Mike Lynch Founder and President

17 Feb 2009

Judging Acceptable Spindle Run Time

What is an acceptable percentage of spindle run time for metalcutting CNC machines such as mills and lathes?

15 Jan 2009

Confirming That The Right Tool Is In The Spindle

Regardless of how tool changes are actually made, it is imperative that the cutting tool currently in the spindle matches the program segment that uses the tool.

16 Dec 2008

The Pros And Cons Of Constant Surface Speed

Constant surface speed (specified by G96 on most machines) is a turning center feature that automatically determines the appropriate spindle speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). This article details the advantages and disadvantages of using this feature.

13 Nov 2008

Automatically Backing Up Your Fixture Offsets

In most applications, offsets are so dynamic (often changed) that that you wouldn’t even consider keeping a backup copy. But consider a more complicated machining center qualified setup. A backup copy may prove to be beneficial.

14 Oct 2008

Which Is Better For Looping—IF Or WHILE?

With custom macro B, there are two logic words that can be used for creating loops—the two types of loops are called IF and WHILE statement loops. So which one should you use for your applications?

29 Sep 2008

Custom Macro To Helically Mill A Counterbore

Counterboring is a machining operation that will enlarge an existing hole’s diameter to a specified depth. Traditionally, counterboring is done with either a special counterboring tool that has a pilot, or it is done with an end mill. In either case, the diameter of the tool (end mill or counterbore) must match the diameter that is counterbored.

20 Aug 2008

Did A Parameter Setting Cause That Problem?

As you probably know, parameters control many functions of a CNC. Just about every CNC function has at least one related parameter setting—everything from setting initialized states at power-up to determining the specific procedure required for powering down is controlled by parameter settings.

26 Jul 2008

Multiple Machine Operation Revisited

Multiple machine operation has been the subject of several recent Tech Talk columns (January through May of 2008). I have received many comments, and I want to thank everyone who responded. The series states that successful applications for having one operator run multiple machines do not just happen—a successf

CAD/CAM 23 Jul 2008

Can Parametric Programming And CAM Systems Coexist?

I know most high-level CAM system programmers cringe when the topic of CNC-based parametric programming is discussed. Most programmers need clean output that will run in CNCs without modification—and if misapplied, some of these parametric programming applications can really gum up the works. There are five applic

1 Jun 2008

Diagnosing Unusual Machine Behavior

Though problems can still exist with machine electronics and internal software, most of the common problems today are caused by user mistakes.

1 May 2008

Multiple Machine Operation—Interference

I urge you to proceed with caution when studying the feasibility of having one operator run two machines. Be absolutely sure that doing so will render the desired results—and that it will not cost more than having a separate operator run each machine. One cause of interference that is often overlooked prior to the operator-utilization decision is related to the tasks you expect your operators to perform on each finished part upon its completion.

2 Apr 2008

Multiple Machine Operation—Evaluating Specific Applications

To determine whether a given application consistently falls within or exceeds the operator-utilization cutoff point, I’ve developed a spreadsheet that you can download at

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