If you are after lines normal to the chain, try offsetting and then joining the segments. Or use line parallel at point. Bruce

I don't have a seat to play with, but I would try morph between two curves and have the axis control defined relative to a line through the axis of the boss. HTH Bruce

Thanks Wes We have no sub-spindle, and for the work we do having a combined lathe/mill post isn't really an advantage at the moment. We have the 3000mm bed option and mainly do big 1 off shafts/rope rollers/ etc, etc. I am also not the programmer, so keeping it simple with mazatrol for turning and then 3+2 and 5ax sim separate would still be a step up here. The main reason I am suggesting MC is the simple fact that by giving the programmer/s a little training and guidance, I think I can nail their machining processes on many of the other large machines. Doing a trick 5-ax job here and there on the E420 might not justify a paid for post, no matter how much I personally think it is worth it. If I can get a head/table mill post to work for 3+2 and 5ax milling ops, then I am in front as far as budget goes. Thanks again Bruce

Ahoy! The company I am at has an E420 and the programming software is up for discussion. (Currently only have 2.5d SolidCAM!) I know Inhouse posts are good as I've had a few in the past, but if treated as just a milling machine, can the generic 5-axis post be used? Turning and milling ops would be in different machine groups of course, but can the generric be tweaked as a head/table post, and would it be necessary to fiddle much with axis directions? Thoughts? Bruce

Or put a chamfer on the model and use flowline with the ribcut box ticked. Bruce

When I had my own machines, I didn't bother with MC lathe since I had i-guide conversational programming on the newer fanucs. Even if there was some live c-axis stuff and DIN undercuts I found programming at the control to be a breeze, and I am a HUGE advocate for offline programming. Bruce

+ eleventy billion for Titex and Mitsubishi. Bruce

Don't worry Bob, the beta forum gets its fair share of rants too. Unfortunately for people like you, the first rule of Beta Club is, don't talk about Beta Club Bruce

Should have said that I don't mind going overseas for this one. It may even end up cheaper and faster having this done in North America. All comers welcome. Ty, do you have a website or email address for Signal Machine? Bruce

Ahoy! Looking for someone to quote a sheetmetal folding job from 2mm Grade 2 Titanium plate. Only a 1 off job and everyone local is either too busy or don't like bending Ti :oldforumrolleyes: Any takers? Send me an email: bcaulley at bergeng dot com dot au Bruce

+ eleventy billion

Depends on the % purity of the alloy as to how dangerous it is. I recently had some castings that were I think 93% magnesium and we had no problem machining just with water soluble coolant. We even were giving them a water rinse before dichromate. For a bit of fun we did light some swarf, but even fine RMR swarf in a small pile would not completely burn out and solid strips would self extinguish after burning a certain distance. I even tried wetting some swarf to see if it burnt any worse and it either wouldn't light or went out almost straight away. I have a feeling it would need to be closer to 96%-98% before it is really volatile. Doesn't mean you don't take precautions, just that it might not be as bad as you think. Bruce

In these situations I prefer to use curve 5ax. Seems to be easier to get the result I am after. If swarf doesn't get you what you need quickly it is probably not going to get you there ever. IMO Bruce

One of my mills had the i-guide and I think it had a bolt hole feature :headscratch: As for operators, it is more common at the moment to find turners with mazatrol experience around here. Bruce

The same cutting speed (SFM or M/min) is taken from the lowest valley of a tool performance graph based on controlled cutting conditions. Since these grapghs usually look like an ECG scan there are areas that exceed the recomended cutting speed by sometimes 400% or more. The tool supplier will never print a catalogue with those conditions in it and simply use the lowest achievable under all usual conditions to be safe. Bruce

The key is to NOT tap the part down while taking semi finish skims after leaving the part "rest" as Chris described. Bruce

Ah, then only 4 applies Bruce

Chris, FYI 4,5,6 above can be done on a fanuc Oi series. I had a couple of lathes with the i-guide control and thought they were great. Not sure about the other things though. Mori rep coming in today to compare. Bruce

Quoting a job that is from White Cast Iron. Similar parts previously have needed ceramics to turn and have had the threaded holes EDM'd in. Anyone had any luck drilling/milling this stuff? Cheers Bruce

Well some common sense has broken out and we will do a straight up and down comparison of the Mori and Okuma with specs as close as we can get them. Seems funny having two blokes I know and have shared a beer with BEFORE they were reps "discussing" what's best for me. Bruce

LOL!

Dave, If we were roughing and finishing in the same machine then Mori would still be on the table. Thanks for the advice. Bruce

Ahoy! I am only new to the company, but have been asked my opinion on a new lathe for some production work. We are looking at either an Okuma LB4000EX-BMYC x 1500 or a Mazak QTN350MY-II x 1500U We did price a Mori, but it was quite a bit more than these two so it was dropped off the list. The machine will be doing largish shafts etc, but not the roughing as this will be done on another machine prior to stress relieving. Semi-finishing, finishing, keyways, tapped holes etc only. I have my own preference, but would appreciate the opinion of anyone with experience with each machine. Thanks Bruce

Should be the same. brucecaulley at hotmail dot com cheers Bruce

I have a Tormach, and yes it uses g-code, does 3-axis interpolation, and even has a 4th axis option. Fantastic machine for the money. Bruce