Thanks for the info Roger. It seems to work okay. The only thing that I see is that it adds the words "MPFadal Sub Post" to the heading at the top of the options menu (on the left) and puts the word "Sub" next to "Backup".

I downloaded a V9 post for Fadals (from Cadcam's FTP site) that utilizes the Fadal format for subroutines. I've got it tweaked to output the code the way I like it. However, I am not sure if there is anything that may jump out and bite me down the road because it's a V9 post. Is anyone aware of any issues regarding backwards compatibility? Thanks.

Okay, I found the problem. Using the SURFACE>CONTOUR toolpath, I selected the surfaces I needed to cut and got the same error ("No cut found -- Check tool, cut depths, or roll tool at all edges") I went into the Cut Depths option on the Finish Contour Parameters page and changed my incremental cut depths from the default value of .010 to .001 because the feature is relatively small. Hit the OK button and regenerated the toolpath and voila! success.

I need your collective help (once again)! I am trying to surface the top profile of a part and am not getting the results I need. I can't accurately describe the features, so I placed the file on Cadcam's FTP server Click Here! I've tried FLOWLINE, CONTOUR, SCALLOP, etc. to no avail. I did an earlier version of the part, but it did not have the flat surface between the radii and the FLOWLINE toolpath worked in that instance. I've also checked the parameters to make sure that I'm not doing anything different. I know it's probably something simple but I don't do enough surfacing to keep sharp. Thanks in advance!

Thanks for posting your findings. If that ever happens to me, I'll try to remember to check the numbering first.

OTS -- We could be opening up a can of worms talking about what machines are best suited for maritime duty. We have our fair share of problems with the Fadals in our shop (and in previous shops I have been associated with), however, I've also seen and heard horror stories about other brands of machine tools. So anyway Gary, is the problem resolved? What was the root cause?

Good point Chris. I'm waiting to read Gary's response and solution.

IMHO -- It may be a control problem that can be remedied with a post adjustment. Try posting your XY coordinates on the line with your drill cycle callout and see if that helps.

Thanks for the feedback guys. :cheers Jack, the consistency of the goo was right up there with yogurt, so I guess I could've used a spoon.

I printed the list of hot keys and placed them in view so that I can reference them in case I have forgotten what they are. Using a combination of hot keys and the right-click options menu will allow you to zip through all of the mundane tasks.

How often do you guys do a complete change out of the coolant (regardless of brand or type)? We had only recently drained and refilled our sumps after running the coolant for about 12 months and this was only due to our company move. We use Blasocut 2000 and on one of our machines the coolant formed a thick greenish blue gel that was about an inch thick (even though our refractometer reading was at about 7 - 8%).

Hi Charles, If I read your post correctly, it sounds like you are saying that the costs incurred are in the form of support calls (FAQ's, How to..., etc.). I can understand that point of view, but, would it be fair to say that if a company (or private party) were allowed to purchase or acquire the Mastercam software but have to pay a fee to the local reseller for (any) support? It also sounds like we're talking about a license that is only valid for the original licensee and any license agreements/contracts become null and void in the event (say) the business ceases to exist.

There were many valid arguments being made in this thread. However, I'd like to voice my support for both James and Jay (Cadcam) as they have provided me with answers on several occasions. This forum IS a great resource for sharing ideas and advice. Each of us has knowledge and experience to share and having all of this knowledge bundled in one convenient place is truly a blessing (the Internet is a great thing). Now then, how about if we all started actually rating responses by the success of the advice given? Those who receive "x" amount of "Great Advice" tallies wear the "Guru" title under their user names. Otherwise, you're either a "New Member", "Member", or "Senior Member". Just my $.02. Have a nice weekend all! "It's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." — Abraham Lincoln

Unless you're only willing to discuss positive experiences, don't you think it would be unwise to rate or evaluate your MC dealer in an online forum where some dealers offer their advice "free-of-charge".

Unless you're only willing to discuss positive experiences, don't you think it would be unwise to rate or evaluate your MC dealer in an online forum where some dealers offer their advice "free-of-charge".

It sounds like a lot of red tape to transfer the user license for MC. Why all the confusion about whether CNC Software HAS to approve the sale or transfer? If the original owner has already paid for the seat and needs to liquidate assets, the price has already been paid for that particular seat. So why not just a transfer fee and you're done with the transaction? The new owner of the seat would still have to pay for upgrades and the previous owner does not have access to the seat. Right? Please enlighten me.

Joe, send me an e-mail and I'll try and help you out Norb

I respect the abilities of toolmakers, but I have also seen the prima donna attitudes that you talk about [especially the part about being just "button pushers" or not having the same skills "because the computer does all the work"]. We're talking about two different branches of the machinist trade and I can say that outside of the basic skills, the skills that set us apart are indeed different but should be respected as such. The prima donnas are searching for a means to lift their low-self esteem by resorting to an "I'm better than you because... " mentality.

My daughter turned 18 in February and graduated last month. She took a trip shortly after with a group of classmates to Puerto Vallarta (sp?) and when she got home she had pictures of her and her friends wearing beads around their neck a la Mardi Gras She says she didn't have to flash, but I'll see when the next edition of Girls Gone Wild goes on sale. All you can do is hope that you've taught them well as they grow up.

That's totally cool! I wonder if he engineered the track to take on specific stress loads (especially through the loop) or if he just built the track and tested it.

Slick, there were some previous threads regarding your inquiry, but it basically comes down to this -- you can purchase a CD that contains everything you would need to know regarding the post processor, you just have to know where to look. I purchased one from the reseller in my area and it was basically just a collection of PDF files -- not an interactive tutorial. (I just wish I could find it now ) Hope this answers your question.

Mario, I've tried looking through SCREEN, CONFIGURE and did not find anything on changing the font type and size for the Hardcopy caption. Maybe someone else has the answer.

I USE MY EARPLUGS TO HELP TOne it down

...check out this link .

Elad, why is your 8000 RPM spindle not capable of handling your engraving needs We sometimes use our 5000 RPM spindle to do engraving on O1 and A2 steels.