Warning:

shameless tool gloat follows.


Just moved this into my garage this week, got started up today.

Got the chip auger, USB port, 16 megs, remote handle, 10k rpm, some control options like M19 and quick code, it has the new 15" monitor and washdown ports on the rear way cover and base.

It's pretty sweet. Got to figure out something to make now:D

You can gloat ! Nice piece of machinery..congragulations..sure you will find some thing to mill .

Adobe (old as dirt)

gloat til the cows come home mate. you have the right! nice machine!

How has the new machine worked out? Did you get the HSM option?

did you get the ethernet option and do you have it hooked up?

As far as HSM goes I'm going to try it out for 200 hrs and see if it makes any difference. got the new USB port but no ethernet, no need for it with USB. Just carry a little USB memory stick from computer to machine.

Nervis,
The USB sounds like the ticket. USB came standard, right?
I have read that you can FNC right from the USB if necessary. Any chance the control software has been revised so that you can pick up from somewhere other than the beginning during FNC (DNC) without editing the original program up to the start point?

The new display looks very cool could you post some pictures of this and the new washdown system when you get a chance??

...Any chance the control software has been revised so that you can pick up from somewhere other than the beginning during FNC (DNC) without editing the original program up to the start point?...

I am puzzled how you could do this. For the controller to be able to scan through a program up to your restart point the entire program would have to be in the controller memory. If the controller memory is large enough to hold the program so you can do this why would you be using DNC?

Ah, good point. :idea:

I have a thousand dollar question...how much did you pay for it? Awfully nice looking machine.

I have a thousand dollar question...how much did you pay for it? Awfully nice looking machine.

Can we have a guessing game? Somewhere around $60,000?

The USBis what you get when you order the floppy option, instead of a floppy, the floppy is gone.

You can DNC from it but I have 16 megs, no real need to.

The price....all of the prices are on Haas website, you can take off 2500 for the "value option" package "C" which is the auger, programable coolant, M19, remote jog handle, scaling and rotation, visual quick code, macros. Add 10k spindle, 16 megs, and you have the price I paid. :D

Big Congrats on the wonderful piece. I love that machine. Happy Machining!!

What are the washdown ports? I have a VF3-SS that I bought last year and curious if it is something new. I love the new display! Makes me wish I had waiting. I guess I will just have to buy another one. Nice Machine!!!!

It's got a fan like washdown port at the bottom of the z axis to get chips from packing on the Y axis cover and another one at the base on the left side to keep the coolant drain clear. They both have adjustment valves at the back. Pretty slick. I'll post some pics this weekend.

here are the washdown bibs, the manifold there controls the flow to each and the flow to the coolant hoses and hand held washdown hose.

The orange stuff is cosmoline, still taking it off as I find it.

thats pretty neat.

Kool ya got a chip conveyor too. We got a Mazaak Nexus and I love that machine, pretty much cleans itself. What are ya machining with that beaut of a beast?

Oh just messing around, hobby, keeps me out of trouble. Did some parts for a radio control car today, I do something different every weekend.

As far as HSM goes I'm going to try it out for 200 hrs and see if it makes any difference. got the new USB port but no ethernet, no need for it with USB. Just carry a little USB memory stick from computer to machine.

If you make a lot of 3D surfaces, you will notice a huge difference. But if you're drilling tapping...... there is no advantage.

That's a great looking machine!

As I see it, big machines are pretty fun to play with, I had a Correa A-16 as working friend before. But to be honest, machines in this size are extremely versatile, and a lot more easy to work with. You can stand in one place and reach everything.

Once again, you have a freakin' beauty! :)

Does this Mill not require 3 Phase power? You said this was in your garage? Do you have 3 phase power setup at your house or are you using some type of converter? Very nice machine.

Willy

Yes it needs 3 phase, I have a 20 HP phase perfect digital phase converter that runs from a 100 amp sub panel in the garage.

Hey Nervis1, when you get a chance could you snap a closeup pic of the new display. It looks interesting.
Thanks.

Warning:

shameless tool gloat follows.


Just moved this into my garage this week, got started up today.

Got the chip auger, USB port, 16 megs, remote handle, 10k rpm, some control options like M19 and quick code, it has the new 15" monitor and washdown ports on the rear way cover and base.

It's pretty sweet. Got to figure out something to make now:D


hey nervis, I have a fadal and am quite happy with it although I did consider a haas. As a prior Fadal owner could you please tell me your impressions regarding one machine over the other. How was the trasition as far as the operation of the 2 machines (was there a large learning curve?)

thanks

Mark

I have ran both and I feel the Haas has one of the easiest controls in the industry. You dont have to spacebar yourself to death just to edit the program, then make an offset change, then change a program, super easy on the Haas. I bought the Haas and it runs great.

did you have to take some instructional couse in order to use it or could you just dive in and figure it out quite easilly?

mark

did you have to take some instructional couse in order to use it or could you just dive in and figure it out quite easilly?

mark

If you have a spare $1695 plus shipping burning a hole in your credit card you can buy a Haas simulator which simulates either a mill or a lathe and is identical to the machine controllers. You can do all the machine operations including entering simulated offsets and work coordinates and run programs either in the Haas graphics mode or in real time.

The Haas control is very user friendly and has a very good wordprocessor-like editing facility with clipboard, copy/paste, line renumbering, axis swapping or mirroring, etc.

thanks geoff

mark

The problem with my Fadal was not Fadal's fault, it was an old machine and was needing way too many repairs. Replacing the motherboard and HDD twice in 2 years was the last straw.

I went Haas because of the reported ease of use and on the strong advice from a guy I know who has several and has had very good luck with them.

As far as ease of use I was running parts in one day, the control is VERY easy to use, no need for a course. The Haas is 600 ipm faster. That Fadal control was pretty easy too but more book reading required first, lot of scrolling through menus. One thing that really clenched it for me was just the fact that everyone seems to have one, it's really easy to get parts, service, and advice on line for the Haas. The Fadal was a little more hit and miss as I had a less common control, the 32 MP.

I'll post up some shots of the control in a couple days.

The problem with my Fadal was not Fadal's fault, it was an old machine and was needing way too many repairs. Replacing the motherboard and HDD twice in 2 years was the last straw.

I went Haas because of the reported ease of use and on the strong advice from a guy I know who has several and has had very good luck with them.

As far as ease of use I was running parts in one day, the control is VERY easy to use, no need for a course. The Haas is 600 ipm faster. That Fadal control was pretty easy too but more book reading required first, lot of scrolling through menus. One thing that really clenched it for me was just the fact that everyone seems to have one, it's really easy to get parts, service, and advice on line for the Haas. The Fadal was a little more hit and miss as I had a less common control, the 32 MP.

I'll post up some shots of the control in a couple days.


thanks a lot, I look forward to seeing your pics

mark

The problem with my Fadal was not Fadal's fault, it was an old machine and was needing way too many repairs. Replacing the motherboard and HDD twice in 2 years was the last straw.

I went Haas because of the reported ease of use and on the strong advice from a guy I know who has several and has had very good luck with them.

As far as ease of use I was running parts in one day, the control is VERY easy to use, no need for a course. The Haas is 600 ipm faster. That Fadal control was pretty easy too but more book reading required first, lot of scrolling through menus. One thing that really clenched it for me was just the fact that everyone seems to have one, it's really easy to get parts, service, and advice on line for the Haas. The Fadal was a little more hit and miss as I had a less common control, the 32 MP.

I'll post up some shots of the control in a couple days.

you are right. Haas definitely has the most user friendly control

Good Luck with your New Machine!!!!! :) It looks nice and cosy in the Garage.

Heres a shot of the new screen, and some job I'm doing to prove I have actually gotten it dirty. :D

Why did you get it Dirty? :) Looks Good in action, and I like the new screen.

Heres a shot of the new screen...


Oh great! They probably rewrote the software to drive that new display so now we have two years of glitches to look forward to like what happened when they switched to the LCD display a few years back.

well, I have to say that looks like a way more slick package than the fadal

mark

No glitches yet. Everything works very well, especially that USB drive, love that thing.

Oh great! They probably rewrote the software to drive that new display so now we have two years of glitches to look forward to like what happened when they switched to the LCD display a few years back.


That isn't very optimistic Geof. This doesn't sound like you at all. Admit it, you like the way it looks and you want one too :D

That isn't very optimistic Geof. This doesn't sound like you at all. Admit it, you like the way it looks and you want one too :D

I already have two and the third one arrives in January. My non-optimism is warranted I think. My first VF2 was bought just after they had switched to the LCD display: The first glitch was in the bolt circle drilling G70, at the end of the circle it did not bother retracting the drill before moving back to center...Ouch. Another glitch was an inability to do a Program Restart in any program using Block Delete; this was fixed but then it was not possible to do a Restart in a program using subroutines. This one was not fixed for over a year by which time I had bought a Super MiniMill with the same problem and a SL10 with the same problem (both LCD displays). The Super MiniMill would Restart in programs that did not use subroutines but it had the interesting glitch that it would not bother picking up the correct tool for the Restart point and just merrily took off with whatever was in the spindle. These were eventually fixed but I also have a TL1 and a GT20 which will not do Restart correctly but we have got used to working around it.

I will concede that the newest VF2 which we received in July this year does not seem to have any of these problems which is the reason for my two year estimate. Come February next year I will know whether I am correct or not.

Sorry to hear that you had all that trouble. I think I experienced some of those glitches at a Shop. The G84 RH Tapping instead of just tapping a 1/4-20 it went in fine and on the retract reduced it's spindle speed too much and broke the tap. The next one started hunting for it's origin (M19), found it, then turned the spindle off on entry and turned it back on at exit. The machine had some issues, mostly mental, lol. The worst one was a wrong tool pickup. For some reason the machine pickedup T3 went to the reference point, returned home (without a G91G28Z0) took another tool T6 and went to go to Town on my part. Bad Machine, Real Bad. The shop supervisor was lucky that I was close to the machine. No one wants a 2.0 diameter Shell Mill to Drill #7 holes with. :confused:

With regards to my lack of optimism expressed in Post 36, questioned in Post 39 and explained in Post 40 my new VF2 was installed today and is currently sitting out there flashing a red light with alarm 178 'divide by zero' and the instruction to contact my dealer. I know divide by zero is a bad idea in programming, pity the Haas programmers are not privy to this information!

EDIT

Took out tool compensation commands and the machine runs. So now I limit my criticism to those programmers responsible the tool comp algorithms.

Good job my head can still calculate tool comp at least I can work around with simple programs.

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

Well, it could be worse.....right? :o

Have one of these :cheers: and call back in the Morning

:( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(

Well, it could be worse.....right? :o

Have one of these :cheers: and call back in the Morning

Yeah, I will.

This time last week one of the other VF2s had the tool holder run into a block of aluminum and broke the drive belt with no other damage. So you are correct things could be worse.

Was that a software glitch or operator error?

Was that a software glitch or operator error?

Both. I was just about to come back and say that the local tech and also Haas in Oxnard responded very quickly. I had the tool comp lead in exactly the size of the tool radius but the error message it gave was 'Divide by zero'. I put the program on another VF2 and it ran okay. The Haas guy agreed that the error message is wrong and they will correct the software.

This time last week one of the other VF2s had the tool holder run into a block of aluminum and broke the drive belt with no other damage. So you are correct things could be worse.


Geof,

If you keep having these problems with HAAS Machines, why on earth do you keep buying them??????:confused:

Geof, If you keep having these problems with HAAS Machines, why on earth do you keep buying them??????:confused:

I don't consider it the fault of the machine if someone runs a tool into the workpiece on a G00 at almost 10,000 rpm under full spindle acceleration. Nor do I blame the machine when the only damage is a broken drive belt.

My experience with Haas machines, the local dealers service and also service from Haas in Oxnard has been very good and for what we make the machines are a more sensible business investment than more expensive machines. My VF0 did five years (137,000+ tool changes) and the only maintence was to replace a connector that rattled loose. One of my SL10s has done over four years (1,000,000 tool changes) without needing any mechanical maintenance outside some fixes under warranty. My 1995 HL1 has not needed anything done since 1999 when I bought it with a faulty X servo amp which was fixed for $450.00. I could go one but people might get the idea I am happy with Haas machines.:D

Hey nervis1, Nice machine!

Does anyone know if the Haas USB port can be used for wirelsss networking and or machine tool monitering? Also, what is the ethernet connection capible of? Is the ethernet an oprion?

I don't consider it the fault of the machine if someone runs a tool into the workpiece on a G00 at almost 10,000 rpm under full spindle acceleration. Nor do I blame the machine when the only damage is a broken drive belt.

Definately not the Machines Fault. You seemed to have left that out of the post before.

As long as a Machine is taken care of it will last a long time. In most cases (98%) it is the Users Fault.

Keep up the good work :)

Does anyone know when the new control came out? I have ran haas machines from early 2006 and it doesnt look that sweet.

Does anyone know when the new control came out? I have ran haas machines from early 2006 and it doesnt look that sweet.

After June 2006 and before Nervis got his machine. I bought a VF2 in June with the small LCD screen.

When I was IMTS I was told the "new" control was new just before IMTS. Also, I noticed the "NEW" control is slower to refresh and update with all those pretty graphics. I seem to like the old orange display of doom on my new works HS1 best. I ran a SuperMM for a year at another place that had the LCD control. That machine has been fantastic and our service was great the one time we needed it. The SMM was shiny and new when I went there and I put every hour on it it currently has. I have had no issues and honestly I must say it has performed well. Personally if I had the choise I would opt for the smaller LCD control that was current just before this new one came out. I know that one works. Im sure your Vf2 will work fine, I only wish I could afford to buy a MM or something for my home use. One day.....
Phil

Geof,
Tell me of your SL10, any regrets? Do you have a wretched servo bar on it or something that works? Would you buy one again? Do you feel since its cost is close to a SL20 that it would be worth getting the larger machine? Do you use it with a collet closer or a chuck? Are the spool up times horrible with the chuck if applicable?

No refresh problems, the G code runs by so fast you can't read it when i'm doing a 3d program.

The screen is real easy on the eyes, hard to believe you would want one twice as small, makes no sense.

nervis1,
Not trying to be a jerk or anything but unless they changed the control since IMTS where I was able to use it. There is noticable lag between screens that is just not there in the older control. Twice as small come on? Is the new monitor not 15"? Are you implying that the monitor on the old machine is 7.5". I would wager the oldest one is 12" but who cares anyways. Besides as I said im totally fine with the color lcd that was out previous to the control you have. The one pictured below
http://www.haascnc.com/MAIN_HaasControl.asp#haascontrol
Phil

So Nervis1, now that you have had the machine awhile how do you like the washdown nozzles? Specifically the one aimed at the chip screen.

I am getting tired of that thing plugging up and am thinking of adding a manifold and nozzle similar to what you have. I also notice that it looks like your chip screen is half again as big as mine.

I know USShop tools sells that rotating thing, but that just looks like one more thing to wear out. I like the idea of just using a bit more coolant.

JP

The USBis what you get when you order the floppy option, instead of a floppy, the floppy is gone.

You can DNC from it but I have 16 megs, no real need to.

The price....all of the prices are on Haas website, you can take off 2500 for the "value option" package "C" which is the auger, programable coolant, M19, remote jog handle, scaling and rotation, visual quick code, macros. Add 10k spindle, 16 megs, and you have the price I paid. :D


2 Things the USB is a standard so if your HFO charged you they scammed you on that one. Also why would you go with a C package I know Haas offers 4 VOP packages A B C and D all in all the B and the D are the best bang fo your buck

VOP B Chip Auger, Programmable Coolant Nozzle, Coordinate Rotation & Scaling, Intutive Programming, 4th axis drive and wiring, Remote Jog Handle, and Macros $10,843 worth of options for $7,495

VOP D Chip Auger, Programmable Coolant Nozzle, Coordinate Rotation & Scaling, Intutive Programming, 4th axis drive and Wiring, Remote Jog Handle, Macro, Side Mount Tool Changer 24+1 Tools, High Speed Machining, Visual Quick Code Probing System which includes TS27R Tool Setter and OMP-40 Spindle Probe $25,288 worth of options for $15,995

The VOP D is only $4,000 more that the C package and you get the HSM and Probing its a no brainer!

Hi Nervis
Sweet unit. Now when you find something to make, and you realize you have found too much to make, why gimme a call.
I've basically done the same thing only my VF-2 is a ragged old '96 model.
It's in my brothers shop at his house and looks very impresive atop the painted floor, but finding work has proven to be tough. We thought the online quote sits were going to be the ticket but no such luck, and deep in the heart of ol miss-sippi there jest aint much adoo fer a cnc shop.
Best of luck anyway.

steve:cheers:

Washdown hose over the chip screen....worthless. Got to get in there about every hour and clean it off or the coolant backs up.


Jobs. Not a problem until recently. We had so much work that we were subbing it out.

My partner and I decided to split, so I'm on my own and things will calm down a lot as he was the one with all of the business connections. No big deal as I'm not dependent on any income from my little machine shop. It can sit for the next five years far as I'm concerned I am not going to pursue any work. I'll just make cool stuff on it now and again. It was a hobby and looks like it will stay that way. Still need to get a CNC lathe in there.

TIMAN, no scam as far as I know, the USB is not standard, only comes on the machine if you buy it for 400 bucks.

C package because the side mount changer would not fit under my garage door (by a long shot).

I am puzzled how you could do this. For the controller to be able to scan through a program up to your restart point the entire program would have to be in the controller memory.

Not necessarily true. If you have a communication software like multi-dnc and you're running a huge program where direct feed is a must, you can restart anywhere in the program without your controller scanning the whole thing.

TIMAN, no scam as far as I know, the USB is not standard, only comes on the machine if you buy it for 400 bucks.

C package because the side mount changer would not fit under my garage door (by a long shot).

The USB is definitely standard on all VF series VMC's.

They'll tell you the floppy option for $400 is now USB (as they told me, without telling me USB comes standard), but it's absolutely listed as a standard option on the Haas site.