Thanks for the replies. I removed all the E callouts except for the first one at the start of the program and still had the same error. I think this error got me a few years back at another shop but I can't remember what the solution was. I guess I will have to send the code to the apps department. I'm a long way from Chattsworth Ca. I grew up in Ventura County about twenty minutes from Fadal, but now I'm in Pennsylvania. If anyone else out there had this error before let me know, I have a feeling the fix is something easy but I'm just overlooking it. Justin

Hello and thanks for taking the time to read this. I was trying to run a job on a Fadal 4020 today at work and I kept getting the following error message. Fixture offset must be applied with G0 or G1 at N226. The N226 line had the first arc move in the program, but there was no fixture offset callout on that line. I looked this error up in the Fadal manual but was still unable to correct the problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Justin

Thanks Thad, I'll look at the job setup page also. We just installed X2 on two computers, but during the transition period I'll be using V9 as well. Justin

Paul, Thanks. I'll try that out. Good to here from you. I'll check that email as well. Justin

I have two MC9 files one is for my first operation with WCS set to top and geometry created on levels 1 through 8. My next file is for my second operation bottom set to top for WCS and geometry created on levels 21 through 28. I have already completed all the toolpaths for both files. What I need to do is merge all the geometry from my second operation into my first operation and bring in the toolpaths for my second operation to a new operations group. So in the end I will end up with a single MC9 file. Is there an easy way to do this. I know how to merge the geometry but I'm hoping I do not have to redo the toolpaths. Hope this makes sense. I would appreciate any advice.

MillingMan, We just had a Mazak Integrex 5-axis mill/turn machine delivered last week. I'm not sure of the exact model but it's huge so it may use CAT50 tooling holders. I don't work in that department but I will talk to the lathe guys tommorrow and see what I can find out for you. I'm new to this company, but I know it is the third Mazak of this kind they have purchased and they are very pleased with them. I probably won't be able to give you any feedback until tommorrow night when I get off work because I'm too new to be surfing on the internet during work hours. Have a good one, Justin

Thad, Thanks a lot I really appreciate that. I just started a new job this week. When I get organized and setteled in I will shoot you a file to look at. It may be a while before they give me anything worth sending your way. Thanks again, Justin.

Thad, I was doing it that way for a while but I rarely have to make changes. Saving the solid in design with all the history at least gives me somethng to revert back to if I need to make a minor change. Sometimes I end up with a lot of 2d geometry when creating a solid depending on how complex it is. I don't know if this is normal because I kinda learned solids on my own and I don't know if I do things in the most efficient manner when it comes to creating solids. I may already have 2d geometry on twenty or thirty levels by the time I get done making the solid. Like I said I have no other cad system to compare it to. I will keep what you said in mind, I always appreciate what you have to say in this forum. Thanks, Justin

I have never used anything but Mastercam to draw so I really can't compare it to autocad. However I think drawing in mastercam has made me better at Mastercam in general. If import a file and need to create any extra geometry to program it for toolpaths etc. I can do it rather quickly no matter how complex it may be because I am very used to creating geometry in mastercam. That being said if I create a solid in Mastercam I always do it in design, save the part with history in case I need to make a change, then resave it as a parasolid or run the nohist.c-hook before I bring it into mill to program it. I think that all the solid history geometry just makes things confusing when I go to program a part. I not saying my way is best but It works for me. I am interested in learning a cad system so I can compare.

I create all my toolpath geometry on different levels and mainly use the solid to select depths for toolpaths.

Go to www.haascnc.com Then go to customer service, then technical forum, then "Ask The Question Man". They respond in about twenty-four hours for free. If you can't wait that long call them like Bill suggests. Until then blame the new guy.

Mike, I just did a test using open pocket. Under open pocket I did not select use open pocket cutting method. For cutting method I chose zig zag with finish pass dissabled. I did two depth cuts each going Z-.500. The cutter rapids back to the start point between the passes. Hope this helps Justin

Yeah, Maybe I'm too slow. Have a great Sunday.

John, Your too fast!

For your toolpath type don't select pocket. Select contour instead. On your contour parameters page under "contour type" select the drop down arrow and then select ramp. Under ramp select ramp motion "depth", and also check make pass at final depth. With a half inch endmill you will need two contour toolpaths. For one contour you will chain the outside of your slot for the other contour you will chain the inside of your slot. Make sure you are climb cutting for both chains. Also watch your lead in lead out settings to make sure you don't gouge your part. You can experiment with different settings under contour ramp until you get exactly what you are looking for. This is one way to do what you are looking for

Good point Degmc I've been afraid to push that button.

If undelete will not work I beleive you can close Mastercam without saving and when you open Mastercam again your operations will be there. You will lose whatever you've worked on since your last save but it beats losing all your operations. This is a something I would try only if you have no other options.

Mike, I used the V9 solids, and V9 mill tutorial books to get me started and they were both a great help to me. These guys in the forum have also been a great help. I thought I new a lot about Mastercam until I became a member of this forum. Now I realize I have much more to learn Like Hardmill said practice makes perfect.

Thanks for all the replies. I have always left mine at the default values .001 and .008 but was just wondering if changing the values would make the STL's more accuate. All you guys enjoy the Super Bowl.

Just curious what is everyone setting there tool tolerance and STL tolerance to when using verify. Thanks, Justin

That makes sense Dave. The method I described works great for starting in the center.

The best way I have found to control this is to place a point in the center of my pocket. Chain the point first then the pocket. Make sure spiral inside to outside is checked. Under entry-helix select helix, set minimum arc to 45% and maximum arc to 45%. Check center on entry point and use parallel spiral for pocket type. I also set z clearance to .05 and plunge angle to 1.5. This method works for me but I think circle mill will do the same thing. Like John said most of the time it does not matter where it starts.

Thanks again for all the replies. The only problem with the stub drill is that some of the holes are close to a 1.65 high wall. I will have to see if I have clearance or maybe use two drills. A stubby for most of the holes and a longer drill for the holes near the wall.

Thanks again everyone for all the advice. I am going to shoot for some 120 degree carbide spot drills and higher quality #40 drills. You guys have a great Christmas.

Eric I totally agree about the cheap tool issue. When this job is finished I will have to add everything up, lost time included and show my boss how much he didn't save us. The hardest part is getting him to take the risk of buying something a little more exspensive, but if I can show him how it is less exspensive in the longrun he will be all for it. I will look into that OSG VPH-GDS Thanks