I was kidding about SP2. My point is that it's such a joke, and has been such a joke. This "how do I know what version" thing is getting old. Why no clue? Is it that hard? I can't think of a piece of software that I have that I can't tell the version of. Almost ALWAYS from Help - About. What makes Mastercam so "special"? Just to add, why in the world would there be an update to an update? If SP1 didn't get it, how about SP2? Duh! Are they planning on a new maintenance program for updates to updates? Half price of real maintenance? I spent a few hours when Mastercam X came out, and gave up because of the mess. I waited for SP1, and didn't even install it because of the crap that it caused, and the lack of things it fixed. This is going by the forum, and what I read on it everyday. I still don't use it. I'll wait for SP2.2a or something like that. When I learn Mastercam X, I want to be sure that the problems are ME, not the software. It's a lot to learn, especailly with all the doubt. No wonder people cry bug. Very sincerely, I thank all of you that are sticking with it for all of the beta testing you are doing. Any other software maker would have sunk by now. CNC Software should kiss the xxxx of the many that have stuck with them, installed X, and stuck with it. It is YOU keeping them alive. Paul

quote: try this - then ramp up carbide 2 flute center cut endmill depth of cut .375 feed =25. plunge=6. speed=7000 Dude, don't do that! I agree with all of it except for the .375 DOC! Maybe it's me, but two flute carbide of that size in 7075 is going to snap right off in my opinion. Paul

quote: There should be some indication that the version has been modified??? You'd think so, but that would make too much sense. It's actually supposed to be a little game...Jokes on you! Actually, SP1 was just a joke. Stands for "silly prank 1". SP2 is going to be for real though. Should be out later this month. Just trying to keep it light because that's all I can do. I am embarrassed for them on this ever so messy release called X. Paul

http://www.zep.com/ProductCatalog/ProductB...&subSection=900

Yep, they're great. I am assuming you are talking about what are often referred to as USB Keys. I wouldn't call them a hard drive because they're not built like that. they are more like a memory stick. If you're talking about a USB key, get one. They work great. If by chance you are talking about a USB hard drive, go for a key if it has enough space on it. I keep one on my keychain. If you're going to do that, buy a good tough brand. Paul

nevermind...need to use the number pad. Very nice. I can use this a lot. Paul

John, Please explain to me in detail how you were able to get the degree sign in your post. I tried holding down alt, then typing 0176, but I don't think that's what you mean. I'm a computer guy, and feel real stupid not knowing this. Thanks, Paul

quote: Tiny? Them things are huge! Didn't want to waste the time of guys that injection mold lawn furniture! -Paul

Ignore the part tolerance on the print. All dimensions can be +/-.002 on the molded part.

I am in need of 100,000 - 250,000 tiny polycarbonate "cups". These cups are as basic as they come...basically it's a .218 diameter cup .100 tall with a .025 thick floor and .035 thick side walls. 1/2 degree draft on walls. Material would be Bayer's grade of Makrolon 2458. Anybody out there doing this type of molding interested in quoting this? You make the mold, run the parts, etc. Email me if you are interested. I can answer questions, and send a PDF of the part. Thanks, Paul McGarr [ 10-14-2005, 09:21 AM: Message edited by: Paul McGarr ]

AGP stands for accellerated grapgics port I believe. It replaced PCI cards because it was faster. Now there is PCI-E or PCI express. It all boils down to what your motherboard can take. If AGP is not your slot style, don't buy that card...it won't fit. Paul

FYI, grab it on Newegg for $299 after rebate. AGP interface though.

Ok guys...thanks. I am going to look into the nVidia Quadro FX line. They are expensive at first look so i'm going to have to do some begging to get a FX4400. I might also try the ATI fireGL first because it's cheap enough to throw away if it doesn't work out. Not that i'd actually chuck it. It'd work nice for me at home. Bullines, any issues with .net framework 2 beta and Mastercam X getting along? Just looking ahead to Visual Studio 2005. Thanks again, Paul

Yeah, I've seen that blurb on the website, but that's worthless. If I buy any old openGL compatible card, it'll surely crash. Why they don't put time into testing popular chipsets is beyond me. Kinglouie, thank you for your configuration. Safe to assume you are having no problems? Joe, I use Nvidia now...a quadro NVS 280 to be exact. I am running V9 though and am afraid that I will have troubles in "X". It seems to me that a graphics card is one of the most important components in system stability as far as X is concerned. All I am asking is for the company that created the software to recommend a card/driver combination. Is that really too much to ask? If they don't want to favor one brand, let us know of a few configs with different brand name hardware. Paul

bump...

I am going to buy a graphics card in preperation for running Version X when things smooth out a bit. Will somebody from CNC Software recommend a specific graphics card and driver version combination that will be bulletproof in Mastercam X? I'd like an exact model number and driver version so I don't have to worry. Thanks, Paul

Keep in mind that XZ and YZ arcs will go deeper than the Z value in the program. It may be that some of the programs mentioned here are smart enough to compensate for that. Just want to make sure you're aware of that. Paul

Dog eat dog is right. That's how we keep things fair. If I had widgets to sell, but they weren't selling because people didn't know how to store them, I would give away widget cases and everybody would buy my widgets...unless, of course, somebody was selling cheaper widgets, or better cases. I've never heard of the free programming thing, but I say "whatever works" as long as it's honest. Personally, I wouldn't dream of letting a tool salesman program for me. I have never dealt with a salesman that knew the tooling they were selling well. All textbook...no real world. Of course this is New England. I hear they're more knowledgeable out west. One more reason I wouldn't go for this is that they sell the carbide that is consumed by the programs. That's kind of like buying an engine for your car that was built by Mobile. Not a good idea. ...and Gibbs, c'mon. Paul

Yep. I too have maintenance, but still feel strongly that until a stable release is out there for everybody, a maintenance release shouldn't be available. Fix the problems before concentrating on product enhancments. At the very least, there should be a service pack distributed at the same time as a maintenance release. At this stage in the game it sounds dangerous and counterproductive to split the userbase into two versions...maintenance and non-maintenance. Just my opinion. Paul

quote: I think we're on the same page. The main point I was trying to get across (amongst my ramblings [big Grin] ) is that most "unconventional" methods will work if you're careful (have the clearance) and know the capabilities of the control. Figured that Thad...just didn't want to confuse haas guy. Paul

quote: I also thought the entry had to be at 90 deg to use cutter comp Controls respond to cutter compensation in many different ways. In some cases, the tool is not fully comped until the end of the command it was turned on in. For example, if you turn on cutter comp on a line, the machine will start cutting the line on the centerline of the tool and compensate during the cut. In this case, the tool isn't fully comp'd for until the end of the line. This would be 'worst case'. For me, because of this, I use an entry AND exit line AND arc on my toolpaths if cutter compensation is going to be used. It is absolutely safe, and absolutely tangent. I am running through this again because Thad's comment seemed to contradict what I was saying. It's probly just me misunderstanding his comment, but I just wanted to be clear. Paul

You CAN have tangent entry with wear comp. It's not wise to turn on cutter comp during an arc though. A lot of conrtols won't like that. Just make sure to use an entry/exit line AND arc. You will have tangent entry and wear comp with no extra geometry creation. Paul

Wear compensation all the way! For me, the biggest benefit is the ability to use cutter compensation in tight areas where you don't have room for 1/2 diameter cutter comp moves. I haven't seen a downside to using it over traditional cutter comp yet. Paul

Mark, You can have one drill cycle post longhand and the rest still use canned cycles. I am not positive about that, but pretty sure. If I am right, you can copy pchpbrk info to pmisc1 and set usecanmisc1 to 'no' instead of 'yes'. Then you can use misc1 as a cycle when you need longhand, special control. I don't think the rapids are going to be an issue in a chip break cycle. With acceleration and deceleration, I don't think you'll approach very high feeds at .005 retract. I'm a little unclear because I am not at work, and can't check. I think I am right, and will be glad to take a look on monday if it'd help. Paul

This is way off topic, but I am in need of an XYZ table that has the capability to understand g-code. I need approximately 8"x8"x2" (XYZ) travel. Stepper motors are fine, but quality and accuracy are important. I will also need at least 500 IPM on X and Y, and at least 100 IPM on Z. I don't need a spindle either. I will need a couple programmable inputs and outputs (12-24v) as well for controling a syringe pump for dispensing chemicals. Basically I need a baby CNC without a spindle. Is there anything quality out there for this purpose? I expect to spend around $10,000, but cheaper is better. Paul