MasterCam Bible?

[James T Kirk]

Hello!

 

I have been offered a job opportunity if I can learn how to use MasterCam X4.

I've already ordered the MasterCam X4 Beginner Training Tutorials book, but I was wondering.

As a person totally new to CAD/CAM is there a MasterCam bible?

The one book (or books) that everyone starting out should own and read?

 

I have seen the books offered here in the store and believe that they would be a good start.

Would just like some input from greater minds than mine.

 

Basically, would just like to know what would be the best starting point to learn this program.

 

I have some programming knowledge and am computer fluent with hardware and software, but I am a total newbie to CAD/CAM and machining.

 

Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thank You.

[James T Kirk]

Oh, I think I should add that the job requires programing for a mill and a lathe.

[Leigh @ Kodiak]

I hate to be the one to break it to you, but if you are a total newbie to machining, learning how the software works is the least of your problems.

[gcode]

Don't know there is one available in your area, but I'd sign up for some classes at the local community college.

Diving right into both Cad/Cam and machining with no experience in either is going to be tough

[Webby]

While I agree that going from 0 to machinist overnight is going to be a tough feat (and the idea of local community college would likely get you there reasonably fast) if books are what you are looking for, I do have a couple of suggestions.

 

You have the beginner book which is a good place to start for getting a feel of the software.

 

You didn't specify how complex you need to get. If it's just basic 2D stuff then your goal is more attainable. If you're a visual learner and don't "have the time" to do a full college course, you could always pick up the Mastercam X4 Multimedia Bundle. You can read the description and decide for yourself but essentially this is 3 classes on Mill 2D, 3D and Lathe offered in a convenient, reasonably priced package. Will it get you machining tomorrow? Nope. But it would help you along the way.

 

The Handbook Volume 1 will give you some insight as to how and why things work the way they do (a nice compliment to the Beginner as it just gets you in and doing things within the software.)

 

Finally, the CNC Programming Handbook takes a step back from Mastercam and focuses on the generalities of CNC machining. The author, Peter Smid, also writes a title (for Mastercam X3) that details virtually every menu option within Mastercam. It's a shame it hasn't been updated since - but much is still relevant.

 

As others have cautioned, learning from a book/video/etc. will only take you so far. The best bet would be to get some hands-on time with a machine with a trained instructor.

[Chris Rizzo]

You can start right now here, streamingteacher, also provided is the home learning edition. Version 9 thru x5, including lathe.

[Philcott]

You might want to get a copy of the machinist handbook too.

 

Good luck.

[Justin Beebe at Folsom Tool]

Streaming Teacher is a great learning tool for beginners and advanced users.