Ever wonder if it's time to build a new programming system from scratch that combines text based programming, graphics based programming, spreadsheets to manage machining parameters, and put it all inside something like Solidworks?

I would have thought tool control to be better using a text based programming system.

Does a text based programming system like Genesis offer any advantages over Mastercam?

Is it wrong to hope that X2 gets fixed first?

No problem, Tinhman. Seems like I am going to have to get use to this kind of buggy behavior in Mastercam.

There is no X over the tool. I killed the file and reloaded and the problem is now gone. I guess next time I will do this first before posting with a problem.

Just using a spot drill so no cutter comp.

When I backplot this message dialog box pops up: Warning- profile is not correct. What does this mean and how do I get rid of this warning? Everything appears to backplot correctly.

Hardmill, does someone offer a generic type template file for a horizontal mill with pallets that I could look at to get a clue about how all this should be setup? Perhaps there is a book, tutorial or video that teaches best practices for setting up Mastercam X2 for horizontal tombstone milling?

Rick, do you use some sort of template file when you start programming for a horizontal mill that includes a solid model of the tombstone, vices, clamps, etc.? Do you have a generic method of grouping machining operations? How about grouping of fixtures?

Hello Ron, Thank you for responding. I will do my best to answer your questions. It seems like the older I get the more I realize how little I truly know. I have only programmed mill parts on a VMC with very little surface machining. The machine does have a pre-setter. Programs are created with the center of the axis or rotation being at the center of the pallet. I do not understand what you mean when you say "Locked locations for toolholders". We do not have machining cells. Tool pockets would be in the area of 150 which is an estimate on my part. I do not understand parent/child relationships for using tools. The company does want to do lights out machining in the future. The machine has a probe but I have no experience with writing programs for it. The machine does have a broken tool detector. It is the same tool as the pre-setter and resides inside the machine. The machine does not have off-sight monitoring capabilities. Lot runs vary but most are 75 pieces and below. Yes, I would agree I have been given a big task but I will try my best.

Is one available? I have many questions on how to best configure Mastercam X2 for a horizontal mill with tombstones. I'm new to this type of machining and to Mastercam X2. Thanks in advance, Neil