[BlueFin]

After test run, after test run, after test run, I have finally settled on a routine that works well for something I am making and here are a few of the first acceptable parts. 6061 aluminum bar stock and fixtured via a sub plate that sits high enough off the table for me to insert screws through the bottom. I can machine all 5 sides in one go, then just clamp it in the vice to do the front. This same part took me 6.5 hours on my Bridgeport, now the Tormach can do one in about 25 minutes.

In response to both my post in the ATC thread and Sniper's thread about un-attended machining, I am comfortable to leave this part run now on it's own, but, you need to watch out for the spindle cover latch. Mine has come open three times now from vibration 20 minutes into a part. The spindle motor will stop but the table keeps going! If your tool is in a pocket it will snap off or stall the stepper motors and wreck things. I filed the door latch down so I can rotate it more and get a better bite, have had no trouble since working on it.