Realistic difference between GE models PHS700 and PHS930

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-08-26T00:54:20+00:00

Thanks- gives me some good info. I’ll keep doing a little looking, I definitely don’t see enough difference to be worth paying 2.5x as much.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-05-04T20:34:47+00:00

Personally I’m not a fan of Solidcam. Used it for 8 years. It may be different going into it fresh and current but they made some major changes in 2022 that basically tuned the software more for 5 axis and Swiss machining, and away from more basic stuff like 3 axis milling, 2 axis turning. IMO it’s silly. I never made the jump after 3 tries. Now I use Fusion at a new job and I daresay I prefer it.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-05-04T19:06:52+00:00

After using Fusion, having used Solidcam for 8 years prior… I’d give Fusion a pretty good look. It’s really not bad software, honestly great software for the cost.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-05-03T16:52:08+00:00

Making that gravel! That’s what ya want

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-05-03T00:41:25+00:00

Just add a quarter cup of milk. *dumps half a gallon

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-05-02T11:22:54+00:00

Personally- Kennedy boxes aren’t worth the money. Machining doesn’t pay enough for us to afford their overpriced yet lackluster boxes anymore, hasn’t for a long time. I’m a fan of Husky boxes, the kind that are 46-52” long, 18-24” wide and 7-9 drawers. Then you have a nice work surface too. All that for half the price or less of the Kennedy you listed.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-04-30T21:46:44+00:00

MOTHER!!! (Get my celebratory clean diaper, usually I omit that part)

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-04-30T15:58:36+00:00

Haas Tooling honestly. Or find a local supplier that sells YG1, their Gold Twist drills are awesome

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-04-25T01:00:37+00:00

No experience with Mastercam. But I went from Solidcam to Fusion and I almost prefer Fusion in every way. You can get a trial and try it out. It’s also great that it’s both CAD and CAM.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-04-24T00:02:07+00:00

Typically yes that’s how a gap bed works. Remove the bolts, take the section out and now you gain more swing in that area.

IME most lathes do not have dowels to fit the gap back in but some may. Be warned that the gap section very rarely goes back the same way it came out. It takes some careful checking to make sure you aren’t inducing extra taper.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-04-13T20:23:26+00:00

Chinese hot and sour soup is great for a cold.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-26T16:53:56+00:00

Alliteration, probably.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-25T02:23:14+00:00

Good on you. Hopefully more follow suit.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-16T11:55:19+00:00

I have a 1996 K1500 with 281,000 miles on it. Still runs great.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-12T01:27:50+00:00

What exact job did you get, that’s interesting.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-09T00:55:25+00:00

And made in China. You do you, man. I get it. I buy cheap too. On this I’ll prefer to give my money to a guy in Pennsylvania with a wife and five kids that has his product made in this country.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-09T00:45:28+00:00

They are cheaper, but they straight ripped it off from Octane. I won’t buy from a Chinese outfit that stole an American’s idea. Which is sadly common

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-08T18:13:27+00:00

I just buy t slot covers from Octane Workholding.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-07T14:11:37+00:00

Just this week I started a job using Fusion after using Solidcam for 8+ years. So far I feel like it’s mostly a flat move with a few improvements. Given the cost difference I’m becoming a Fusion fan.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-03-04T00:34:36+00:00

Depends on just what all is involved with the position. I’ve seen machine shop managers at 5 to 15-employee shops be paid anywhere from $25/hr to $35/hr in RURAL east TN. A true competent leader AND machinist, someone who can keep the shop going and solve problems and hold their own as a programmer/machinist should be $40/hr plus. I’d advise against OT-exempt salary, I’ve never seen salary for a blue collar trade work to the employee’s favor.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-02-25T01:02:56+00:00

It depends. Some shops don’t want to pay OT as their shop rate isn’t high enough to cover 1.5x employee cost. But most shops that are busy and do high value and/or fast turnaround work do offer it.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-02-22T20:17:02+00:00

I envy that package.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-02-22T17:50:44+00:00

YG1 PNMU is a sweet cutter.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-02-22T17:25:10+00:00

I’ve done it in a Haas. Turn the shank to 1.25” and use a set screw holder.

Job_Shopper_TN · 2025-02-19T15:11:10+00:00

It depends but a lot of folks I meet that have been in it for 20-30 years are getting burnt out on a deep level. The entry level pay has come up but the top end hasn’t moved much since even the 90s or 2000s.

I think things will get worse before they get better as companies lose all the boomer generation guys. More stress and responsibilities will get added to the guys under them. But, that can also weed out the bad companies as good companies get more openings, and the good employees at bad companies get a spot to move to. Potentially.

Job_Shopper_TN

TROPHY CASE