What toolpath are you using? contour, circlemill? Is the lead in/lead out too big?

Could you put the SW file on the FTP site? How are you bringing the solid into MC?

I saw that in the crafstman club flier. It says it comes with it's own design package. It does look like it could be a nice toy for home use. (If it is all they claim it to be)

quote: A good machine is not cheap, a cheap machine is not good. If you are starting a business it might give a cheap machining option but the machine is a throw away with little residual value. I agree with John, You get what you pay for! Haas/Fadal machines are OK for the money,and great for someone that doesn't have 250K to spend on a top of the line machine. But like john said, they aren't made to last.If they were they would cost 250K!

I may be wrong, but isn't that the whole idea of having a Demo. If you want functionality spend some $$.

Had the same problem when I went to SW 2007. You need to re-register MastercamDirect.dll Do a search on solidworks 2007 it has been covered.

quote: my dream CAd/Cam software is Mastercam toolpaths running inside SolidWorks, but it will never happen +1000

My local reseller S4A offers a 2 day basic post editing class. I just took it on 11/13,11/14. Was very informative. I would recommend. CNC Software cancelled their last post editing class.(they told me it was due to lack of attendees )They said there next one would be some time in the spring.

+1 to gcode, 25 seats of 2007 here, with minimal problems. There is a SP2 out now.

No Problems here.Works fine.

I use MCDirect to import files directly into MC. This works good 99% of the time. However,I have had problems with parts that were mirrored in solidworks, sometimes MC loses features.( or it just roles them back on the feature tree) I have sent copies of the files to CNC Software. They admit there is a problem and say they are working on it. I have also had problems with parts that the engineers built in an assembly, MC tries to find relationships to other parts and crashes. One way around this is to open files as SLDPRT files. The problem with that is it does not bring in the feature tree. Which can be a pain in the A$$ if you need to suppress certain features. quote: Neither of them are meant to be a serious modeling package I Agree 100%, Solid Works is the way to go for designing. We looked at EdgeCam, and Camworks before selecting MC. They are all about the same price. Camworks seemed good, but it was not nearly as versatile as MC. Also, It seems like more people are using MC, so it should be easier to find people that are experienced programmers.

Hey Pete, How about sending Frank or Steve over to load that reseller copy?

quote: I run several Prototraks get post from reseller. My reseller said to use Generic Fanuc Post for a SX Protrak, We only did it once and it did take alot of tweaking to get it to run correctly.

Thanks, Thad, Lou

How do you change the font in OP Manager?

Left click on geometry, then right click in Geometry and add chain. I don't know if that is what you are looking for? Could you put it on the FTP?

I worked at a company that swore by ultrasonic stress relief for alum. we were required to rough out parts, then they were strapped to a ultrasonic steel table for a few hours. I actualy never noticed a difference,from just roughing unclamp then finishing. (but that's what the boss wanted)

We use SAP for purchasing, is that what you are lookig for?

I don't know the answer, but I have also gotten burned by this.

That's awesome, I really would like to get the basics down before I go messing around with our posts. I know this forum is a great place for post help, but I don't really know where to start and I am sure I could do some real damage. A little knowledge is dangerous( Atleast as far as I am concerned)

I was going to sign up for a 2 day basic post editing class at CNC Software in Tolland CT. on Oct.24,25.They said the class was cancelled due to lack of attendance. Is there anyone else in the CT,MA,NH area that is interested in taking this class?

I have had problems with MCDirect losing features of a solid. I was told by my reseller that it was a problem they have seen with MCDirect, they said it could be because I was running Solidworks 2005. I installed 2007 the other day and retried importing a solid with MCDirect- still losing features.

Leave it to cousin IT to mess it up!

Okuma is the way to go. The controls do take a while getting used to, as does any control your not used to. For durability they can't be beat. At my previous employer we ran the same okuma lathes 24/7 for the 10 years I was there -with minimal problems.( usually caused by operator) Though they did not have live tooling, that may be a whole different animal.

quote: Wow, that's a fast exit. +1000 It didn't even give a warning!