To convert from SolidWorks 2003 to MasterCam you have to “Save As” parasolid *.x_t, under options set “Output as” Version 13.0. John

Thanks for your help, thats got it. John

After running SmartCAM for over 9 years, I have decided that I have used it up and it is time to move on. After an extensive search for a replacement CAM system, I decided to buy a seat of MasterCAM LVL1 Mill and Solids. I'm trying to make a few small tweaks to MPMASTER.pst. I have successfully fixed several areas, but can’t figure this one out. I would like to rapid up out of the cut to my original Z rapid position and then rapid home to the tool change position. N7 G43 H1 Z.23 M08 N8 G98 G81 Z.075 R.18 F10 ... N16 G00 Z(Add Original Z.23 rapid from line N7 ) N17 G80 M05 M09 N18 G91 G30 Z0 M19 What variable calls the Z.23 position on the length offset line is it pfzout? Section from MPMASTER.pst pretract n, "G00", "TEST", pfzout, e pbld, n, sccomp, "G80", *sm05, scoolant, psub_end_mny, e pcan1, pbld, n, sgabsinc, "G30", "Z0", "M19", sgcode, scoolant, strcantext, e pfzout will give me a value but it does not match the original rapid point of Z.23. If I was working on a SmartCAM template, I would use a < Z#CLEAR> value, for any of you SmartCAM converts. Is the any documentation anywhere that defines the terms in the posts generators, ie. pbld, n, "G43", *tlngno, pfzout, scoolant, some are self-explanatory but others make no sense. I found nothing in help. Sorry for the length of this post but alas, I am back to being a noobie. Thanks for your help, John

The rumor I have heard for X was fourth quarter 2003, but that’s just a rumor. The V9.1 rumor, first quarter 2003. The trouble with rumors is you shouldn’t believe them until you actually see them for yourself. The only true answer like Bullines said is “When it’s done” John

If you have a newsreader comp.cad.solidworks or you can go to google and do a search for comp.cad.solidworks. Has your drafting department had training? Sometimes it is easier to go back to something familiar than to learn how to fully utilize a new product. I for one will never go back to AutoCAD. John

Of course just my luck, I am finally ready to write the check and I see that the Solids module 50% off special ended a few weeks ago . Was the special a one-time deal or does CNC run specials periodically? I guess I shouldn’t wait on the HMC I’m looking at. Thanks John

Try searching google in alt.machines.cnc there was a thread on chemicaly removing broken taps. Subject: chemical tap disintegrator Date: 2002-03-08 17:08:22 PST The product was called Tap Out. Good luck, John

I'm the John that Jack is talking to. I contacted Jack when I read his post stating that he was a licensed user of SmartCam, EdgeCam, and MasterCam and asked him a few questions. He said he would start a thread, so I wouldn’t have to get flamed when asking why I should buy MasterCam. I am currently looking for a replacement for SmartCam; I need to integrate SolidWorks with my CAM system. I am wasting too much time not being able to read the solid directly. I have looked at several packages, FeatureCam, Esprit, EdgeCam and of course MasterCam. I am a production shop, no mold work. Right now I am torn between EdgeCam and MasterCam. It is always tricky finding new software so I’m trying to get opinions from anyone who will give them. It is always better to talk to actual users, VARs will tell you the software will paint your house if they think that will sell you on it. I would love to hear from people that have used other software and switched to MasterCam. This is what I see from playing around with EdgeCam. Right or wrong? It is associative to the external model file. With EdgeCam it will notify you that the external model has been changed, it will then inform you of the changes and ask if you want to update the tool path. EdgeCam has a good setup sheet tool that you can save screen shots and tooling information, it was saved as an html file. The biggest draw back to EdgeCAM I see is the cost and maintenance fees. The VAR called me the other day and told me that the next release of EdgeCam will be able to feature recognize hole and tapping information from the solid. Is V10 going to have a windows GUI? Are there any plans for external associativity? Is VB going to be incorporated as a macro language? How would you compare customer’s models to the cam model for changes? Before everyone flames my poor little eyes this is the best user group out of all the software I have demoed. That adds a lot to the value of the software. MasterCam would be the most convenient for me as the VAR is just a few miles away and doesn’t charge a yearly support fee and training is one on one. All I want is something that is easy to use, works perfectly every time for every machining situation I encounter and I have complete control over every machining aspect. Is that too much to ask????? Jack sorry, I didn’t get to post sooner, I have been swamped the last couple of days. Thanks to everyone who replies. John