[Mark_B_4545]

Wow! Thanks for all the info, this is great.

Gary: What about the Tormach Tooling Setup makes it so you don't have to zero the Z-axis each time? From what I've learned on MasterCAM so far, you can tell it which tool you're using, and program an offset for the tool. I think I agree about the .250" end mills. As for the 4th axis- I agree, it doesn't seem super useful, but we got it for free, so I at least plan to check it out sometime. As for coolant flow you mentioned, I don't think it should be a problem. They've installed their own pump instead of the factory one. I like your idea with the oversized stock. I was just planning to use tabs and cut them out.

Chad: Good advice on the rapids. I hope to take it slow and not break anything on our new machine. For the tools, I'm getting a few of McMaster's double sided end mills in case anything goes wrong.

Cory: Great idea for zeroing the z-axis. We'll do this for sure to avoid crashing the tool into the part.

Mk 32: That's a great example! It seems more rigid than I expected. I've done some research, and I've seen plenty of people go with some deeper but slower cuts, like your .1 to .15 DOC. I agree that McMaster is a bit expensive, but they have some stuff our local supplier doesn't have. We try to buy at our cheaper local place as much as possible, but they don't have everything.

Damprobot: Good suggestion about the hex broach. We might not have the best press for it though, so I think we'll wait, try doing hexes on the CNC, and if that's too much of a pain, we'll by a press/broach.