Where Do I Start?

[BillTheStud]

I am a machinist with 20+ years experiance. I have been running and editting G and M code programs for at least 10 years. I would like to learn mastercam to improve my marketability, and open the door to an office position when Im ready to move off the floor.

I would really like to start by familiarizing myself with the program, but there are many different versions, and many places to spend money; I want to spend wisely, if necessary.

 

Thank you for your time and help, in advance,   Bill

[Guest]

With zero Mastercam knowledge, I would suggest you contact the local reseller out your way

 

http://www.mcamnw.com/

 

Get yourself some live training to start.......then you can use the books and videos to enhance your skills.....

 

There is a Home Learning Edition available on this site......for download, I would always say when it comes to which version, use the latest publicly available

[BrianP.]

I am a machinist with 20+ years experiance. I have been running and editting G and M code programs for at least 10 years. I would like to learn mastercam to improve my marketability, and open the door to an office position when Im ready to move off the floor.

I would really like to start by familiarizing myself with the program, but there are many different versions, and many places to spend money; I want to spend wisely, if necessary.

 

Thank you for your time and help, in advance,   Bill

 

 

With zero Mastercam knowledge, I would suggest you contact the local reseller out your way

 

http://www.mcamnw.com/

 

Get yourself some live training to start.......then you can use the books and videos to enhance your skills.....

 

There is a Home Learning Edition available on this site......for download, I would always say when it comes to which version, use the latest publicly available

 

 

I was the exact same as what you describe. The only thing I did different was I went straight to the book. If you step through it from step one you will learn a ton. But JP is right on the training. I did some free tech classes and learned a few things thet were not self evident to some one starting out. Those things made life much easier. Nothing like getting tips from those who know. Good luck.

[ScottBro4]

Getting a version with a basic Mill and Turn would be a good start. it will really depend on the type of work and machines you have. When and if you contact your local reseller, ask them about MastercamU. MastercamU is an online training course and is a very good starting point and covers a wide variety of Mastercam features walking you through step by step with verbal instruction. Any other questions just ask. Good luck.

[Tomarik]

I was thrown into programming and operating a CNC lathe when our operator quit suddenly. I had my Boss buy me the one of the entry level Emastercam books. It wasn't good at answering questions or giving examples of alternative ways to program. But I completed the entire course twice and by the end I felt very comfortable doing basic projects.

 

To further my experience I moved onto the "professional" level series Emastercam book. It had a lot of similar projects, but it was much more in depth as to what all the settings found in Mastercam do. After completing this book twice I moved onto finding and modeling any engineer drawings I could get my hands on. I've been working on programming light sabers recently.

 

So I would be wary of spending a lot of money on courses. I've become a decent programmer after a year and we only spent $140 total on books.

[THEE THAINZ™]

See if your employer will step up and get you the online tutor course offered here. The cost for 6 month or a years really is not that bad and should be tax deductible for them.

[Thad]

I've become a decent programmer after a year and we only spent $140 total on books.

 

I'd leave the judging up to those (skilled people) around you. Typically, people think they are better than what the really are.