I received my controller a few weeks ago and I have to say I absolutely love it! I haven’t had the time to setup my macro buttons yet but will do it next week.
On another note, I don’t know if others do this too, but when I have questions like feeds/speeds, etc., I’ve been relying on Copilot. Take it for what it’s worth, it’s is either bang-on or really off the mark. Knowing its strengths and weaknesses helps. I needed proper speeds/feeds for doing 3/4” cast acrylic, using O-Flute bits, and AVID CNC! It helps Copilot to know type of machine so the settings aren’t under performing, I guess. Anyway, it gave me proper settings and I had zero issues.
On the other hand, I thought it could help me use Python to set up a tool library for specific materials by copying Vectric’s existing tools. The problem is, Vectric has proprietary software which it couldn’t understand. It comes close to resolving or overcoming these issues but in the end it fails to import proper settings categorically. It was fun to try but it didn’t work.
I’ve tried this to, and it’s hit or miss. Your best bet is to get your head around chipload calculations (they are actually really easy) and go with a bit manufacturer that publishes good specs on their bits. For plastics I always had good luck with Onsrud when I was running production plastic work.
They have excellent data sheets on their bits, and they answer the phone when you call.
What can I say? I got lazy in my writing and didn’t explain things properly. I usually work backwards from that small range for chipload on what the manufacturer suggests. Copilot takes it information from the 5 or 6 top bit manufacturers for it’s information, from what it has told me. Regardless, most of the time I’m asking it to verify specs from the bit mfgr. for the tools that I have. I have lots of bits from IDC Woodcraft and use their app which has all the bit specs. I made sure to cross reference what Copilot gave me and it was accurate. Doubt if I will be doing much plastic work anymore but will look up Onsrud if I do. Thanks for the info.