (44 years old Mr. Pacino???) Pacino – er, I’m sorry; I thought I put down 54, my mistake. Kathy - NEXT! Karlhoff was visibly shaken – Al Pacino, caught lying on an application – is there nothing sacred? The next applicant through the door was “?” it just opened then closed. Jim – MasterG, where is the next candidate Lieutenant? Right there sir! Kathy and Jim look at each other, stand up, and then look down upon a very, very, short man. MasterG speaks up – if I may sir, this applicant is mute, I would be happy to answer with his responses, if you will, Sir and Ms. Richardson. Jim – what a kind gesture, why thank you MasterG, for we are indeed, an equal opportunity Starship here, so lets have a look at those references. Kathy – hmm, extensive weapons training, explosives, good vs. evil spy stuff, this man has seen a lot of action Jim, and he certainly looks bigger than life on this application. Karlhoff – What is G41? Cutter compensation right – Ouch, the little guy kicks MasterG’s left leg really hard – sorry Captain, Cutter comp left. What is M42? – Spindle high gear, M04? – correct, G13? – correct again! How can we pronounce your name? Jim – gerger I’m sorry I cannot. Kathy – gagar, I’m sorry I cannot either. MasterG - nobody on Temporaryoid could pronounce it sir, might I suggest MiniG sir? The little man nods his head enthusiastically. What a fine suggestion and welcome aboard MiniG – MasterG, why does he put his little pinky up to his mouth like that? – I’m not sure Captain, the Lieutenant replies. Jim - When the Klingon leader mentioned keep him on a leash, I believe it was meant literally, explain this outrage Lieutenant! MasterG - I had to restrain him on the journey sir; he just kept after Miss Britney sir. – Jim - Remove this at once Lieutenant, suit him up in our standard issue, if I have to wear this smock - everybody does, don’t forget about the tight bell bottoms either. MasterG, MiniG, return the other two applicants immediately and be sure to thank them, we may need their assistance some other time.

Webmaster, Thank you for stepping in and thank you for a very professional response. As we all know, I was somewhat involved with this very argument. I only logged on again this evening at 10:00PM Eastern time, therefore I do not know what became of the return response, or of what I assume to be an attack on a new member. I can only recall my response. Everybody in the forum knows that I can indeed be cranky from time to time, especially you Webmaster, and our many other moderators. I apologize, once again to our valued and cherished members and anyone else that I may have offended with my reckless and insensitive cowboy abandon. I applaud the fact that you deleted the thread; otherwise I might have reacted to this. I wish to remain uninformed of what happened of these responses and I totally respect your stepping in, when you deemed it necessary. Thank you all, again, for being the best forum of all forums. The only question that remains is how did Jack Mitchell ever make it to 200 posts without being banned for life? I am so honored to be a part of this forum. On another note: This Starfleet adventure series sort of takes a bit out of me – I would not want to be looked upon as some sleazy pulp writer. If the forum wants it, I will do my best to accommodate them, or alternately, are you guys just stringing me along so that I won’t hijack your threads? Or, do you find the commentary a brief distraction that sort of makes you smile? Creative writing can take its toll rather quickly, The author tends to be his worse critic, judge, and jury – I am but a simple button pusher here with a flair for the extravagance. ChrisM’s “whip it” thing was a lot of fun – I really enjoyed the one line come backs from all – this is what a forum is all about, this is larger than life for me. Thank you Chris, for making my face hurt. And good luck in sick bay, for you are going to need it. Regards, Jack [ 02-02-2003, 09:26 AM: Message edited by: Jack Mitchell ]

Part Factory, Thankyou for the mention. It's actually a Starfleet thread as opposed to a Star Trek thread. My garage toys include a VQC 15-40 M32 don't ya know. - I like to play hard! Seriously, there are a few integrex experts on this forum, not to mention some Mazatrol professionals as well - so fire away. Regards, Jack

Chad, You just already know that I’m going to take a different approach than the other members and their excellent responses. Often, a prospect will be intimidated by some form of testing – it’s in our nature to fear such unknown tests or questions; as such, a very talented prospect can easily choose his response or result. – Maybe the guy is shy or easily intimidated, for who could possibly know? Alternately, let’s say that some guy aces your test and yet proves himself totally useless on the floor, or worse, you really feel threatened by such expertise. It all comes down to your gut instinct when it comes to making such judgments; I too have often thought of this very means and quite honestly, I wouldn’t mind, in the least, if other professors could pass a basic programming test – Mastercam or otherwise. Try the gut instinct test, it works; try to look at the potential in a prospect rather than the immediate walk on water expectations – this is by no means any bash towards you or anybody else on the forum. This really does work – set a man up to fail and watch his attack or reaction to failure. This is a true test of character; compassion and understanding will build strong bones, therefore, I ask only that all candidates be considered in the same favor. I don’t believe you to be threatened by the need to hire an additional set-up person, nor do I believe you need to set some new guy up for the ball busting experience. We are in this together as a team. Again, no bash, just some hash to consider. Regards, Jack

Jack walks into PeterE’s office. Jack - Hey, big guy, what’s up? Peter – Jack, Jack, Jack, what am I supposed to be doing here? “Oh” that thing, hey, lets just bury the axe for now and have some fun, what do you say Peter? – I hope that you’re not still angry over the email thing, or that I sort of slid you into this production. Peter – it’s just, it’s just – Oh never mind, it’s not all that important. My concern Jack is that the” whip it” thing sort of got out of hand, and I would have appreciated being informed ahead of time. Jack – Peter, I just cannot divulge the storyline under any circumstances, please try to hang in there with this, I’m up to my butt in alligators this week, but I’ll try my best for the weekend. Sometimes, we have to, you know – Crack that whip

Stardate 122503, All crewmen, that were in the landing are accounted for, Both Lt. Rekd and Spock are in critical condition – in my absence, Lt. Kathy Richardson has performed above and beyond, I attribute the fact of her timely transmission to be the very reason that our entire crew did not perish. I will be making a recommendation of honor and an immediate rank. Lt. Rekd shall be commended for bravery. Caption James T. Karlhoff out. (Hail Lt. Richardson) Jim – Code Red, all positions full alert, Kirk out. (Hail Engineering) Jim – Scotty, prepare to engage, we are leaving orbit immediately. (Hail Bridge) Jim – status report Lt. Slick? Slick – Klingon warbird is advancing out of this sector at warp eight, they are out of range Captain, no surface activity to report sir, no orbital activity, and no other movement within 1.2 star days Captain. Karlhoff – Stand down to yellow alert and inform me of communication or activity, I’ll be in sick bay, you may contact me there, Kirk out. Kirk enters sick bay, Dr. McCorey, how bad is it? Bones – Rekd was half dead when he got up and did that song, how could you jeopardize this young mans health? Why Jim, why? Jim - The music was so good that I never realized how much pain he was in, tell me Bones, were those not the finest Karaoke performances that you have ever seen? In fact, the music was too good, for I should have recognized that something was very, very, wrong. And your prognosis Doctor? Rekd has lost a lot of blood, feet, thighs, and legs muscles are all hyper stressed; his body is in shock – he is out right now and I really don’t believe he will be in any condition to resume his post for at least a week. “we might need to get a stand-in until he recovers”. Mr. Spock is in the next room going through some kind of Vulcan self healing thing that I am never going to understand; every time I open my eyes to cut him – he grabs my wrist and stares me down. Jim – the landing party knew the danger that we faced down there, we all had to sacrifice our dignity in order to leave without casualties. The “Whip it” thing that Spock performed was in my opinion, a way for Spock to get in touch with himself and to reach out to the other crew members – he should have known better, in fact, I should nave known better. – Kirk turns with a tear in his eye, bones embraces him and says “most of us around here are human Jim” as he glares at Spock “we all make mistakes, we learn, we dust ourselves off, and we go right back up on that deck and get the job done” go now, everything will be fine; Nurse, pass me that scalpel, I’m going to try Spock one more time, Kirk exits to return to the deck.

Hugh, Am I really this bad??? Just when I was thinking that Kirk & company might head to the Australian outback. I do not wish to insult our Aussie friends, hence, my apprehension. Without releasing an absolutely protected storyline – would it bother my Australian bothers if I entertained such a thought? Regards, Jack

This avatar is really, really, hard for me to look at, I suppose I’ll get used to it though. For those, not in the know – it’s a picture of Jack Nicholson from novelist Stephan King and screenplay Stanley Kubrick’s movie called The Shining (1980); it’s the part where he bashes out the door with an axe, sticks his head through the opening and say’s Here’s Johnny!!!, hence, this was just too perfect to overlook; My wife convinced me to go with it since it suites my psychopathic nature. My divine choice was to go with my hero, Al Pacino – I just truly loved his rage in “Scent of a Woman”. But alas, Tony called it, and I thought it best for all our cherished members to see me the way that I’m sure most wanted to. I could not help but notice that Iowajim62 is also on the cusp for an avatar. Corey, you are long overdue good buddy, let’s have something interesting. Regards, Jack

As inspired by Tony's response and the fine characterizations from everybody else. Thanks for the interest and input. Regards, Jack

Geo427, We covered this quite extensively about six months ago. Please do a search – in this forum - on drilling or small hole drilling. Richie21, A-2 is a designation for air hardened tool steel, typical hardness ranges from 58~62Rc. Regards, Jack [ 01-26-2003, 09:38 PM: Message edited by: Jack Mitchell ]

This story thing could balloon into somewhat of a creative effort, as I’m sure that most would agree. Please do not hang on any words or view any character as being bullied, simplified, or anything else that might come of this; there is not an ounce of conviction or harm to come from me or anybody else – I could never abuse this forum to deliberately hurt people, this is not what Jack Mitchell is all about. Nobody will ever be the sacramental lamb, on any storyline – if anybody is to be hurt, it shall indeed be me (The self imposed humiliation that I went through on the western theme is real) I Jack Mitchell, do not have the right to make anyone uncomfortable. The way that I view my own presence on this forum, is that I can easily target a worthy opponent, I can choose to willingly assassinate a disagreeable argument, a loud, or sassy mouth. (No offense or finger pointing intended). I do indeed stand down, I cherish this membership more than you can ever know, I also respect the forum for all that it is and all that it will eventually become. Jim Karlhoff, I choose you as Captain, after cruising - this database, for you and I have always been at odds, and yet, there within, is integrity and pride; I am honored to feature you as Kirk – please wear this distinction with pride, I salute you Jim for being a sport and for debating such an excellent argument. Your friend, Jack

Stardate 012403, we are orbiting SoCalion in hope the crews from this carnage had enough time to transport to the surface to safety. SoCalion is a labyrinth of machine tools, a maze of moxy, so much code, so little time. - if you can see a part, these humans and aliens can cut it – so long ago, a certain young Doctor mentioned, close your eyes and imagine it, then open them and cut it! – Lord help me, should I never need surgery! The pungent haze of coolant mist hangs over this planet like a cheap suit; sometimes it’s the hiss and sizzle of hot metal chips that allows an operator to quickly find his machine. (Hail Engineering) Scotty, please prepare the transporter, were beaming down a large landing party, and would you care to join us? Aye Captain. We land just outside what appears to be tavern in some remote southern town; the temperature is negative ten, with an almost zero visibility factor. Spock – sensors indicate a rather large crowd of aliens and humans within this very building. Jim – It’s a good thing that we had this western Carhartt gear in stores, this way we’ll fit right in; by the way Bones, great job on cleaning up James over there, he’s actually a good looking man – but why the long face? McCorey – he’s upset that Mori couldn’t come along. Jim - James, I thought that even an old paint would fetch top dollar/publicity, this is something we are trying to avoid – I am also sorry for yelling at you on deck yesterday; - that’s alright Captain, I just wasn’t thinking, James replies. There a loud stomping emitting from the tattered old saloon. Stomp, stomp, stomp - pause- stomp, stomp, stomp – pause -; undeniably, the sound of Klingon boot leather, they’re singing “We will, We will, Rock You!” The party enters Jayson’s saloon & internet café. Jayson greets them with welcome strangers what’s your pleasure? AndrewMcScotty pulls up a stool, places his six shooter on the bar and says give us a wee pint of Guinness laddy, and make it warm. Yes sir, yes sir - four large Klingon’s close/lock/guard, the entrance door. The Klingon leader approaches Kirk, - for what do we owe this pleasure Kirk? Do you really want to party with me - with that sad excuse of a Starship?, bring it to poppa, he turns to the Klingons and they all roar with laughter; Lt. Rekd, totally, totally loses it – he tears into the warriors, he’s on these aliens, like white on rice. McCoy - do something Jim! (Kirk fades back, to his younger days, and thinks, wow, this guy is hot, a real firecracker), um, sorry Bones, I got caught, in a moment.; Kirk motions to Spock, Spock gives Rekd a little pinch, and down he goes, among the mud, the blood and the ale. Jayson looks upon Meyette and apologizes for staring, I’m sorry, but you look so much like a gunslinger that came through here a short while ago, what’s your name stranger? Er, ,um, Pete, yah, Pete, I’m from Jiosy, um, Jersey- Glad to meet ya partner and they shake hands. (Meyette really pulled it out of the fire with this one). Tell me Jayson, what is with the corpse decorating your saloon? Jayson replies, he was babbling something about a good day Gibbing, then he just up and dies - right there. It so unusual to see one of those guys around this town, so I figured, hey, lets just leave him out there. At the end of the bar was a Mr. Bond in the company of the Oriental Fook twins and a drop dead gorgeous blue skinned alien – how does this man attract such lovely creatures? What does this guy have, that nobody else has? – Such a quandary! The crew turns to leave when the hulk, of a Klingon leader stops them – we had nothing to do with that carnage out there Kirk, that was somebody else’s doing, he smiles broadly, but if you really want to take us on – he starts laughing again, the whole damn forum starts laughing, while the angry young Rekd is being restrained – The warrior sneers, the crew, the Kingon’s, the whole forum, everybody stops. The leader looks down, at what is left of his five men, he turns to Kirk and says – you keep that pitbull on a leash Kirk – he says nobody leaves until they sing; he motions to a Karaoke set up The Bernie Bertau quartet was just finishing California Dreaming when a blast of cold air went right threw the crowd (their beer glasses, immediately frosted). Meyette pumped out “I can’t get no satifaction” Tony crooned a lovely “beneath my wings” Trevor & PeterS shot a magnificent “Try a little tenderness” – Amazing performance. Rekd did “He’s a maniac on the floor” Even after the punch up, he could still work those snappy dance moves. Kirk crooned a lovely Harry Chapin’s “Taxi”. Jayson & Bond did an excellent “Big Yellow Taxi” kudos guy’s. There wasn’t a dry eye, in the place when saloon singer Kathy sang “Somewhere over the rainbow” – those red cowgirl boots, were really something. When Glenn, MachineMasterG, and MetalMarvels sang the theme song from the soggy mountain boys (Brother where art thou?) it brought the freakin house down! McCoy rendered a lovely, John Denver’s “Country Roads”. Scotty did “I’m Henry the Eighth I am” to a mixed review. You just can’t quite, put into words, what Spock did with “Whip IT” by Devo – hunt this Mpg down!!! (NOW)! (Hail Captain) Kirk here, Captain, please return immediately, the crew is in a hologram projected setting – get out now Jim, before it’s too late. Kathy out! Regards, Jack

Jack and the rest of the forum members walk onto the helm set. Jack – So I say to the salesman, yea, and I just push, the fricken button. Corey hits the floor, Chris is doubled over, and Andrew is laughing his xxxx off… CUT! Jack what the hell; are you trying to do here? I’m sorry PeterE, I was unaware that we were filming – it won’t happen again. Say Andrew, do you have any more of those little gold stars? Mitchell asks. Andrew goes down hard, Corey never even made it up – Peter throws the clipboard against the wall & says how did I ever get conned into working with this production? Lighten up Peter – I’ll rework the script on the weekend – after all, its Superbowl weekend. Have a good one guys, and yes it is, a continuing saga. Regards, Jack

Stardate 012003, since losing the Enterprise; we have been patiently awaiting a replacement vehicle to boldly go, as we have, since the early 60’s. NCC-Haas-SL-30 is simply put, one of Starfleet’s greatest accomplishments; she may not be the fastest Starcruiser out here, but she is certainly the lightest (just imagine how easily we can out-dodge our enemy’s and maneuver quickly for the easy kill). Captain James T. Karlhoff – Out. Stardate 012103, we are to immediately report to SoCalion to investigate the tragic loss of three Starfleet cruisers in the past month. SoCalion is the universe heart of machining, as Keith once said “Dang, them chips are hot” I would also tend to agree. The crew is really pumped about this glorious opportunity. They started out slowing saying “Show up and cut it” now they were chanting “Show up and Eat it” this crew is totally, totally, pumped. Stardate 012203, ChrisMspock – captain we are ready. Jim - get us out of here SuluRekd, Warp 4 (1800rpm). The sexy, cool, machine comes to life; she floats effortlessly at 1800rpm through space (Hail Engineering)! aye, AndrewMcScotty at your service captain. Jim - I have to congratulate you for what is the smoothest launch the crew has ever witnessed - kudos Scotty & keep up the great work, Kirk out. Spock – captain I’m picking up debris on the scanner. Jim – what is it Spock? Scanners indicate some Osg taps, a no-name 8”, no make that a 10” hydraulic chuck, five gallons of Trim E506 coolant, dylithium crystals, and other space junk, hardly worth the mention. Jim – grab that chuck Mr. Spock. Captain, there is also a tailstock (Jim displays that classic smile) grab the tailstock as well & leave the rest of it – this is not a garbage trawler, this is a Starcruiser. Stardate 012303, Captain, sensors indicate the remains of three Starships just now coming into range. Jim – put it on screen Mr. Spock. Just as the image slowly/wavely focuses, JamesM & Mori walk/prance to the front of the deck thereby blocking everybody’s view. Kirk snaps “get that damn horse off my helm” “clean yourself up James – you look like you’ve been to a cattle rustle, and for Gods sake shave that growth off of your face, – Dr. McCorey please escort James & company to the sick bay for a little dust & clean. Dammit Jim, I’m a Doctor not a nursemaid. (Nothings changed, has it Bones?) They both smile as the two men and a tired old paint, exit the deck. Jim's smile immediately turns to shear horror as he and his crew look upon the remains of what was once Starfleet’s pride and joy. Captain, Spock shouts, their shields are all missing. They never even put them up – like shooting fish in a barrel Captain. – Jim “now what kind of logical response was that? Hey Spock?, you’re beginning to sound much more like a human to me, with every passing day” Kirk smiles, the crew starts to snicker, and Spock just stands there indignantly, just like he always seems to do. Jim immediately jumps to his feet – Lt. Rekd come with me, Miss Kathy take the helm, Yes Captain, as she proudly approaches the Captain’s chair – for this truly is the new generation of Starfleet. Once in the private confines of his room, Kirk tells Lt. Rekd that he has read his entire forum profile and there’s literally nothing in there – just some fancy graphic stuff. Explain yourself Rekd! If I may say sir, it would appear that only one other person ever defeated the final computer war simulation at the academy sir, and apparently sir, the other individual is you sir. Jim - So you’re the one! The way that I heard it went down was “the deck was set at 8000 feet and that when you saw Jester drop below the deck that you followed and got the kill – isn’t that right Lt. Rekd?, isn’t that really, the way it went? Lt. Rekd, I’m sorry captain, I believe you are referring to the Tom Cruise movie “Top Gun” Jim sets upon his chair and puts his face into his hands – I’m so sorry, please accept my apology. Yes sir Captain, I would have been proud to play that role, however, I believe Mitchell has others plans for me sir. – What did you just say Lieutenant? What the F_______ did you say? I was saying sir that ENOUGH! Kirk shouts, if I ever hear that name again you’ll be shipped to Chicago come February to serve in a cold abyss, do-I-make-myself-clear- Lieutenant? Crystal clear sir. Ok Lt. Rekd, I believe Starfleet was either going to get rid of you, or worse, they put you here with me to learn from me and to learn with me, are you up to this son? Rekd – locked and loaded sir, turrets and tools. I might mention as well sir that perhaps you have overlooked Lt. Lazro (he has the latest in prototype laser weaponry) and if I may say so sir, I am honored to have his assistance at the helm “under your leadership, of course!” Kirk embraces Rekd and whispers in his ear – one word of this discussion will be your last word, go on now and return to the deck for I fear the worse is in store for us if we are not properly prepared to defeat this hideous unknown enemy. PS, “F_______” means fuddle duddle! Regards, Jack

Chris, Reading between the lines, I gather you are not happy with the approach. This is a good thing. Be wary of the application experts – they are replaced quite regularly. Because an individual knows a lot about Mazatrol or Mastercam for that matter, does not make him an expert. Many of us in here have a lot of experience, in fact tons of experience. Yet we do not ever refer to ourselves as experts – this is why we call it good machine shop practice, sort of like how a doctor calls his trade a medical practice. Realistically, your quandary is unique to the application – which is to say, you are the expert for the moment – use your own judgment with this application, and do not fear the argument – cherish it; it’s what makes ChrisM what he is. The final sign-off will probably rest with someone other than yourself; if this is the case then perhaps you might accept that the machine tool is performing as it should. We cannot control the impressions of others nor can we control the things that we do not agree upon. Funny thing about the unemployed application expert when he arrived and applied at our domain, I actually interviewed the man, who felt that it was quite indignant that I, the operator, was asking him these questions instead of the Engineering Manager or Human Resource Manager. (You just never really know the ability of the guy asking the questions) needless to say, I dismissed the expert’s ability in about 45 seconds – tastefully, I might add. This man is a white collar worker that did have any of his own precision measuring tools for I’m sure he knew exactly how to use them. Mazak does indeed make a fine machine tool; hardly the best – nobody owns that trademark it this industry. If I were to pigeon hole Mazak as a machine tool builder I would say that they guarantee their products above and beyond many others – go with your instincts with this one. Regards, Jack

Whoa! This looks like two tons of fun. Tag teaming it is – As you can see the mess I was left in regarding the western short story you guys might not fare too well, but I’ll work a little magic if at all possible. The man on the right cannot possibly be Mr. Bond, I am not surprised given your proximity to Hollywood (those wanna-be, stand-in actors are a dime a dozen – don’t ya know?). Mr. Bond would never allow his photo – unless a beautiful woman was all over him. Regards, Jack

Rekd, Please shoot us a real name, even a first name would be appreciated as tastefully considerate. Again, your graphics are truly amazing Regards, your friend Jack

Talk about hijacking a thread? “(V10 Beta sausages “Hint of Maple” are shipping, for consideration, or, alternately, a picture of me kissing the very control panel of the aforementioned machine tool)” I am dismayed that none of the proud Haas members did not jump all over this opportunity – you have had three full days; Your time has expired, shame – the opportunity of Mitchell kissing a Haas is going, going, gone forever; What were you guys thinking? Even though I haven’t worked a post since version 4, it did not really present much of a challenge – thank you Cnc Software for keeping Mastercam as user friendly as possible; speaking of friends, I am hardly amused with the foul treatment of late from the aforementioned machine tool users; but alas, who among us, would appreciate having someone call their baby ugly? You want a story, you want a story? – Its coming at you guys, so please buckle in. The western theme was merely a test – this story will be an example, this ones going to hurt! Any future mention of forum names will be slightly modified and purely coincidental, any implied similarities to actual manufacturers shall also be purely coincidental – I have no intention of harming anybody’s name/reputation/product favor. Any characterization should also be viewed in the spirit of the book or movie that I am ripping as well (Please view a character, as you would recognize the individual, in the role that they have played). If I overlook characterizing somebody, then please forgive me – I can only improvise what I witness or feel. It is virtually impossible to capture everybody so let’s have some fun and with it. If I overlook somebody, then I don’t want them to feel bad or ignored – hell, I can’t imagine anybody saying pick me, pick me, after I’m done with this sorry crowd - and yes, you are going to be REAL SORRY! Thank you goes to Cnc Software, our moderators, and our cherished forum members; My intent is not malicious, my intent is to make people smile – I will try to consider the feelings of others at all times. Regards, Jack

James rides lightly, almost as if floating upon “Mori” his battered old-paint, so many others have challenged the unshaven, the silent, and the Un-forgiven; Clint Eastwood himself, was once invited to show up and cut it “Go ahead, make my – did you say Meyette?) And he quietly rode out of town – go figure. James stops and glares at the corpse decorating Jayson’s saloon and internet café. Is that Mitchell, he asks – no sir, no sir, Jayson reply’s as he motions to the smartly dressed man wearing the white overcoat as he lifts himself from the slimy, mud filled wagon rut. James prances Mori over to Mitchell, he overshoots slightly – he speaks, So (spits & proceeds to speak while cleaning his teeth, spits again). So, you’re the candya$$ that wants the post, Mitchell starts to quiver, tears pouring from both eyes, the quiver progresses to an audible shake, down he goes again, face first into the mire – the whole damn town is watching this, James sneers, the crowd cowers and stands well back, observing what is anticipated to be the end of the blond haired, mud covered Mitchell – Mori drops a loaf right next to Mitchell’s head, the heat, the stench, Mitchell vomits then faints. Mitchell comes around to with the hurried shaking of his leg from Kathy, the pretty saloon lady – get the heck out of here Mitchell, then runs for cover. James slowly pulls back his overcoat, displaying both a bullwhip and a six shooter – the crowd again cowers, James tugs the reins and pulls off – he turns back to Mitchell (the theme from the good, bad and ugly starts to play) everybody looks confused, where is the music coming from? He looks at Mitchell and states it is right there in front of your face – say it Mitchell – say it loud, (Thank you Mr. James & thank you Mr. Mori), the townsfolk gasp as they now truly understood what this gunfight was really all about. James rides lightly, almost as if floating upon “Mori” his battered old-paint, nobody mentioned the beanie prop – nobody dared. Regards, Jack

As for the three jaw hydraulic chuck. An immediate comment stating (this post requires a three jaw set up) N15 G97 S1200 M03 (for this and any successive callouts) N25 G50 S2000 (if the operator wants more then force him to edit) N30 G96 S800 M03 (G96 callouts also requires M03) As for the manual four jaw chuck. An immediate comment stating (this post requires a four jaw set up) N15 G97 S25 M03 (for this and any successive callouts) N25 G50 S200 (I want the operator to determine his own safe practice) N30 G96 S800 M03 (G96 callouts also requires M03) As shown with the finish tool path only. % O0001 (TEST) N5 G20 ( TOOL - 2 OFFSET - 2 ) ( LFINISH OD ROUGH RIGHT - 80 DEG. INSERT - CNMG-432 ) N10 G0 T0202 N15 G97 S3500 M03 N20 G0 G54 X.3403 Z.0616 M8 N25 G50 S3500 N30 G96 S800 N35 G99 G1 X.4817 Z-.0092 F.02 N40 X.9788 Z-.2577 N45 G3 X1. Z-.2833 R.0363 N50 G1 Z-1.56 N55 X1.4334 N60 G3 X1.4846 Z-1.5706 R.0363 N65 G1 X1.9817 Z-1.8192 N70 X2.1231 Z-1.7484 N75 M9 N80 M5 N85 G0 X10. Z10. N90 M30 % Again, this machine is an SL-30 with the standard control. The 3jaw is 10" dia and not 8" as previously stated. The post that we used is called Haas_Caxis - although there is none, for all intensive purposes I don't believe this would really matter; perhaps the Mplfan would be better suited? Regards, Jack

Rekd, That was for George senior, times have changed, I have considerably more Pres George Junior!, but alas, It ain’t fit for print. Regards, Jack