Today I finished up all the programming for all the first operations on the four sets of parts I'm working on.
The sets of parts are very similar in shape, so I was very quickly able to copy and paste the toolpaths with a few minor modifications to get it all working correctly. I'm getting into a groove with the Haas Minimill setup and programming, where I'm making very few mistakes and gaining quite a bit of speed.
There are only two more operations per part that I need to work on, the fourth axis angles; for that, I will need to make a rotary and flat fixture plate to secure the pieces on. I'm a little nervous about using the fourth axis on the Haas Minimill as I'm not sure if it works the same as on the Pocket NC where I need only change the orientation of the toolpath for the machine to recognize and move to it automatically.
The current process for the first operation of each part is to cut the stock down to size from a more substantial bar, align it in the vice (put small markers using old carbide on the jaws) and tap it in place on the parallels, then set the machine running. I wasn't able to finish the last set of parts today but have the program finished so I can get those running first thing tomorrow morning.