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  1. M

    Anybody still use 2 flute end mills?

    It seems like for square end mills, aluminum specific end mills are 3 flute, and steel are 4 flute variable. I haven't needed to load a 2 flute more than a handful of times in the past year. Anybody still use them regularly, and if so, for what?
  2. M

    Variable flute in small diameters

    I've been on the variable flute train for all my non-aluminum endmills, but I'm wondering if the effectiveness is less pronounced on smaller (<1/4") tools? The price difference is fairly minimal so that's not a big deal, but I'm curious from a practical perspective.
  3. M

    New Fadal offsets not adding up

    Yes, both tool and fixture offset values are negative Z. If it were double dipping, which I had assumed was the case, it doesn't add up (ie -7 + -11 does not equal where the tool ends up). I want to set the tools to the table, not the part. That way when I change parts I just probe it with the...
  4. M

    New Fadal offsets not adding up

    I just got a 1996 3016 set up and running. This is my first Fadal. When trying to run a sample program the Z location is way off and I'm not sure what I'm missing. My setup is as follows: Cold start coordinates are set and correct, and there is no TCS (so it should default to cold start / MCS...
  5. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    Thanks, that makes sense.
  6. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    This actually sounds like the perfect solution. Do you happen to have a brand or link you could share?
  7. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    Got it. I really appreciate the information I'm getting from you all. I'm leaning towards a bilz-style t/c head or three...
  8. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    Isn't it possible for some error in spindle rotation to over-rotate the tap and bottom out?
  9. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    Yeah, a regular collet style tension/compression holder vs the more expensive options. The Bilz style is basically the same functionality except the taps stay in the quick change portion of the collet and they click in and out? Then there's the reversing style with torque limiting devices...
  10. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    For the Bilz/reversing style - does the quick change collet outweigh the fact that I could have 3 or 4 comp/tension style holders loaded for the price of one reversing head? ie is it quick and easy enough to just swap taps in an optional stop in the machine and then continue the program, vs...
  11. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    I assume it gets programmed as a rigid tap cycle?
  12. M

    Tapping methods without rigid tapping

    First off, I apologize if this topic has been beaten to death, but I have done a fair amount of searching and haven't landed on a lot of concrete information. I have a Fadal 3016 without rigid tapping. In the future I plan to add it, but for now, what are my best options? I do low quantity work...
  13. M

    Modern Vise Options for VMC

    These are looking very attractive. I would love to see a video of how it all works. Are you able to share how long these are on sale for? I may have to call up and ask a few questions to pick the right one for me.
  14. M

    Modern Vise Options for VMC

    I'm bringing my first CNC (Fadal 3016) into my currently all-manual shop. When I bought a vise for my Bridgeport, Kurt was pretty highly regarded as a top-tier bang for the buck option, so I got a DX6. I started researching thinking 2 new DX6's for the new machine and I'd be set, but I'm seeing...
  15. M

    Bandsaw downfeed rebuild - cylinder or valve?

    I have an older wells horizontal bandsaw with hydraulic downfeed, but it seems to feed inconsistently. I can set it to a proper feedrate and halfway through the cut it stalls and I have to open the valve a bit more. I’m guessing the cylinder seals need to be replaced? Maybe there’s some uneven...
  16. M

    Mill head preventive maintenance interval

    I have an Acer 3vk knee mill with a varispeed type head. While there is no rattly noises, it does operate louder than a similar, much newer Sharp machine I have at work, and I have no history on if/when the head has ever been gone through in its 25 years of use. I've read and watched some videos...
  17. M

    Leblond Spindle Brake with VFD

    Just an update for anyone following, or any future googlers - I got the brake wired and working properly. The VFD power input is 220v. I wired the same circuit to the brake, and left the original brake switch wiring on the drum switch. Overall very simple to do, once I figured out how it was...
  18. M

    Leblond Spindle Brake with VFD

    L0 spindle so the brake actually helps in this case. Also, the drum switch itself has Fwd/N/Brake/N/Rev, so by default I would have a neutral position where the brake is off but the motor is not running. I don't foresee needing a jog via the VFD, but I can cross that bridge if and when I come...
  19. M

    Leblond Spindle Brake with VFD

    Ok, let me see if I got this straight... Ignoring any VFD wiring, I would wire 120VAC to the drum switch input, and the output (closed circuit when in middle position) would go to the brake, with the rectifier in line? So when the switch is in any other position, no power would be applied, and...
  20. M

    Leblond Spindle Brake with VFD

    Ok it's starting to make a little more sense - I have the VFD and braking resistor, and intend to do as described and have it stop at a reasonable rate in neutral. So ultimately I just need a DC power supply, and hook it up to use the drum switch middle position to power/activate the brake...

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