I downloaded the x8 sample files and its the same part but does not have the fixture/clamps and toolpaths are different.  If I download the .iso full install do I need to uninstall/reinstall mastercam?    whats the difference between the .zip and the .iso install

Thanks for the response.   Just to clarify I am referring to Mastercams machine simulation. I agree with you on it should be a no brainer. its just a matter of convincing management since they think if we didn't have it before we do not need it now. And I want to make sure I am recommending the right product.  I agree that 1 crash would pay for the software.  We are just doing basic milling /drilling on the machine so I am hoping that Mastercam machine simulation is enough and that I do not need something like Vericut.

no problem. I have never used the machine simulator so I was going to go thru the Tutorial that is available online to get a better understanding of it before I tried to customize anything. I just want to know where to find the  swarf.mcx-9 file is that is used in the tutorial.

we are getting an bridgemill with a right angle head that can index and change heads.  Is  machine simulation needed and/or worth the cost for this. how well does it work.  We have  no experience with anything other than 3 axis mills so It will be a small learning curve Im sure.   

Thanks

yes I did.  I even did a search on my computer for it and it was not found. I thought maybe it needed to be downloaded from some where. Example parts use to be included with installs but I am not sure if they still are or not. If they are listed in the help menu then I must be searching from the wrong thing. When I search tutorial it just says to go to mastercam.com for tutorials. and I could not find them online either or I am looking in the wrong spot.  Thanks

I was trying to do the tutorial on machine simulation in x9 and it says to open tutorial part swarf.mcx-9.

where do I find it.

I run multiple sessions of Mastercam all the time and copy geometry between them on a daily baisis

In MCfSW you can copy toolpaths between session ..  it would be nice if you could do that in

regular MC.. but I'm thinking that day will come.

how do you copy geometry between sessions?

I never had anything saved. we do not use them very often. Maybe  I just created it the way you said.    thanks.

how do I get dove mills in x8?  there is a filter button for them but Shows zero tools.   I am using the the big inch library.  Thanks

At the moment we are looking are Pioneer.  Appears to be very good quality and a reasonable price.  And they offer a very wide range of sizes and lengths.  Thanks for the help 

Go to 'View' pull down menu at top, View/toggle - solids Mangler

I am still not sure how I did that from my space mouse.  

Yes its X8.  there is a tab at the bottom to switch between and that is how I got it back after closing and reopening mastercam. but for some reason the toolpaths option was not shown.  Only said solids and MBD.  

I am not sure what I pushed on my space mouse pro but my operation manager switched and only shows the solids. (which I do not have)

How do I get it back.???

Never mind I got it.   Still do not know what I did but Somehow I got it back

I agree with you Mic6.  But around here they just see dollar signs.  I just try to do the most with the little they give me.

When we use small tools (.250 and under) and need a collet, we use the Techniks SlimFit system. I absolutely love these things, and they spin dead-flippin-nuts.

http://www.techniksusa.com/metal/Cat_slim_holders.htm

 

 

These are more precision then we need but not priced to bad.   I will look further into these    Thanks

http://www.fitzrite.com/cat-50-extended-lengths/

 Have you used these holders?  how is the quality?     Prices seem to be good.  

We use collets alot also but sometimes we need clearance and the collet nut is to large.  

Mic6.  those would work and cover all the sizes.   Just a little pricey at $4-500

Pilot.   I just looked quick and only saw 1/4" and 5/16" which helps but still need 1/8 and 3/16

Thanks    Its a start

Can anyone suggest a company that makes an extended set screw style endmill holder for Sizes under 3/8  (1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16)  for CT50.  We usually buy command holders but they only make a stubby/standard length holders under 3/8.   We are looking for about 4.5".   Thanks

thanks for all the info guys.   Price is the biggest thing for management.

whats a ball park  number on the toyoda.  I am assuming they are out of our league but still curious.

another one they are looking at is a   Amera-Seiki    http://www.ameraseikicnc.com/    

We would not be doing and heavy milling with them. Only light milling of pads and drilling holes etc.  aluminum and steel.

Boss came around and said we got the ok to spend some money on machines. We have been talking about a a bridge mill  or similar machine so we can do the frames we currently farm out since we do not have the capacity to handle in house.   Looking for machine that can handle  about a 84" x 120"+.  But we are a small shop with only haas and fadal machines.  We dont need anything high precision or high speed for this machine. If haas made one I am sure that is what we would buy.  We only run one shift and it would not even be running all day alot of times since the same operator would run this and one other machine as needed.  The boss mentioned Viper   http://www.mightyviper.com      which I have never heard of.  I am just hoping someone can chime in with some info or suggestions. I think he said the vipers were around 300k and thats probably pushing our budget already so I know we are expecting alot  for not much money.   Thanks  

on the computer that was losing the file location info it was caused by using app look 7.  any others and its fine.  mine works with 7.  Agreed it is use at your own risk.  

good news..  today its working as it should. I guess it just needed to rest over night.