info/help/anything on Hl-1

[daxman77]

Hello everyone. My name is Dax, and this is my first post. Let me give you a brief history.

Less than a year ago, my company work out a deal with one of our suppliers (a small machine shop). We purchased the machines/tools and hired the machinist to train me (me having no real machining expierence). His job was to train me on the machines and the product that we manufacture. Well its been a nightmare ever since. The guy turned out to be a loser, that really didn't want to train me. He has been gone for about a couple of months. Luckily I got alot out of him, and I can run production on most of the parts we sale. but it has been one of the biggest challenges I have taken in my life.
The machines are:

Haas Hl-1 turning center
2-Sharp LMV vertical milling of variable speed ( 1 w/ accurite millpwr x/y axis cnc)
Sharp 1640 Engine Lathe
Old southbend lathe

I am somewhat confortable with everything but the Hl-1 turning center.
Does anyone have any first hand experience with this machine that might be able to help? or can anyone suggest a direction I should take in learning this machine or learning machining in general.

Thank you for your time.

Dax

[treg]

you got to learn machining and programing all at once! wow!! where are you located??? what are the products that you are manufacturing?? I can help you out best I can. just holler.

[daxman77]

Hey tred thanks for your reply.
The goal was to learn machining and programing at once. As of now Im using existing programs that were created by my so-called-mentor. Im located in the New England area. I havn't had much time to do anything (work is very demanding). When I do I will get more specific. Thank you again.

[coquina]

Hi dax,

I'm new here - I use Bobcad, they have training CD's so that you can learn the software step by step. Ask your employer if the software you use has training software.

As far as learning to be a machinist, that doesn't happen overnight. I grew up in my dad's shop, I learned from the older machinists. You need to understand how to make accurate setups and you need to know about how to calculate speeds and feeds based on the material you are cutting. The relationship to how fast the tool (or workpiece) is turning (speed) to linear progress (feed) is very important. Your HL-1 has a speed/feed calculator on the screen. Press the Help/Calc button and Page Up. You need to look up the proper surface feet for the material you are cutting, then fill in the blanks - it will tell you the proper speed and feed.
Coquina

[daxman77]

Thank you for the reply. My employer know's less about the equipment than I do (except how much he paid for the equipment). I work for a very dynamic company. I believe I should contact Haas for info on training CD's. Do you agree? Thanks again.

Dax

[HuFlungDung]

Why not go and take training at Haas? For someone like yourself who does not have the luxery of learning by experience on the job, I think a few days spent in CA would pay off in a big way.

No time to go? Don't believe it. If you drop dead tomorrow, your employer will have to make do without you. He can make do without you while you get trained.

[coquina]

Thank you for the reply. My employer know's less about the equipment than I do (except how much he paid for the equipment). I work for a very dynamic company. I believe I should contact Haas for info on training CD's. Do you agree? Thanks again.

Dax

That sounds reasonable. Is there a community college in your area? They often have classes in Machining Technology. Often you can take them at night. Maybe your boss will pay for them. It's a legitimate write-off for him.

Even if he won't it is a real good investment for you to make, because it will certainly lead to higher pay, if not where you are now, then somewhere else. Sometimes states have grants that will pay for someone to better their education. Check out your state's vocational education division.