Here are a few of the subjects I have covered for people in advanced training sessions. Very likely you have some topics of your own to add. Call me to schedule a half day or full day of advanced training. It will be worth your while.
Cutter Compensation; use of form tools; lead-in and lead-out to minimize tool marks; pipe threads
Lead-in and lead-out; using cutter compensation for multiple rough cuts / finish cuts
Cutting a channel with a circular cross-section, at any angle; cutting "bowls", "pipe elbows", "donuts", etc.
Using Repeat for multiple parts; using Repeat and Rotate for repetitive features on a part; using Rotate to make a rotated rectangular pocket or frame; using Repeat to Depth for multiple depth passes
How to program copies of an existing part without a drawing; compensating for differences between edge finder or probe diameter and cutter diameter
Using Math Help to find intersection and tangent points; using polar coordinates to solve triangles; using connect radius to blend arcs
Finding part zero and part extents; checking cut depths; checking rapid clearances
Using M98 with canned drilling cycles, for multiple operations on a set of holes; cutting parts in multiple work coordinate systems; writing your own canned cycles; engraving serial numbers
Irregular pocket cleanout with islands; reading geometry from CAD programs; engraving with Mastercam; cutter comp and tool setup options
Basic engraving; rotated, curved, and mirrored text; engraving on curved and slanted surfaces; engraving using a rotary 4th axis; creating custom fonts and symbols with FontLink
You can sweep the center of a fixture bore in 10 seconds or less; part setup cycles; using Probing for inspection and CMM
Increasing the speed of your digitizing runs; linking multiple patches; making the most of radial digitizing; Dig->CAD translation; male/female reversal
Programming in Intercon and in G code; calculating feedrates for interpolated moves; using an air clamp; turning the fourth axis on and off in the control when you remove the rotary table
Moving part programs between the office PC and the mill; keeping your tool and offset libraries synchronized; printing out the tool and offset libraries
What is "Z Reference" and why do I need it? What is a "Reference Tool" and do I need one? How does "Z Reference" relate to Z home and the Z axis part zero? When do I have to remeasure a tool? When do I have to remeasure all my tools? Would a Centroid TT-1 make sense for me? What if I am using one collet chuck for all my tools? What if I have to crank the knee down for this tapping head?
Making continuous jogs more responsive by reducing "coast"; Choosing the Z axis tool change position on a bed mill; Changing the way the machine finds its home in the morning; Changing the ".250" jog increment key to ".100" or any other amount; Turning on "caps lock"
Last updated 22-Jul-2004 MBL