KEVCAM What I was trying to acheive here was a solid body entity that acts like a tool boundary. Not to confuse stock to leave, that is controlled in the ops manager. When roughing out a part on the inside, mastercam will not accept geometry boundaries, so, you have to create the solid to stop the tool from unnecessarily going there. Please let me know if this works for you.

I'm no expert on 3d machining but have done a fair bit of roughing. Try this. Create edge curves and use the inside ones to squash to a different z level. offset this chain enough that your tool will go between this geometry and the part, taking in to account that you are leaving some stock on, so you'll be away from the part a little. Then create a solid extruding using this geometry. Then pick both solids when roughing out and you won't cut as much fresh air. e-mail me the file if you like, or have problems. You'll likely have to rough out the bottom of the pocket with out using this extra solid but can restrict the z moves and create an extra operation.Posting both together you'll get all the roughing done with the same program. [email protected] ------------------ L.K.White Premier Pattern Equipment Ltd Edmomton, AB.

Thanks Trevor, I'm sure glad it's not me thats losing it. ------------------ L.K.White Premier Pattern Equipment Ltd Edmomton, AB.

I have been using Mastercam for about 18 months now, currently using V8. I have tried to set up my operation defaults to save some time when creating toolpath. I have tried part way through a job and also as Dave said tried setting it up before I start a new file. Either way for some reason it is deciding what to let stick or not. Is anyone else having this problem. Primarily it's the Filter, Recut options that aren't listening. Thanks in Advance, Lee. K. White. Premier Pattern Equipment Ltd. Edmonton, AB.

I have had the MP.DLL error when posting. I had previously posted the same toolpath and then had to revise it. I found the fix for the problem was to reboot the computer. I am using win98. Lee. K. White. Premier Pattern Equipment Ltd. Edmonton, AB.

I work in the Patternmaking industry and all our work is one off stuff. I have been using Solids for about 18 months now and wouldn't want to use anything else. It is not suitable for really complex shapes but for most stuff it is a real boon. I wouldn't invest my money to do simple 2D work but if you need to do 3D stuff then it's the cats whiskers.

Hi, My name is Lee. I have been using mastercam for about a year now. I haven't taken the time yet to work with V8 but plan on doing this very soon. We work on mainly one off designs for patterns that are used in a sand casting foundry environment. We are using an older C.O.Porter wood router with three axis capabilities and are very pleased with the results so far acheived. We look forward to learning from this forum. ------------------ L.K.White