I'm curious as to whether or not vb script would apply to something like this. I have a series of parts, to simplify I will give a short ex. Say a 10mm dia. shaft, orders come in using a catalog # to identify different characteristics of this part. It could be anywhere from 10 to 600mm long in increments of .5mm, it can have tapped holes in both ends or a tapped hole in one end and o.d. thread on the other, the threads can range from M2 to M8 ( for the 10mm dia. size)and be any combination. The qty. can be as low as (1) but the overall volume (of all sizes) would be very high. obviously I'm looking at a logistic nightmare but the ? is can I utilize some type of spreadsheet using the part # to automate the lathe programming with vb script.I could end up with thousands of programs. Here is the best part, any qty., 4 different mat'ls to choose from, black oxide or e'less nickel, garaunteed del. of 3 to 5 days. guess what I'm doing for x-mas. I'd appreciate some insight on the vb script.this type of project is definately not in my background thanks in advance.

M.

I guess I should adjust my thoughts about organization.

I haven't beeen around long and don't know how to insert a quote, but chris_m is right, get demo tools ! these reps will be tripping over each other to sell you their stuff, it seems like a waste some times but for me it usually pays off in the long run to let these guys come in and "go to town" with their tooling, on my machines in my parts, real world. They will all claim to be the best, let them prove it. I'd like to see iscar's new helitang ( i think thats what they call it) in a high h.p. rigid set-up. it looks sweet

I get to bring stuff home on the weekend if i'm really good.

Sorry about the O/T thing, "I'm so ashamed"(face buried deep in hands ) I guess I'm going to have to learn what some of these acronyms and abbreviations actually mean ( man, I hate learning)

Is it just me, or does anyone else find themselves sub-consiously dodging those snowflakes on the emastercam.com home page with their mouse. I think I played too much space invaders and asteriods back in the late 70's. I feel like my curser will explode if I hit one.

I know this is not mc related but I'm new here so please be kind. I've had my dsl for about a week now so I've been in the wings, just haven't said much ....yet. you guy's have helped me many times already. thanks. have a happy and safe holiday. watch out for the other guy.

regards Mike

hi Frank,

if your mainly cutting alum. I would suggest looking at SGS Ski-carbs, they rock! they have a honed cutting edge that keeps them from pulling aggresively into corners thereby eliminating most chatter. I work in a small shop with a limited budget so heat shrink tooling is something I just dream about, but I have used Iscars SHORTiN collet chucks that have a very short gage length, great rigidity and tir but can be a problem sometimes with clearance for coolant nozzles and things. I also use solid end mill holders made by a company called "Briney",they grind the i.d. slightly off-center toward the clamping screw which helps with runout inherent with those types of holders.

for pure speed and reliability i use form taps anywhere i can (mallable or ductile materials) especially in mach's with rigid tapping, one thing i try to keep in mind though on my other mach's is if you break one in a part you're s.o.l. because you can't burn them out.

good luck, happy and safe holidays to all.

Mike

z-carbs rule ! Have you tried the v-carbs for finishing ?