Or you could buy a single point threading tool for $50 and keep the tool on hand to cut other odd threads later...

Go with the 3-phase machine, and a Rotary converter (Static converters don't work on CNC's). I run a 40HP rotary on my 3 axis mill and surface grinder and I can rigid tap with no trouble. I know a guy with the same converter running a Mitsubishi Wire EDM and several manual mills and grinders. It is important to always hook the the 3rd leg from the converter to the 3rd leg of the mill because the generated leg always has more voltage than the first or second and you can damage the electronics otherwise. You can spend more money to balance the voltage, but it isn't really neccesary. Check ebay for good deals. I got mine slightly used for only $500. You will need it rated at least twice your spindle, and higher is better if you plan on more machines later. also check deselectric for good prices on a new unit.

If it is, its going to replace those operation settings with the settings defined in the tool when you reselect the tool (or change the tool number). If you uncheck this option, I think it should leave the information as it was, but it won't automatically insert those settings if you create a new operation.

Do you have use tools depth peck coolant checked? If so, MC is overiding the settings from the tool definition.

When I left work last night SW was still crunching, but it crashed overnight. Thats a big file. I can try it again tonight if you dont get it by then.

Nils, I couldn't export your file as a Parasolid either. I think this may have to do with the fact that you model isn't water tight. I brought it into Solidworks as an Iges. I ran the import diagnosis and it found faulty faces and gaps. I am trying to let SW heal the model and if it works I'll send it back to ya. I'll keep ya posted.

can you save as Parasolid x_t ? I would try that if you can save it that way without solids.

+1 on good deals from Harbor Freight. While all piston compressors are loud, most of the noise comes from the air intake. I have a cheeper compressor and I ordered a better intake baffle/muffler. I worked at a shop once with a larger piston compressor and they used some tubing and small glass pack muffler for a car with good results.

Gibbs, With out Moldplus the best answer I have for you is to use a solid part file. Create Cover and Ejector blocks each on there own level from solids and do a Booleen remove to create your cavity blocks.

Matt I use mastercam for communications. At first I had a problem changing the comm settings when the override the "control definition communication settings" in system configuration was checked. Mastercam would not accept the change in baud rates for my different machines even though the setting screen looked correct. Uncheck the overide and it should work.

Also he will need to save it as version 13.1 (I think) or older to read in V9. File save as File type: Parasolid .x_t Options: Version 13.1

quote: made the spark plug slightly loose Probably not a good thing. You should use a thread restoration tap, not a thread cutting tap. Your class of fit is going to be loose and you'll risk poping out a spark-plug.

Robert, I got it to work corectly. In the Hole Wizard you select remove thread and then make your hole condition thru and select blind for your thread condition. I goofed it at first, I think the toggles are a little different than 2005. It wont give you a call out, but it wont look like a simple hole in the solid either.

Robert, I retried it and your right. I think this may have to do with Solidworks. I just updated to 2007, but I know that this worked properly on previous editions. In SW the part doesnt show a hidden silhouette representing the thread diameter like it used to.

When creating a model for the purpose of exporting it to Mastercam, I make sure that the threads are shallower than the hole. That way the imported model will show 2 diameters in for threaded holes. One being the tap drill diameter and the upper hole will be the major diameter.

quote: Graphical Toolpath Editor Id rather have a magic wand.

quote: I ramp them out all the time with endmills ...faster and cheaper then trying to use a Cbore tool Right On! I don't even own a set of C'Bores anymore. Sometimes when the hole is shallow I ramp that too, and skip the drill.

If the hole spacing is known you could write a program for a 1/4" carbide endill to circlemill the bushing .050" under the top of the plate. Then you can face the base plate without any interference.

Hi RCT welcome to the forum. I have only cut internal threads with X, but how it works is you have to select the outside diameter of the hole you want to thread. You may have to create an new circle equal to the thread you want to mill if you model only shows the minor diameter of the thread. .500 Dia for a 1/2-13 for example. The "Allowance (overcut)" you mentioned will allow you to adjust the fit of your threads as they will probably be too small the first time you cut them. Also I select a undefined tool and call out the outside diameter of my threadmill and use a good stream of coolant. Hope this helps.

Gears are one of the most difficult parts to mold. The best advice I can give you is to build the cavity steel safe (orbit your electrodes in a smaller radius or use stock to leave if cutting the impression). Measure your part in the gear checker and then make your adjustments according to your results. High precision gears are rarely molded within tolerance on the first sample.

I typically buy single point threadmills. They are cheeper than full form tools plus you can use it on any thread pitch.

you want to program a sinker EDM with Mastercam?????

Problems and solutions for Geforce Video cards have been brought up in the forum before. Try the link below or you can try a search in the forum. http://www.emastercam.com/cgi-bin/ultimate...ic;f=1;t=007272

You could use system restore in windows to go back to a point in time that your PC worked properly.

Does this work just to prename levels that you are going to use for drawing? I import assemblies as a Parasolid and I was wondering if there was a way to name the imported levels automatically? It would be nice to have a way of making a level name the same name as the part in the in the native file... Top Clamp Plate, A Cav, ETC. We Use V9 and I have no experience using c-hooks for anything. I would Appreciate any suggestions.