Thank you!!!

Cool, I'll have to play around. I may not be on the same page yet. Should I be setting the appropriate axis combos in each toolpath, as apposed to at the file level of the machine group?

Oh yeah! That makes even more sense! Oh yeah, that makes even more sense! Just out of curiosity, how do you handle a 3x and 4x operation both in the same machine group? I assume you have something better than switching the axis combos each time you post like I'm trying to do?

So Idk what the best way to do it is, but I used to use one machine def and one post for both 3 and 4 axis output. (Generic Haas VF 4x) Anyways, let's say I had OP1 was a 3x operation, and OP2 was a 4x operation, I would have these both in the same machine group so the tool manager was common to both. When I would post the 3x or 4 axis, I would go into the Toolpath manager > Files > Edit! > Axis Combinations, and simply uncheck my A axis. I can no longer seem to do that in 2021. Also I notice the big green check mark is greyed out. What gives? And how do you go about switching 3 to 4 axis, while sharing the same tool library? Thanks! EDIT: My reseller wants me to use a seperate 3x machine def and post and a seperate 4x def and post, with a different machine group as well. I don't want to do this, and feel it's more file management than necessary.

Ha! I swear that thing will be my only legacy! ... and yes.

Aaaaand 15 minutes later and a lot of clicks I just got it done the old fashioned way...

Well dang...

So all my drills in the shop are 135 degrees, and I would like a quick way of changing all the drills in my library from the default 118 to 135. I'm new to 2021 after a 3 year hied-us, last using X9 (and a little of 2017). I see there is a new Tool Manager editor, but have not been able to figure it out, or even see drill points. My other guess is maybe export to an excel sheet, and edit it that way, then import, but I haven't yet dove into the details of how to accomplish that. Thanks

We had this same problem. The solution was our maintenance guy flipped the interlock switch up at the top right above the door (turned it around 180) so that any time you wanted to be in the machine and do whatever, you just pulled the key out. Big PITA.

BTW, how come "Reverse Wear" isn't on the poll?! I really want to know who uses that! Especially since I really don't know what it is...

I suppose it's not really odd, and truthfully, I hardly ever rough with a straight 2d also. Buuuuut.... I have run into situations where I wanted to increase or decrease the stock to leave at the machine, but very rarely. Also I don't "bother setting it to wear", it's just already defaulted there.

Wear. I did work at a shop years ago that did something that seems odd now, they would program finish cuts with wear, but roughing cuts with computer.

Update: I was blowing through cutters left and right, getting about 24 parts per cutter at best (engraving one small logo per part, soft 1018 steel). Was using some uncoated HTC 60deg 2fl cutters with a .01R tip at .008 deep, 7500rpm, 5ipm, with a ramp in of about 2 degrees. After I had run out of cutters, I sourced some more from a local cutter grinder. Fairly certain it wasn't these cutters themselves, but the other big change was I switched from coolant to dabbing on some dark thread cutting oil I picked up from the plumbing isle of Home Depot, lol. All of the sudden now I've run 430 parts on one cutter!

Wow... where you at? I'll bring my buddy's goose neck and a socket set! Lol How do you guys like the Doosan/Daewoo's?

Yes. I suppose like you do, MCFSW is the closest thing then, although that's just barely a step above looking at the part in Solidworks... bummer.

Is this possible between the latest versions of Solidworks and Mastercam?

Yeah, and I guess it's not like I cant take a corner in my VF0 at over 50 to 75 and expect it to come out sharp, anyways.

For now I"m just doing basic prismatic parts, but I suppose if I cant even turn a corner at over 100ipm, that wouldn't make me happy. And it would be nice to be able to surface stuff at a reasonable feed someday as well. For the money, what other options do I have in a 30 x 20 ish sized machine? I really am hooked on the fact that this machine has the probe option, which I hear is either difficult, or expensive to add after the fact on 2006(?) and older machines.

I would too if my budget allowed... lol.

Yeah, I could get an inspection. I think Selway does one for about $500 plus travel time. Not sure how much extra the ball bar would be. Debating just flying down there with an indicator and getting a feel for it myself. I have heard bad stories about Haas tech's saying a machine was good to go when it wasnt.

Looking to upgrade my basic xxxx Carl 2001 VF0 to a 2003 VF2ss I see for sale. In my quick research I've found some people complain about the courser pitch ball screws, and others don't notice a thing. It says it has probing as well, so curious what I should be on the look out for there, if anything. Also waiting to find the hours. Looks like it has seen a fair amount of use. Would love to hear of other things to look out for with these early SS's. Also do they use brushless 4th axis servos? Asking price is $32500, and will have to ship from So Cal to Oregon. Thanks!

Unfortunately I think I'm going to have to stick with a solid 1/8" shank tool, as there is a little boss that I have to get right up next too.

As far as "Half Round" single flute vs a 2 flt engraving cutter, what is the difference in application there?

If this job keeps up, that might be the way to go. I don't have TS air or coolant, so mechanical drive maybe the way I'd have to go. Haven't seen any electric ones. Will be interested to research those.

Not unless I made a fixture for the indexer. Something to think about though!