64-Bit worked well with X2, will not work with VS9, but it is a pain in the xxxx with other software. (printer drivers, internet software, virus software). As far as I'm concerned, don't bother purchasing it.

I usually extend the part geometry (line or spline) the full diameter of the cutter when I run into that problem. Eg: If using a 1/2" endmill, extend the geometry 1/2". If the start or end point of the chain is an arc, I will usually add a line to the end of the chain.

6:40 Desktop Intel Core 2 CPU 6700 @ 2.66 GHZ XP PRO 32-bit 4 Gig Ram

I can't live without the Spaceball. Do yourself a favor. Get one. Configure it. Get used to it. You will be amazed! If your employer won't spend the money for one, then they are complete fools!!! LOL.

I just upgraded two tubes from an fx1400 and an fx1500 up to the fx3500. Both of the old cards worked very well, but the new card worked much better, especially with my spaceball 5000.

One book is all about modern tooling, cutters, holders, etc. The other book is all about the high speed machines like roku, johnsford, okuma, etc. It is WELL worth the extra $$$ for the second book. They go together.

What is the tolerance set to? You may actually need MORE code. Try setting the tolerance to .0002, if you already have it set to .0002, then try .0001 or .00005. Although, you are dealing with a HAAS. Our VM2 and VM3 like more code, but both machines will start blowing small radii if the feedrate is above 65ipm.

Just for xxxxs and grins, have the inspector remove the part from the cmm and set it back up and check the results again. If your cmm dept is anything like my old employer, we got different results every time. I never got a good explanation from them.

I recently applied the methods described in the two books authored by Dale Mickelson. I'm still in the testing stages, but I really like the results at this point. These books are a MUST HAVE for those new to Hard Milling like myself.

I purchased one HPI toolholder (HMX) and applied the methods described in the two books authored by Dale Mickelson and I'm totally amazed with the results cutting hard H-13. I just ordered three more holders to replace the ER collets. I can't believe we used the ER collets for so long. We are also considering the Rego-Fix system for our Roku rather than purchasing a shrink fit system. Thanks for the suggestions! I think we may finally be getting on the right track! http://www.hpiamerica.com/tool_holders/hmx.html

I changed the max air cutting rate to equal the max feed rate and I think I finally got what I want.

Very well worth the $$$. Very easy to read! Must have books in my opinion.

Hmmm. Something still isn't working correctly. I entered a max feedrate of 55 ipm in the material removal rate tab and it still outputs over 100 ipm.

The tool was only programmed at 1640 rpm @17.1 ipm (215 sfm @ .0026" chipload). I suppose I could try 1000 sfm at .0026" chipload = 7640 rpm @ 80 ipm for our 4-flute cutter. We're in a transition period and just getting into high speed machining and hard milling vs the old conventional milling. I purchased both of Dale Mickelson's books and finally starting to apply these newer methods of machining.

Thank you! I totally misunderstood chipload vs volume removal when using this feature. I'll set the max feedrate to a reasonable rate. Rick, the 1/2" endmill's feedrate was increased from 17 ipm to 105 ipm on the straights leaving large scallops. Thanks again folks!

Hello Rick, I considered those settings, but I only have the problem on the straight areas on the perimeter of my part. The corners look nice. I think the highfeed option is suppose slow down in the corners and maintain the correct chipload according to the axial and radial depth of cuts. It appears it is handling the corners fine, but EXCEEDING the chipload in the straights.

Both toolpaths are programmed with 2-roughing passes at .002" and 2-finishing passes at .000". The first roughing pass leaves an adequate finish, but the finish passes have scallops. Both cutters are new carbide with a tin coating which always resulted in a great finish without the highfeed. I'm assuming the feedrate is too high after the highfeed option. I have the optimization set to roughing and finishing.

I'm starting to play around with the highfeed optimization. I made a test cut with a 1/2" flat endmill, machining a 2" circle, .625" deep, 1640 rpm @ 17.1 ipm. I cranked the feed at the controller as high as it would allow which resulted in 105 ipm. There was no gouging. I plugged 105 ipm in the corner acceleration tab and which resulted in 0.007934 G's. No complaints here so far. I finally applied the highfeed option to some toolpaths (see 11588_SLIDE_FACE.Z2G on the ftp server, operations 4 and 5)which resulted in a very poor finish on the straight walls, but the corners looked great. If I turn the highfeed option off, I get the finish I desire. Anyone have any ideas on this little dillema. Thanks!

Ed. I'll make that phone call for the 8800GTX. He told us he'll swap it out for another card if it isn't to my satisfaction. It seems you and bogus have no problems with it. Thanks again!

Would the 8800 GTX still be better than the FX-3500 for my applications? I'm sorry for asking dumb questions. I'm certainly no computer expert. I'm great at mcam, but I don't wanna purchase a computer that won't work properly.

I just got a call from our computer dealer. He mentioned that I could get a GE FORCE 8800 ULTRA 768MB for the same price as the Quadro FX-3500(256mb). The GE FORCE does support Open GL. Any comments on this card?

Thanks fellas for the advice. I'll let ya know what we end up with when the order is placed.

We're not even considering Vista. Bogus, what are the advantages of dropping ram down to 2 gig if we get a 32 bit op system?

I currently have no problems running X2 with XP 64bit, but, I do have problems getting drivers for some of our printers.

Thanks bogus, I'll get the system quoted with the the hard drive changes that you suggested. We don't need that much hd space.