Chris and Dave, Thanks for the great laugh first thing in the morning on a rainy day. A Warner Brothers cartoon popped right into my head. George

I remeber your pain. When we first hooked up our Haas we went through the exact same issue. It turns out it was the pin configuration for the communication cable, how simple, yet difficult to figure out. The machine and computer could communicate, but, kept screwing up when asked to drip feed. I will try to find out our cable pin configuration and machine settings and post it today. Chico

SC - 10 years left at V11.1 MC - 3 years Most of my work is exclusively 3D. MC level 3 has it all over free-form. I think the present MC GUI seems cumbersome, but, I think you will see drastic changes in version 10. I agree with John, the move and rotate feature in SC was far easier to use and the color/level assignments made keeping track of multiple parts and surface groups a breeze. However, the feature I truly miss, is the ability to snap to the perimeter corners and the center of a surface. In MC you will need to create curves and then snap to them still leaving the inability to snap directly to the center of a surface. Your company has definitely made the right move in choosing MC, again, for many of the reasons John stated in the end. Definitely bookmark this forum. The individuals here can and do answer everything. This site will probably be your single most useful resource, especially the search previous posts feature. The free knowledge is incredible. When you have mastered some of the tools in MC you will set all doubt aside and be amazed at the advancement in CAM software. Good luck. George

Jay, James and gang, Just had to jump in on this one, something I hardly ever do. I am what a CB'er would call a sandbagger. Yes, I am legit just not as confident in my knowledge. I read this forum several times a day and search the database whenever I am in need of information. You can't buy the knowledge I have recieved form this forum, and its free. I wanted to offer my THANKS as well. You guys have the whole gamma covered, programming, hardware, networking, machinery, and the obvious forum favorite, posts. I am sure for everyone you know you help you help 5 others unknowingly. Thanks again and please keep sharing, George

camguymtl, I was a SC user form v4 - v11.1 from 2d to Freeform. Took a job at a company with MC and was programming and cutting 2d and 3d right away, no training needed. With your knowledge of SC you will be able to sit right down in front of MC and go. The tasks are the same, maybe worded different. I eventually went to multi-surface training, it parallelled Freeform. AS far as training / learning curve goes. I sent 2 guys (1 no CNC expierience, 1 operator 10 years ago)to 2D training end of September and they have completed 5 jobs already with almost no assistance. I am happy as hell. I use a 3D modeling software (Pro and SW)to design, and MC (with solids option) to cut, period. They each are great at what they do. The shop guys don't have to know how to design in 3D to make chips, and the learning curve on Pro? WOW!!! You got a few years to spare. Dealer support for MC has been absolutely fantastic, posts are abundent. This site will be absolutely priceless for you. All these smart guys just itching to help 24/365. It is awesome. Smartcam to Mastercam will be a snap with your existing SC knowledge. Good luck, George

Got it. Thanks Dave and Scott for your prompt assistance. After this job, I think I'll just tell the vendor to get off the $$$$ and get the solids option. Thanks again, Chico [DT -> Price reference removed to help this message comply with our Forum Guidelines.] [ 09-03-2002, 05:19 PM: Message edited by: Dave Thomson ]

Dave, He will get solid even though he does not have MC with solid option? The vendor only has MC level 3. Thanks for the response.

Gooday all, 1 - Imported parasolid file 2 - Save file in MC level 3 with solids option 3 - Vendor opens file in MC level 3 version without solids What will happen? Will he be prompted for surfaces? TIA

Gooday Thad, If you are only using the files for 2D programming can you ask for a 3 or better 5 view drawing output in the dxf format. Usually you can get all the 2D info you need in the 5 views. Don't ask for a full blown drawing, otherwise you may be told it is too much work. Just request a UG generated drawing with no or minimal dimensions and use the 2D wireframe you need. A drawing format or template is not even needed, just the views, which are very easily created in any solid modeler. Hope this helps, Good Luck Chico

Heartwood, Realizing it is probably not your decision to "Upgrade" to Mastercam. IMO James' procedure sounds the best. I would just like to add the ability to translate an entire directory using Files-Convert-Iges-Write Dir is an incredible tool you will want to utilize. Good Luck, Chico

Hello NY, Overburn really has nothing to do with shrinkage. An electrode is machined with o/b to account for the spark distance(sometimes referred to as spark gap)that is emmitted when the electrode comes, I'll say in contact with the workpiece, although the electrode never really physically touches the work piece. The more power that the electrode is given the faster the w/p material is removed, however, the rougher the finish will be on the w/p. As you get closer to the size you are tring to achieve power to the electrode is cut back. Hence, less power, less spark distance, better w/p finish. The electrode will need to move closer to the w/p because your spark gap (overburn) has decreased. In short overburn = spark gap. Hope this helps.

Could it be an encoder problem or a table location feedback issue? These are both machine issues that could be hard to duplicate. Just wanted to throw that out there. Good Luck. Chico

Mold 100, I am on board. Didn't realize negative stock option was now allowed. I originally tried negative stock option when I was running 7.2 and it wasn't allowed. Haven't tried it since. Learn something new everyday. This forum rocks. Chico

I just lie about the ball diameter. ie tell MC .077 diameter and load a .093 and just use parallel. Works for any diameter.