I'm thinking about buying a Haas TM-1P in the next few months. I sent an email to Haas and want to ask some of the same questions here to see if what they say is the real truth or not.

Haas has two different probing options, MIPS and the Visual Quick Code - anyone here use one of them ? And just what exactly is the difference between them ?

This mill can be setup to run on 1 phase power instead of 3 phase, anyone know if this affect performance in any way ?

If the chip conveyor option is not purchased, what would be the best way for an operator to remove chips from the machine ? (Shop Vac ? :)

There are two different floppy drive options - what is the difference ? Someone here mentioned that this floppy option is really now a jumpdrive/USB drive - is this true and if so is there any maximum size to the jump/USB drive which can be used ?

And another dumb question (sorry) - what exactly is 'spindle orientation' and how is it best used ?

Any other options I should seriously consider ? (like maybe buy some other machine :) ???

I really value the information I find here - all the guys are out to find the truth whatever it is - I sincerely appreciate any advice you guys can give me as this will be the biggest purchase I have ever made.

Thanks,
Matt

I have a TM-1 and have used a VF-3YT. I run my TM-1 on single phase and really tear into some material. I have no trouble at all. It is my understanding that the machine converts the power input to 320VDC but I am not 100% sure about that.

GET THE CHIP CONVEYOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have heard that the USB is standard now but this may not be so on the TM mills. MAKE SURE THAT YOU GET THE USB. Floppy is worthless in comparison. I have a floppy and 1M of memory and always am out of room.

Get rigid tapping and if you are going to do 3D work absolutly get Highspeed Machining. The difference is VERY noticible at feeds over 20IPM on 3D surfaces.

These are things that I have first hand experience with and your application will be one of the biggest factors in the options that you get. Is this machine for hobby use or business use? If it is for business use then anything that saves you time is cash in the bank.

> GET THE CHIP CONVEYOR!!!!!!!!!!!!

thats 100% true

Hi Matt, I'm considering the same machine for myself sometime in the future.
I have used both the IPS and visual quick code. IMHO I would get the IPS over the Visual...Its well worth the price. These aren't full blown programing systems but great for quick keyways,pockets, Bolt-hole patterns,etc. Haas has a great Calculator feature in the IPS for Trig and feed/speed calculations.

Get the chip conveyor..!!

Get the USB option. 3.5 floppy's will get you by but if your doing and serous programs the floppy wont cut it ( no pun intended)

Spindle orientation ( M19) This would be used if you wanted to perform a broaching operation. Its one of those options that you may go years without using but I would get it

Like AMCTony said I would get the rigid tap and possibly the high speed machining opp. I would also consider a 4th or 5th axis prewire

One very cool feature about Haas is some options can be purchased by simply entering a custom code into the control. Some options like Rigid-tap
(I think) and Macros come with a free 200 hour trial

Best of luck and keep us posted :D


Brian

AMC Tony, are you running on 1 phase at home ?


Brian

Matt, I just bought a TM2. I love it. I think getting some of these options greatly depends on your budget. I skipped the USB/floppy drive. I just hook up my notebook computer. Minor hassle with cabling but saved $. I think the USB option came with a different screen size also. I would run on 3 phase if available machine will use less electricity. I was told no difference in machine performance also but I don't know first hand. I don't know anything about probing. All of the options like spindle orientation, rigid tapping, etc can be turned on for a 200 hr test drive at no charge to you after you get the machine. I would get the chip guard to keep coolant where it belongs, way covers, coolant pump. I didn't know this macine came with a chip conveyor. I do use a shop vac in mine. It a pain in the butt but thats what I doought my machine. Most of the options can be added after delivery of the machine so if $ is a worry now upgrade down the road. Tim

Tim, is the TM2 available enclosed ?

They have a chip/coolant guard that mounts to the table ($729). I don't know how good it works, I didn't buy it. I do alot of large plates so I figured the guard would be in the way and I didn't know how easily it monted.. I presently have a couple of piece of lexan mounted to the table to keep coolant where it belongs. I eventually plan on mounting these with magnets for easy on/off mounting. As I said I was on a very tight budget when I bought the machine.

One thing that did annoy me about the machine was the chip trays are not sealed very well the the machine. Coolant dripped everywhere when I first got the machine. I pulled them all off and resealed. It helped but I still a few small drips

The USB drive connection is $3,000 without any drive just the USB port. I can't see paying that much. Run an RS232 line and you're cooking with gas!

I'm not a job shop - so I don't need to be setting up all new designs all the time - and speed of production is not as critical as quality and the ability to make changes to my designs efficiently. I work mostly in steel and have a number of designs I hope to be able to sell, but the Haas would have to wait till there was enough demand to justify moving to a bigger machine (bigger for me, small for most I suppose :) ) I think I would probably skip the USB and the FDD too - the goal is to just get data to the machine - a cable is actually
a better solution anyways.

BTomlinson : I'm confused, I thought the MIPS and the Visual Quick Code system were both probing systems, for probing work and tool offsets. What else do these do ? Doesn't the general Quick Code language ( that allows for bolt hole drilling, pockets, etc.) come standard on the mill ?

I don't do 3D stuff, so HSM isn't for me, neither is extra memory since our programs are pretty simple (just thinking out loud here) - Rigid Tapping is a yes, as is spindle orientation (anyone know how many degrees the spindle can be moved with this option ?) seems like S.O. would be VERY useful if you did ANY angle work at all (and we do). Fourth axis would be nice, but other things would take priority so I don't think that would fit under the budget. I've read about the power failure option elsewhere here and isn't worth the money for me.

It seems to me the best strategy for buying a Haas is to concentrate on adding the 'physical' options first and then the options that are turned on with a code could be added after the 200 hours are up. A basic question - I've seen conflicting reports that the 200 hours period is based on either machine powered on time or is it based on the hours that the option code is enabled ? Anyone have first hand experience in how this works ? Seems like some of the options 200 hours could last quite a long time if you don't use them very often.

I'm mostly interested in the 1P because of the enclosure and having the tool changer as standard. If we go with the stategy outlined above, seems like the coolant kit and the chip conveyor would be at the top of the list - $2000 buys a lot of shop vac time tho - I'd have to think about it ...

Which leaves: Coordinate Rotation & Scaling, Macros, and the spare M functions - any opinions on these ? Anyone using them ?

So this means 33.7K or 35.7k out the door (and pay for the other stuff later :) )

Last thing - I've looked at some other machines like the Sharp 2412 and the Hurco VM-1 all in the same price range, anyone else think these are a better buy ? Seems to me the Haas has a bigger table and better service options (but not as good of a warranty). And anyone know if Haas will be coming out with enclosed versions of the TM-3 or TM-4 (that would be nice).

Thanks again for all the help and advice everyone - much appreciated.

Im Running 1 phase at an industrial building in Yuma, AZ. This is the only place that I have ever been that the industrial buildings were ALL setup with 1 phase only. There is 3 phase at the road but it is cheaper to buy a CNC qualified add a phase than to have the power company run it in. As for the 200 hours. I was able to get 2 years out of it by turning it on only when I needed it and then turning it off as soon as I was finished.

Spare M functions would be very usefull if you are a tech automation geek. If you are you will definitly find use for them :)

I Own Three Haas Maching Centers.
Have Always Been Pleased

Ruptain

Machining - Sorry Not Enough Caffiene This Morning

061211-1204 EST USA

Zeekh:

Why do you think the power consumption will be much greater on single phase?

All the servos and spindle run from the 320 VDC bus. This is a bank of capacitors fed from some diodes, more in the case of three phase. There may be a small difference in the diode power loss and peak current IR losses between three phase and single, but this is going to be small compared power used for cutting.

The remaining motors that run directly from the line are not high power devices and any efficiency is not a big factor.

However, I would favor three phase, but not because of any difference in power consumption.


kochevnik:

One of greatest features of HAAS is the simplicity of using the control panel.

Spindle orientation is probably a part of rigid tapping.

For what function do you want to use probing? Probing will require macros.

Ultimately you want macros, and scaling and rotation are useful. I use macros all the time for my tool change routine. I also use macros to allow use of a single variable to control how many parts are run from one piece of stock. If you want to output data, then macros are required to get DPRNT capability.

Why not consider a VF series?

If you run RS232 from a distance, then consider my I232 Isolation System. See www.beta-a2.com .

.

I think you need to orient the spindle (m19) to do a tool change using the automatic tool changer.

M19 spindle orient - Allows you to rate the spinde in full degrees using the "P" command. For example "M19 P270;" using an "R" command you can position the spindle to 4 decimal places. For example "M19 R270.1243;"

The object is what the hell can you use this for? In a mill you can use the spindle to rotate to a known location, shift over in X, then exit the hole with a boreing head. Another option would be to broach. I have never tried that on a haas. I have seen it done on Moris quite frequently. I'm not sure the haas has much spindle holding torque to use it like a shaper. The Mori in question did not either. A pin and guide bushing was used to stop deflection.

You do not need to pay for spindle orient to make the tool changer work. It will use M19 orientation, but you don't have to pay for that extra feature if you dont need it. I have not tried it on our mill yet but you also should not need spindle orient to locate the spindle out of a boreing operation. You can press the key on the keypad that says "orient" and it should regardless if you pay for M19 spindle orientation. The differance is it will not respond to a "R" or "P" command.

If you had a lathe spindle orientation becomes more valuable. Like to orient a 3 jaw chuck to bar feed hex with a haas servo bar feeder. Or used in combination with a hydraulic spindle brake to position and hold for live tooling drilling if you do not have the "Full C axis"


Another option is this, have any of you used the ZIP drive option? Its not really an option so much as you just have to plug it in. At least that is how I remember reading about it in a HS-1 horizontal manual. Its setting 134 I think and you must use the lower of the two rear parallel ports. I seem to recall it working only with old iomega 100mb products. Im not 100% on this but hell you could score an old zip drive for lunch money and try it. I cant seem to find it in the new manual. Are they pusing the HDD/Enet too hard to let this gem out?

Phil

Well, ok I am an idiot, I did not understand spindle orientation at all. So is there some marker on the spindle that indicate 0 degrees ? Then if you were going to use this with a tool changer and a boring bar, you must have to make sure the spindle orients back to some same degree each time it drops off the boring bar in the tool changer so you know which way the bar is pointed ? Or am I still not understanding this correctly ? (I thought SO meant the spindle head would actually TILT to some degree :withstupi )

As for why not a VF - that's easy $$$$$ I have a budget (and a wife :) ). and it's about $35K (not the wife - the budget :) )

Gar - can you explain how you use macros in a toolchanging routine ? Can't wrap my head around that one :) (and thanks for the link - I'll save it for later).

The main reason for my using probing would be setting tool and work offsets, that's about it.

Looks like SO is not so useful as I thought.

Well, ok I am an idiot, I did not understand spindle orientation at all. So is there some marker on the spindle that indicate 0 degrees ? Then if you were going to use this with a tool changer and a boring bar, you must have to make sure the spindle orients back to some same degree each time it drops off the boring bar in the tool changer so you know which way the bar is pointed ? Or am I still not understanding this correctly ?

Each time the tool changer swaps tool regardless what type of haas changer you have. The machine stops the spindle, then commands a spindle orient. This makes the tool rotate so that the drive dogs of the spindle are always facing in the same direction. With the drive dogs safely facing in a known direction the tool changer can now grab the tool and swap it with another. This index of orientation for tool changing is at 0 degrees. Think if you looked up into the spindle nose and there were a degree wheel around it. When you pay for M19 spindle orientation you may command a position other than 0 for uses other than changeing out a tool. It will still index to the normal location for tool changes. If you have a boring head in the spindle you can operate the changer just as it normally would. The special use is this:

Let us say you have just bored a hole. The bar is at the bottom of the hole and the spindle is running. You stop the spindle motor with the M05 command. The spindle stops and the bar is at a random angle in relation to the 360° full rotation of the spindle. Now you command a M19. The spindle will orient to 0° tool change position. Let us say with you facing the machine the tip of the tool is facing to the left. You can now command the machine to move right X+ like this. G00 G91 X.05. At rapid rate in incremental the machine will move right 0.050". Now you can retract the tool from the bore with out dragging the tool tip over your nice shiny finish. If you set it up as described the tool will always orient facing left and your right move will put it out of harms way every time. When you want to change tool you command it just like any other. It orients again but it is of no consequence to you. You don't have to pay for spindle orientation to make this work. Spindle orientation just makes that easier.





(I thought SO meant the spindle head would actually TILT to some degree :withstupi )


Negative. The smallest machine I am aware of with a tilting head is the VR-8 starting out at $250,000





The main reason for my using probing would be setting tool and work offsets, that's about it.

Looks like SO is not so useful as I thought.

Probing is super neat. You can run lights out and have the machine check tools. You can do part inspection with the probe and print it out the parallel port. You can store probed data and remachine to meet tolerance all while you sit back and sip a cool drink. After of course you spend countless hours setting all this up. This is all fun but doesn't answer your question. Probing is cool, visual quick code makes probe cycle writing very easy for simple tasks, but its still expensive. I would skip the probe for now. You can always add it later. Save that money and spend it on tool holders and tooling. That stuff is wicked expensive and you have to have it. Spending money on tooling sucks but good tooling solves lots of headaches.

Phil

Phil : that's a very good point about the tooling - I had forgotten that (altho I know I shouldn't have).

For something like the TM-1P with the Cat 40, for the best toolholders, what would you recommend (anyone else feel free to chip in here too). How about a) if money were no object and b) a real world - who has the best tooling for a fair price kind of answer.

Thanks,
Matt

I bought a TM-1, single phase, for light industrial/very, very serious hobby work. It is not what I would consider a heavy metal removal machine, and vibrates quite badly in heavy cuts, so I would not have thought a chip conveyer option to be paramount. I hose it down with a tap into the coolant line, which brings the chips to the fore, wait till it drains down (synthetic coolant is so expensive) and use a small plastic spade to muck out the following day when the chips have dried. If you are making serious chips, then you are probably going to want the faster rapid rates (the TM-1 is 200IPM maximum) and rigidity of the VF series.

The coolant pump and tank for the TM-1 is very small. As I had a Graymills pump unit someone gave me, I built my own tank holding about twenty gallons, sitting under the left-hand side of the machine. The main problem is lack of vertical height under the front apron; you are limited to a tank about ten inches high, less if you build in some swarf/sediment traps and cascades into the tank, and have a ½” ground clearance so you can roll the tank out on casters. The coolant pump option includes two simple wiring harnesses to patch the power supply into the control, but if you are clever and ask the right people, you can get a schematic, and with $5 worth of plug connectors from Digikey, make your own. Of course, this will void your very short six month warranty.

And it is true; it will leak like the Exxon Valdez. First thing is to take the chip tray off the front and smear a film of silicone across the front of the Y-axis bed casting. The side aprons either side have a lip and they drain o.k. I have seen other TM-1 with an external bead of silicone applied in the same place, but this looks tacky. If you do it when the machine is new and clean, it is far neater to apply the sealant under the sheet metal (and more pleasant to take apart and assemble, about twenty minutes max.) Also it will stick better! While you are at it, apply a neat bead along the joint between the vertical back walls and the side aprons, as the coolant running down the wall wick back under this joint (despite the foam sealing strip), runs to the inside corner, and drools down the base casting. In this same corner you will see a hole for the Y-axis way covers to slide into, below it to the side you will also see a ¼” slot open for coolant to escape; caulk it. Unfortunately there is nothing to direct coolant back from these ‘tunnels’ for the Y-axis way covers, but then not a lot of coolant gets back there and they have not been a source of leakage. This is surprising as they are not sealed by any stretch of the imagination.

The way covers are an expensive option for what you get and the front ones might need a little ‘adjustment’ by the end user, but I thought it was important to have. Yes the linear guide bearing packs have seals, and I have seen other TM-1 and Mycenters running without covers for years, but my feeling is the less crud that gets to the guide ways, the better it is for the machine. Probably psychological, but I sleep better (though poorer?) at night.

Not seen any problem running mine on single-phase, but then I have never seen the load meter above 40% for the work I do. As mentioned by others, the drives and spindle are all converted to other voltages/DC anyway. With three-phase I think you can wire it up with lighter cable, as the amperage will be lower?

Rigid tap is one of the few Haas options not ridiculously overpriced. And yes, it is one of those option built in, unlocked by an encrypted parameter. So you can add it at any time in future. I have not used mine yet, but have used it on several Matsura machining centers, and it is definitely worth it. Though as I recall, on the Matsura (Yasnac controls, Fanuc clones) one just entered the speed and lead, and it figured out the corresponding feed rate, very simple. With Haas, you have to enter the speed and feed to generate the desired lead, a little more bother and you have to recalculate if you want to alter your SFM. The Matsura would not rigid tap below a spindle speed of 2000 rpm, which raised a few eyebrows at first. I forget if the Haas has a lower threshold, and if so this could be a problem with larger taps not being able to run slow enough. Mostly we were tapping with 1/4" and under, so no problem. You have not lived till you have tapped at 4K, it is a spectacle to behold! I am looking forward to see how well the Haas does it. Never had a tap break with rigid tapping in the past except when the drill left out the hole. I have, however, broken many taps with floating tap holders on older mills without rigid tapping, I would never go back. Watch out for torque limiting tap holders meant for manual machines, they are a license to crush taps in CNC machines when the clutch slips but the mill continues to feed!

I do some 3D contour milling (replicating small old forgings from billet) and at the feed rates you can push a TM-1, I do not see high speed milling option as mandatory. If you were doing mold work, where you had several finishing passes with 0.001” step over with very light material removal, then I could see the point to it. There you feed rate can be rather high, indeed it needs to be if you want the job to finish within your lifetime! Since I am doing limited runs of parts, it is more acceptable to me to post-op finish the part with a little sanding or sand blasting. If you hate hand finishing, you might want to reassess your requirements.

I did not go for the USB option, as it was bundled in with the Ethernet package for $3K. And once networked, why do you really need USB? And a floppy drive for $200, get real! So I took a cheap pill and just use an old discarded laptop and the RS-232 port and some G-code transfer software like the shareware version of CodeShark Lite. It works just fine. I do use a USB between the laptop (which lives in the bottom drawer of the toolbox) and the desktop where I do the CAM. Of course I could network those two, but just never bothered. Perhaps again, if I were doing large 3D contour milling programs, the convenience of networking the machine control would be nice, but then I would probably be upgrading the memory beyond standard too. So far, I have not even had a situation where I have had to ‘spoon feed’ the program into the control. The $3K I though better spent on new tool holders and a real quality vice.

A word on vises, do not use the venerable Kurt B40 or pattern vise on the TM-1. These vises have the nut that extends out the back of the vise body when closed, and if you have a z-axis way cover fitted, they will collide when the cover (head) is down. Without the cover, the actual guide way rails stop short of the table by several inches so it will clear. But it would be embarrassing to have your expensive way cover crushed by the vise when you programmed an extreme Y- move. Keep in mind with a Z axis way covers, you only have about 1-1/4” clearance off the back edge of the table. So watch your overhangs! I almost did this myself, and is a good way to test your angina.

My TM-1 came standard with IPS and QuickCode programming, which Haas calls conversational programming, but I call manually assisted programming, emphasis on manual. I very much liked the Hurco Ultimax conversational control, though I did not much like the premium price they still fetch to this day. I very much recommend it if someone else is paying the bill! But back to the Haas, my main objection is in having to jump back and forth between various screens as you compose various lines of code. Fluid it is not. O.k. for simple stuff, but if you learned G-code, then you will likely only use only the geometry calculation tools/aids. Anything more complicated and you will go right for your favorite CAM software.

The control is simple, but there are a lot of screens that it will take you some time to memorize the navigation of. Like most things, it seems a pain in the arse at first till the calluses develop.

You do not need probing to set tool or work offset. In fact, Haas provides some dedicated key buttons to capture machine position in the work and tool offset screens. If you are not exchanging tools between several mills, then you can just set your tool length off the work and leave your G54 as Z0, and use the negative tool offset method.

The “Spindle Orient” key, does indeed orient the spindle for the tool change, regardless if you have a tool changer fitted or not. It is also handy for locking the spindle to tighten or loosening keyless drill chucks, say to quickly chuck an indicator in the spindle and tram a part. I do not think it would be a good idea to use it to loosen/tighten collet chucks! :)

The basic TM-1 is a hell of a good value for the buck; you get a lot more for your money than what I saw offered from other manufactures, short of buying a knee type mill, CNC retrofit, or one of the small bench top mills. Keep in mind though that you are shopping at the low end of the market, and I do not mean that in a degrading sense, but the under $30K market. So they are unashamed at gouging you on the options to make up the difference. So choose wisely! Pity they jacked the price $2K last January (2006.) They have been selling like hotcakes, assume they may have another price rise in mind this January. You might want to make your decision soon and get your order in and confirmed prior to Dec 31st. You could ask the sales rep about this, but then it is not something they tend to announce in advance. I found out the hard way by procrastinating.

Now, can anyone tell me why BT40 spindle commands a $200 premium (at least in Haasland) over CAT40?

Doug

Wow !

Doug thanks for all the info.

I think it wouldn't be terribly hard to run a coolant line from a tank - Enco has some heavy duty pumps, and I know on my much much smaller mill I was able to set up a good flow rate just using a cheap submersible pump, some hose and some Loc-lines. Just a switch to turn the whole thing on and off.

I have been emailing the Haas guy at Selway Tool - I know someone here mentioned them awhile ago - he's had some interesting comments - like "don't buy this option because it's basically useless" which I think is a bit refreshing. There is an option which doesn't seem to be on the Haas website for an upgrade to a 15 inch monitor and a USB plug which goes for $2K a bit steep of course - anyone know the size of the standard monitor ?

Well, I've certainly learned a lot from this thread.

One last question, can anyone tell me if the standard Haas GCode allows for any variables at all ? I mean it must right ? Even TurboCNC allows for some 100 different variables. Or does Haas make you pay for them too ? I can't see how you could write any kind of efficient program without the use of variables of some kind (and by variables I mean in the sense they are used in any computer programming language - a temporary place to store a number so that it may be retrieved and used later).

Seems like this thread may have saved me a bunch of money (in the future) - maybe some other people too. Having gone thru all the options, the only one I can see that's worth the money might be rigid tapping and depending on the answer to my variables question above, Macros. Most everything Haas seems to offer can be found (or improvised) for a lot less money somewhere else.

k

The display screen on mine is 11" diagonal and not a particularly high resolution. Not heard of a 15" option, must be something new. The tool path simulation at the control is very basic/primitive, so you really do not need a big screen. The 11" screen is perfectly fine to display the operating conditions, enter data, etc. and has good contrast. Some of the 'at a glance' screens like the machine position, could have the characters larger to ease reading at a distance (like from over by the next machine.) There is a lot of empty screen space not being utilized on some of the displays.

There are three sets of variable tables, buried non-intuitively under the Current Commands screen/menu. They are accessible and writable (you can store values) with the standard control. The purchased macro option pertains to the ability to call those values in a sub routine (G65). But I have not had a chance to see if you can address those variables in a conventional program, i.e.: G0 X#100 Y#101... without going into a subroutine. I seem to recall we use to do this with the old Star swiss-turn lathes that had severely limited (and very expensive) memory. Also too, some of the Mazak mills, but they might have been purchased with all the bells and whistles turned on, without the operator knowing any different. Anyone care to test?

Macro programming might be nice if you are doing families of parts and you wanted to conserve control memory, or you wanted to make custom peck-drilling canned cycles. But with cheap CAM packages and low volume production, it is often easier to just re-post the program, dump the old one, and upload the new into memory. Not as efficient, but good robust macro programming code takes time to create, you have to have a need. So I thought about it, but decided it was not worth the extra money. I was already paying for a CAM system anyway, and tackle the problem from that end.

By the way, you do know you can download a copy of the TM-1 manual here:
http://www.haascnc.com/custserv_updates.asp#reference
It might answer some questions as to what the control can and can not do.

-Doug

The display screen on mine is 11" diagonal and not a particularly high resolution. Not heard of a 15" option, must be something new. The tool path simulation at the control is very basic/primitive, so you really do not need a big screen. The 11" screen is perfectly fine to display the operating conditions, enter data, etc. and has good contrast. Some of the 'at a glance' screens like the machine position, could have the characters larger to ease reading at a distance (like from over by the next machine.) There is a lot of empty screen space not being utilized on some of the displays.

There are three sets of variable tables, buried non-intuitively under the Current Commands screen/menu. They are accessible and writable (you can store values) with the standard control. The purchased macro option pertains to the ability to call those values in a sub routine (G65). But I have not had a chance to see if you can address those variables in a conventional program, i.e.: G0 X#100 Y#101... without going into a subroutine. I seem to recall we use to do this with the old Star swiss-turn lathes that had severely limited (and very expensive) memory. Also too, some of the Mazak mills, but they might have been purchased with all the bells and whistles turned on, without the operator knowing any different. Anyone care to test?

Macro programming might be nice if you are doing families of parts and you wanted to conserve control memory, or you wanted to make custom peck-drilling canned cycles. But with cheap CAM packages and low volume production, it is often easier to just re-post the program, dump the old one, and upload the new into memory. Not as efficient, but good robust macro programming code takes time to create, you have to have a need. So I thought about it, but decided it was not worth the extra money. I was already paying for a CAM system anyway, and tackle the problem from that end.

By the way, you do know you can download a copy of the TM-1 (and other Haas manuals) manual here:
http://www.haascnc.com/custserv_updates.asp#reference
It might answer some questions as to what the control can and can not do.

-Doug

One last question, can anyone tell me if the standard Haas GCode allows for any variables at all ? I mean it must right ? Even TurboCNC allows for some 100 different variables. Or does Haas make you pay for them too ? I can't see how you could write any kind of efficient program without the use of variables of some kind (and by variables I mean in the sense they are used in any computer programming language - a temporary place to store a number so that it may be retrieved and used later).



Negative on that one as well. Macros is an option. To be honest I know plenty of guys use them and talk about using them on this forum. They are handy, but for a home use machine you really don't need them. Can you give me an exaple in which you will need a macro cycle? If you are refering to something like a part counter the machine does that without the macros option. It will also G47 engrave without macros too. Advanced tool life management still works with no macros on the new controll.

And about the 15" monitor. There are two newer controls

http://www.itcm.co.jp/haas/contents/control/image/control.jpg
This control is not that old at all. It has an LCD and includes advanced tool life management. Which is prety handy. A good way to pick it out from the rest is the brushed stainless face.

There is also a BRAND new control that has a 15lcd that I can't even find a picture of. They released it new at IMTS this year. I will look into my IMTS pictures to see If I have one of it.

phil

Matt,
I currently have the TM-1P in my garage running on single phase. There's no difference from the Mini Mill I run at work. The chip auger is highly recommended. I go in all the time and scoop out the chips with my plastic dustpan, what a pain! You should also upgrade to the larger coolant tank. The one that comes with it is only a five gallon, I keep having to refill the tank, Arrg! I never use the floppy drive, I connect via RS232.
WARNING!!!
I've been using Haas for the last five years and they've been good to me. But the TM-1P in my garage was a true lemon. Anything that could go wrong did. It almost came down to returning the machine. I'm not trying to scare you away from buying a Haas but you need to address this problem with the salesman before buying. I think this problem only started when Haas is trying to sell 1,000 machines in a month. This shows you that the quality will go down the drain when the quantity goes up. My problems are as follows:

Leaks,leaks,leaks everywhere
spindle rattles
fine chips gets up and into the drive belt
bad software, had to re load last years software for it to work
doors was twiked
could not overide door switch

Everything was taken care of, but I went through a lot of stress and a lot of time lost from work to be at the machine while it's being fixed. Kinda lost hopes with Haas.
TMT

MIPS is Marposs Inductive Probe for Intuitive Programing System (IPS)
MWIPS is Marposs wireless probe macros for IPS
RENIPS is Renishaw wireless probe macros for IPS plus VQC for probing
VQCPS is Visual Quick Code Probing System (Renishaw wired table probe)(Old Style, before IPS, but very good as well)

The Newest Probing packages you can set your tool and part offsets thru IPS. Thats basically the only difference. Basically walks you thru it. Some people like IPS and Some don't. You can choose either Renishaw or Marposs.

VQC is Visual Quick Code. Just another program to assist with making a program.

Quick Code is again another program to assist with making a program.

Hopefully this helps.