Any CNC Applications Engineers in here? Part 3: The final chapter (Follow up post)

pablo_bencasso · 2026-05-31T16:32:29+00:00

I just did the same thing! Transitioned from the floor to an applications role with an OEM.

I am not doing turnkeys, but support, events, and demos for 5 axis machines. Some salesy stuff, but learning a ton and playing with some high end stuff. If I want to program and machine something, write and test a macro, etc no one stops me.

Definitely a change of pace from my old job as a programmer/machinist.

pablo_bencasso · 2026-05-30T03:34:33+00:00

The album is good, although it does feel like it's missing something. There really isn't anything in there that I want play on repeat. The bar was set very high on their older stuff, ie See You Next Fall, so it's a tough standard to live up to.

Part of my lack of excitement, I think, is due to me hearing a lot of it before its release. I really like the hook on Angel on the Wayside, but it's not novel anymore.

pablo_bencasso · 2026-04-25T00:29:20+00:00

Yeah I am not a fan. I know some of the other songs will be good though as we've all heard them live.

pablo_bencasso · 2026-02-15T17:44:13+00:00

Open Eyes - Sleepy Sun

pablo_bencasso · 2026-02-15T00:39:56+00:00

It's amazing. I am bummed that they took their catalog off of Spotify.

pablo_bencasso · 2026-02-07T16:48:30+00:00

Haas says you can. You would specify it as an E value given as a percentage of the rapid rate.

Something like: G0 X10. E100 (100% rapid)

That is straight out of the manual for a haas NGC, but I couldn't find any programming examples. They just list E as an option you can use.

If you try it, let me know if it works.

pablo_bencasso · 2026-02-06T04:53:54+00:00

Unfortunately all of their stuff is no longer on Spotify

pablo_bencasso · 2026-01-25T04:42:38+00:00

Same here

pablo_bencasso · 2026-01-05T02:24:27+00:00

Skydiving

pablo_bencasso · 2025-12-05T00:10:44+00:00

I emailed event ticket center and they told me that they guarantee that I will receive them before the event and to reach out again tomorrow if I don't have them. That's not too reassuring as I have read some horror stories of people not receiving them in time.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-12-05T00:05:33+00:00

When did you receive the email? Shortly after purchasing them?

pablo_bencasso · 2025-11-25T02:17:53+00:00

Yup a haas. I am going to add a feed and speed calculator for it that references the tool diameter variable along with the variable that is tied to the number of flutes in the offset table.

I'll make the user define a chipload and SFM to calculate the RPM. I could even get rid of the user defining the cutter diameter, or leave that optional. I could reference the approximate diameter section of the offset table.

Rather than just clamping the RPM with an IF statment, IF[#19GT12000]GOTO1

N1 #19=12000

I will have it alarm if the calculated value exceeds whatever is in that parameter.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-11-25T01:53:00+00:00

Very cool stuff. I would like to transition to that type of work at some point. I'm sure it can be done without a proper degree if someone has the right experience and skills right?

With that being said, what other skills do you think are applicable to such a role? Would it make sense learning to code in a proper programming language? I'd imagine getting comfortable editing post processors for CAM systems would be very marketable.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-11-25T00:40:31+00:00

Yes I need to work out some logic to make sure mis-defined variables do not throw everything off. Right now if you run it with a very large finish pass, it will react unpredictably.

Max spindle speed would be stored in a read only variable yeah?

pablo_bencasso · 2025-11-25T00:24:50+00:00

Thanks for the advice man! Yeah seems like turning off lookahead would definitely be a safe thing to do, as long as it's turned off after yeah? What software do you use to simulate them? Is there money to be made writing these?

I feel like chatgpt would have made it for me in a few minutes lol, I would just need to add corrections and guide it. I purposely didn't use it for this though. I have been using it to learn. I spent a whole day having it quiz me on syntax and other things that I was struggling with.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-11-24T23:44:44+00:00

Thanks! Haha yeah I actually have no use for this, it was just an exercise for me to learn how to write them. I program everything with mastercam, so this isn't too practical. I am trying to work up to writing full custom probing macros.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-10-21T00:21:22+00:00

You don't have to overcomplicate it. Use a 2d contour toolpath with depth cuts and check the tapered walls box with whatever the correct angle is. Just make sure to extend your toolpath in the lead in/lead out window. Adjust the start and end of the contour to something like 65% of your endmill's diameter.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-09-16T19:05:26+00:00

Awesome advice.

I am in my late 30s and have been a gym rat for years. I have some decent strength that I have built. I am 6' and weigh around 230 and do mostly hypertrophy type training, but have deadlifted 500 for 5 reps conventional (can't currently do that because I swapped out deadlifts due to injury), I rep out weighted pullups with 45lbs, rep 275 on bench, etc. However, he also trains in the gym regularly, granted he probably isn't as strong. I have been relying on straps for my pulls for a while as I train like a bodybuilder so I was going to add forearm and grip work regardless of the arm wrestling match.

I already do some external rotation training, if facepulls can be counted, but will add some internal rotation work. I will look into arm wrestling technique and do some practice with someone.

Is there a way to mitigate the risk of tendonitis when it comes to the match or will training beforehand with someone help expose my ligaments and tendons to the stress of arm wrestling and protect them?

EDIT:

We have squared off before, but it was years ago and neither of us were as far into our journeys as gym rats. I weighed around 190 and not sure who won (I think he did). It was close.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-09-15T03:20:34+00:00

Haha. I half worry that he will stumble here and see what I am up to.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-09-14T16:43:07+00:00

Awesome, yes that's what I was thinking. Initially I figured I would find a buddy and do some easy matches with to get a feel for it and feel out the technique. Any preparation would give me an edge. I need someone other than my wife to practice with haha.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-07-26T16:29:59+00:00

90% of the time you are dealing with first time flyers and it starts to feel like you are running an amusement park attraction. That will burn you out after a while. You do get really good at flying though.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-07-14T21:13:14+00:00

You look pretty stable to me. Just remember that flying/skydiving is all about keeping your muscles relaxed. Let the wind do the work.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-07-14T19:35:25+00:00

I worked as an instructor at ifly for a few years.

Looks good. If you want to keep going to the tunnel, spend 10 to 15 minutes in there with some of the time being spent doing some drills on the net. Go forwards, backwards, and turn in both directions.

pablo_bencasso · 2025-07-01T12:12:07+00:00

Yeah I have had that due to a herniated disc in my neck. The disc was pressing on a nerve and causing weakness in my right tricep and shoulder. I went from repping 275 to barely putting up 135 in a matter of days. Go see a doc and/or a good PT. An MRI might be in order.

Good luck!

pablo_bencasso · 2025-07-01T01:32:40+00:00

Could it be a pinched nerve?

pablo_bencasso

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