Fill in my knowledge gap :)

**m_c** · 05-07-2016

In all honesty, I wouldn't bother with CAM.

I'd probably hand code using work offsets. Use a reference point (i.e. touch of end of material, then touch of the side) to zero the work piece coordinates, then hand code based of that.

At most I'd use the Mach wizards to generate the code for each side, if multiple passes on each side is needed.

**Davek0974** · 07-07-2016

Hmm, thats a leap forward, not hand-coded anything yet ;)

Once the refs are made - end for X and centre of rod for Y, i can see saving them as offsets - they will not change unless the vise is moved which does not happen too often. So i just need to figure the path out i guess.

The manual ones i cut in one pass, its a little heavy on the tool but works ok, with automation i would likely use two passes as the steel is harder than plain mild.

**ptjw7uk** · 07-07-2016

Why not do them vertically then you wouldn't have to move them.
If you want the radius use a round nose cutter.

Peter

**Davek0974** · 08-07-2016

Thats an interesting thought, thanks.

Cutting forces would be harder to resist but not impossible, I have a 5C collet holder with vertical/horizontal bolt-down base, could use that if it grips well enough.

Will need to test this when i get her running :)

**Davek0974** · 10-07-2016

Ok, next thing :)

How can i pick up an edge without a working edge-finder?

I tried today using my normal edge-finder but that likes to run at about 800rpm and the mini-mill does not go below 1000. Also it does not have a spindle-toggle button (yet) so i tried an MDI of M03-s1000 which works of course but then you cant jog the axis as it on the MDI line, moving off the MDI seems to upset the speed control which then starts wandering all over the place.

Maybe i'm missing something here?

For this job a simple pointed probe worked but the next part I have needs machining both sides accurately so i need a way to pick up the reverse spot-on.