We have two thermwoods here and also my background is metal so in my opinion forget the slow slow slow(no offence starry). Get the proper tool and you'll rip through it with no problem. Espesually if its only a few holes in .03 aluminum. See if you have a Guhring rep in your area and look at a series 225. This tool is designed for aluminum and work very well and for 7 holes even if you need a little bit of coolant just use a spray bottle, it wouldn't take much if any. Feel free to email me if you want more specifics or have any other questions.

I'm not sure about that machine, but if you are working from the top plane but want to cut the side of a part. On the first page of your toolpath params you need to set your planes tab to top, right side, right side that should do it. (right side can be replaced with what ever side your tring to machine)

Hope this helps...

I agree with Terry...Using the Control Comp option works for both 2d and 3d contours. It drives the cutter on center and adds the G41 D(tool #) on all contours. What exactly are you tring to do?

Here is an even easier solution.... goto Create: Primitives: Create Cone and fill in the needed info.

Dare I ask what school this is, has the instructor not gone for any kind of training???

OK....here is the best walk through I can give you for now..

1)Create a circle (use dia of top of cone)

2)Create a second circle down in the Z (dia of bottom of cone)

3)Create a line to connect the two circles @ 90deg(3 o'clock)

4)Create swept surface

5)Single select the line joining the circles

6)Hit the check Mark Button

7)Single select either circle

That should do it...

As for the programming give it a try and see what questions you have after that...

Good Luck...

I agree with Charles, we use Robotmaster on an everyday basis and are having great success with it. We have a 6 axis motoman and write upwards of 10 programs a day with it. If you need any questions answered or are curious about our use of this software please feel free to contact me.

Any info on robotmaster your more than welcome to contact me. We use robotmaster ALOT!! and it is a fantastic tool if you have the application for it.

Question 1, I'm not to sure about because we have 360 in our B (in my case C)axis.

As for the second question though, I've found adding a force tool change on the paths that your having difficulty with retracts on. What this should do in bring the machine to its highest point in the Z and unwind itself then repostion over the next path. This seems to work for us quite well but I can't be sure if this will help you.

_________________

Derek

6 Seats

MC X2 MR2 Lv3 Lv5

Robotmaster

Solids

Solidworks 07

We are also currently looking for a high level CNC programmer. 3, 5 and 6 axis also using Robotmaster. Anyone interested in more info please email me...Thanks.

______________

Derek

6 seats

MC X2 MR2 Lv3 Lv5

Robotmaster

Solids

Solidworks 07