Just got a Super VF2

[VWbmx]

I'm psyched!
We just got our Super VF2 the other day! Tomorrow it'll be wired up, then Haas tech's come in to set us up then we'll be running!!!

I'm rather excited cause this is this company's first CNC machine and I'm the #1 programer! Funny since I haven't done any programing since 2003. (I'll be quite rusty)

A few of questions.

1. Common problems with VF2's?
2. Coolant? We cut mostly 304 Stainless.
3. The local Haas guy recomended Bob CAD/CAM. Any good?

Here it is being passed threw the door by the riggers.

[kojack]

why did they pick it up with a chain to the table ?

That looks scary ...


Most of the Haas I have seen moved they just lift it with the forks ?

[Donkey Hotey]

No kidding. Who the heck decided to pick it up that way? That's not a new machine, is it? Haas won't be happy if they see that. They ain't supposed to be picked up like that: bottom only.

[slatern44]

I think I would take down that picture before one of the Haas factory people see that if that is a new machine. You could get a nice little warranty voided letter sent to you. I think you should check your machine before you worry about what you going to cut with it. Sorry.

[HuFlungDung]

Actually there are hoisting points, on top of the column and inside, on the base near the front of the machine. The holes are plugged with setscrew plugs. From that photo angle, it is difficult to tell where those front chains are hooked. It would be a shame if they didn't read the book, being professionals and all.

[Eagle View]

VWBMX

Take a stong look at SurfCam and Truemill feature. BobCad is a good inexpensive applications but you just got a really nice machine, don't handycap yourself with old technology. It like putting cheap tires on a race car.

Always a great day when you get a new machine.

Eagle

[Mr.Xtreme]

Congrats!
It is a great day when the new machine comes in. Like children on Xmas Day.
No real concerns here. We have ours almost 2 years now.
I myself would look elsewhere besides Bob Cad software.
Maybe Master Cam. We use a full synthetic coolant and we cut all Stainless everything all day long. in both our turning, and milling.
Some people say it leaves a residue. Yes it does, but so does the others. It is a clean smelling, looking coolant, no petro odor,good tool life, good operator acceptance, no dermititus (spelling?) conditions. Sump life were told is 18 mos or more. We are beyond the 18 months. Still good
We Keep the refract reading (Brix) at 5 3/4-6 and there is no "Bug" food for anything to grow in it. It works ok with Aluminum, and doesn't stain or etch imediately, but it will discolor aluminum if left over night on it wet.
Product name is 2449 PLUS made by CLC lubricants. A really good Company to deal with. I am not related in any way to them, just a Damn good product.

Good luck with your machine.

Paul

[DareBee]

Nice machine.
Please pass on BobCam.

[littlerob]

CONGRADULATIONS

We use MasterCam X we bought the maintinence package, which gives any and all updated versions (X3 now), and really good tech support. Robert

[DEAN]

Congrats on the machine, she is a beauty.
Take a good look at ONECNC.

[Geof]

Originally Posted by Donkey Hotey No kidding. Who the heck decided to pick it up that way? That's not a new machine, is it? Haas won't be happy if they see that. They ain't supposed to be picked up like that: bottom only.

As Hu says there are pick up points and looking at the pic they did it legit; Haas actually has a lift kit available for top lifting.

Picking up from a single hook is not really practical because the hook needs to be about 13 feet above the machine in order for the chain spread to clear the sheet metal around the head.

The advantage to top lifting is that you do not have to put the machine down on blocks to get your forks out, and then spend a lot of fiddling getting it down off the blocks.

EDIT: If you have kept copies of the magazine Haas puts out back in 2003/2003 they had a picture showing a machine being lifted into location behind a house somewhere in Italy; hanging from a crane parked on a street running up a hill and being lowered into a driveway about 70' further down.

[Donkey Hotey]

I was going by instructions given to us at my 'day job' by the HFO. We had a new VF-4 and somebody asked for top lifting instructions. They forbid us to pick it up from the top (we had a 10 ton crane--rigging wasn't going to be a problem). "Fork only" was what they said.

I still learn something every day in here.