1 hour ago, Kendo said:

8 years later, same thing

Why not use Contour/Ramp?

They are awesome! Lucky to have them 2 minutes from me.

56 minutes ago, So not a Guru said:

Absolutely, I hadn't noticed that as an option until @bird2010 pointed it out, Every time I start to think I've got a pretty good understanding of MC's capabilities, I'm reminded of why my tag is what it is.

Thats the best part, theres always something new to learn

Put them all in one level, and when you need to move them turn off all the other levels.  Or make them all one color and use select all

He says he's here to discuss and not criticize.  But then he launches personal attacks...

44 minutes ago, cruzila said:

Who cares if it retracts? Modern machinery is very fast and likely faster to retract over a distance as in the example than to go at a high feedrate at the same level. 

 

Agin, who really cares. this guy is a troll

There's a lot of people that think to rapid out and in takes longer, I've had that conversation with a couple of bosses.  One wasn't a programmer, and the other stopped programming before Dynamic.  They can't get their heads around Dynamic. 

.

Seems like everyone already talked about the fire dangers...

My dumbass did an experiment once, was only funny after I was done using the  extinguisher.  You may think its exaggeration, its not.  Make sure you keep the parts cool, and specially the chips.  And do not, I repeat, do not "try to see if its true that the chips catch fire"...they do.  Afte that first time on the mill I had a to do a couple of jobs on a lathe.  We cleaned the lathe out of the MAG as soon as the job was done, and not a minute later.

As far as machining it, it machines a lot like aluminum, even nicer.  I do remember the chips being very small, that may have been the tools I was using though.

2 hours ago, Kyle F said:

you got this! I don't know what kind of parts/customers y'all have but I'll at least tell you this:

99% of my 5axis parts,.. 95+% of the machining is done in 3+2 haha! I'm still relatively new to multiaxis, about 2 years. but long story short it's really not all that crazy different from what you're used to.

Right now, I'm doing medical, mainly testing/assembly fixtures, some prototypes and some molds, plus I'm the go to when a mold breaks down or wears out.  The place I'm trying to get into is aerospace, big company started by one of the biggest names, based in Malibu, many of you will figure it out.

I hear you and Aaron about mostly being 3+2, but I'm hoping to do 5x interpolation as well.

On 2/1/2024 at 7:41 AM, crazy^millman said:

Well it was more than one day so I guess I was lucky enough to catch you on more than one good day.

I am glad to help those who are helping themselves. All I ever ask of anyone I am teaching is pass it on and share it with others that is all the thanks I need.

Your smart enough to figure it out. You impressed me with what you were doing when we meet. You got the drive and understanding now it is just a matter of doing it. In no time you will be impressed how the knowledge you have in the other things can help with 5 Axis Machining.

Thank you for the kind words Ron, you have more confidence in me than I do on myself.  Still going through the interview process.

Also thank you everyone who contributed, Ill be looking at ever ones suggestions and those videos.

Rough it with optirough, finish with flowline.

17 hours ago, Zoffen said:

If you want to be good at 5 axis there are only so many books you can read.... I find the hardest part with people is getting them to think in a "multiaxis" world.

A great exercise you can do to get your brain thinking 5 axis is to just grab random objects around you (mouse, pencil, water bottle, shoe, etc) and try to visualize how you would machine this shape on a 3 axis, then a 4 axis, then a 5 axis, then maybe a mill-turn if your brain still has some juice left in it. How can i grip this to access that types of thoughts? How will the part move as I machine material away? How will it relax once I unclamp this crazy widget? and on and on and on...

Multi-axis machining is as much of an art form as anything else. You are the artist. The process is your canvas, Cut off an ear and go to town!

 

 

I agree with this, and its great advice!  It's funny because I've always thought the way you explain, even though Ive been limited to 4 axis.  Its something I will keep in mind.

Thank you!

16 hours ago, Kyle F said:

These helped immensely!!!

Youtube has been the best resource for me. I'll toss in some accounts I have subscribed,

https://www.youtube.com/@mastercam

https://www.youtube.com/@CamInstructor

^^top two probably the best resources

https://www.youtube.com/@themcamnw

https://www.youtube.com/@MLCCADSystems

https://www.youtube.com/@CADCAMSOLUTION

^^ they have great videos not showing programming, but showing process of 5axis workflow, that can be super useful.

https://www.youtube.com/@TITANSofCNC

^^ can of course be corny as hell but if you dig deep there is a little good mastercam info. like the one titled "MasterClass CNC Programming Techniques Revealed"

 

a couple specific videos I really enjoyed

 

 

I will be watching these!

Thank you!

3 minutes ago, Aaron Eberhard said:

Another overlooked thing is to schedule some time with your machine tool's AEs.   Have them explain the different options to you on your machine and train you on the way it has to be applied.  Does DWO have to be applied before TCPC or after?  Does your machine use G43.3 vs. whatever, how are the DWO/TCPC parameters stored & manipulated on your machine, etc.  

Even once you have an understanding of what's possible in theory, a lot of times getting it going can be a bit daunting until you understand how things flow.  A half a day or day of training with them is worth its weight in gold.

THIS!!

DWO and TPCs and G43.3s and all that I constantly read about on this forum, its what I want to be familiar with, I don't want to be just a programmer and not understand the finer points.  ITs a bit scary...

The opportunity has shown a bit late in my life, but I want to learn as much as I can about it 5x.

Thank you!

23 hours ago, crazy^millman said:

Shameless plug

Ron week on CamInstructor.

You can always call me. I liked working with you in the past and would be glad to help you when I have time.

 

I will absolutely look into CamInstructor.

As much as I hate to bother people, if Im stuck I will call you.  

If you like working with me you must have caught me on one of my good days lol

Thank you Ron!

21 hours ago, JParis said:

A good understanding

 

https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-5-Axis-Machining-Karlo-Apro/dp/0831133759

 

Book is on its way to me!  THank you Sir!

There's a good chance that I will have the opportunity to program a 5 axis machine in the near future.  Are there any books, videos or general information that would be helpful to have or know?  

Thank you!

You can use transform, just like any other geometry

8 minutes ago, Aaron Eberhard said:

You can just click on the geometry itself you want when it's at a branch and it will continue chaining along that path...

 

Can you post an example file of it not working?  Mine was just a couple of lines & arcs I made in a second.

Was about to say the same... Im from the time before the arrows

Im looking for a pneumatic self-centering vice for a project at work.  I'm going to need to need to machine the jaws to fit cast parts.  Its going to go on a Haas MIni Mill.

Thanks!

Why not make a fixture for the lathe with the "V" shape of the bottom, the part can slide into it?  Sorry if I'm missing something

IS there a source on information on tabs.  Something I've always seen and been interested about but never had a need for it.  That might be changing, and I'd like to learn about it.

Thank you!

 If the corner radius is non negotiable finish the wall to abobe the radius, then go in with the tool that Ron suggested, go a bit wider than the radius of the your floor finishing tool.  Then for the floor use a bull or flat endmill and use Flowline. parallel to the walls.

You can use solid trim, one line at a time.

You don't want to buy a machine that will limit your capabilities.  IMO it's better to spend the money early so that you don't hamstring the future of your shop.  If you buy an entry level mill/lathe you're going to be turning down jobs, and you're going to be forced to spend more money later to get the better paying jobs.  If you spend the money upfront for full mill/lathe you can do the small R&D jobs AND the bigger production jobs.  Always be looking forward and larger, don't limit your vision.  

Problem came back again after almost 4 years, I did google search and was looking at this thread and didn't realized I was the OP until I read the last post...

Yeah! ITs the Houdini clamp!

In order to do it the way you want to you have to get away from using "facing" and just draw your contour all together.  So when you pick your chain it includes the face of the part, just like if you were programing a ball end.  It will work just fine with roughing, but depending how you pick your chain for finish, you might be starting on the face of the part.  For a few years now, I start my finish on the left side of the part, it works better IMO.

That said, I don't think it's a good idea.  If you r aim is to save the time from the retract moves, you can set them to be really short, the turret doesn't need to tract all the way home.