Re: speed (frequency)

Matt Shaver wrote:

> It's
> important to realize that a high rapid traverse rate speeds up your operation
> somewhat, but a lot of time is consumed programming, setting up, changing
> tools, etc. On a part with a lot of complex contour milling, it may matter
> little. On parts where you drill 10,000 holes, it may be the make or break
> factor!

Well, actually, a decent rapid rate makes setup go faster, too. I often put
large panels (19" wide or so) on the machine, and need to align them to
the X axis. It ends up with having to run the table back and forth 18"
about 5 or 6 times, and if your rapid feed is very slow, it can add more than
a few minutes to the process. Also, when cleaning up an edge of some
material like that, I ofen want to make all passes climb milling, so I need
to back the Y away from the tool and then run back to the X=0 reference
point for another pass. Again, a slow rapid feed would add a lot of waiting
here.

Jon