Ha!!!

Depending on the features that you are trying to create the programming can be very simple. Focus on the Caxis toolpaths. There are four main ones Face Milling/Drilling and Cross Milling/Drilling. You should not have to manipulate any WCS settings in order to get the CAxis to rotate. Also for Face milling be sure to set Misc Value #4 (G112) to get interpolated output. I don't think you upset anyone with the respectful way that you approached the question. Learning a different system is difficult. Mastercam can do it, just a matter of learning it.

If you have X9 then you do have several 3D toolpaths that are included. If you don't have X9, contact your reseller about updating.

Check the Planes/WCS page in each of your toolpaths. Make sure that the Work Offset is set to 0 here as well.

Instead of using File > Open to open the STEP file, use File > Merge to bring it into a new or existing Mastercam file. Then set the desired level and press the Attributes button in the Ribbon bar to save all the bodies to that level.

Upload your file so we can take a look. It is likely a parameter or setting that is causing your issue. That basic solid function is very proven.

I don't think I changed anything else, here is my file. 300 TEST.john.mcx-9

Check the Projection settings. Set it normal to Surface rather than to Plane.

You can also turn off the Microlift distance setting

Another way to "shade" the toolpath like you are asking is to use Create > Surface > Swept. Draw a circle the same diameter as your tool at the start of the toolpath. The circle will be your "across" selection and the toolpath geometry will be your along.

Did you try copying the nethasp.ini file to the Cimco directory? That usually resolves the problem. Make sure the nethasp.ini is configured to point to the server hosting the network license. NH_SERVER_ADDR = 192.168.1.254 ; IP addresses of all the NetHASP ; License Managers you want to search. ; Unlimited addresses are possible. ; ; Possible address format examples: ; IP address: 192.114.176.65 ; Local Hostname: ftp.aladdin.co.il

Try X9, the 2D Highspeed stock recognition is vastly improved.

Look on the Verify Tab to the far right, "Show Edges"

If you mean using letting Opti-Core recognize the stock setup as the Stock matierial, the direct answer is no, but you can create a Stock Model that reads the stock setup and use the stock model in your tool path as stock material. If you are referring to a containment boundary, the answer is no, but Mastercam will automatically generate a boundary if you do not give it one. For open core milling this usually works pretty well.

Hah, just goes to show, you learn something new everyday.

Are you trying to update a Mill or Lathe tooolpaths defaults. The Mill toolpaths have a handy "disk" icon at the top of the dialog boxes that will save all of the current settings as the defaults for that toolpath. There is also a reload from defaults button that should set all of the fields as saved for that toolpaths defaults. If it is a lathe toolpath, the way you are working with it is the only way.

Try and upload the file so we can test, or you could send it to [email protected]

Just to add some clarity for others who read this post. Whenever a new version of Mastercam is installed it creates a new folder in the Program Files folder, a new set of shared and user settings in the documents folders and new registry keys in the Windows registry. Each version of Mastercam installed on a computer is a completely separate program. Installing a new version will not affect the previous. That being said, I agree with Jparis, once you have the new version functioning, uninstall the old. A newer Mastercam version can always open old files in order to modify and repost code.

You might create a separate tool library for your RAH tools that are already defined with the spindle rotation as necessary. That would help to avoid any accidents from getting into your code.

What version of Mastercam are you using? What type/size part? Toolpaths? More information to give you a best solution. Make sure that your computer meets at least the minimum specs for your Mastercam version. I also always recommend a Workstation graphics card such as an Nvidia Quadro. You can turn down the precision that it is processing at, especially if it is a large part.

Mastercam should work with the .step model the same as it would the Solidworks, I have not noticed any differences between the two. The issue usually comes down to how clean the original model is, different software use different tolerancing for their CAD work. Step files can contain surface bodies where Solidworks files or parasolid must be solid bodies. If yours is a surface body make sure that you are selecting all of the surfaces for the turn profile. Can you upload a file, sometimes helps to get eyes on it?

Not a bug, but a good example of the effect of the "Keep tool down" setting. Look in the Gap Settings dialog and change the value of "Gap size" to 100% and it will post rapid moves for the entire toolpath. The Keep tool down setting will post a feed move between passes if it within the Gap size setting. By making the setting smaller or larger you can change how Mastercam moves from one line to the next.

Also if you are using the new Verify all of that information is available in the side window.

Not sure what exactly you are referring to, I am guessing the last toolpath. I would not consider it a bug but look at how I modified it. Is this what you are trying to achieve? If this is not what you are needing please be more specific in your request. CHECK.mcx-8

First I would make sure that you are a member of the "Local Administrator" group. This enables you to be in control of your computer but doesn't give any extra network permissions. Mastercam can be ran without being setup this way but as gcode said it takes a pretty decent IT to make it work. Also make sure that the IT department is aware of Mastercam's default files directories. Personal Files -- C:\Users\[login]\Document\My mcamx8\ Shared Files --C:\Users\Public\Document\Shared mcamx8\ You need to have full R/W permissions to both of these directories. Your configuration files are stored in the Personal Files directory and your Machine defs, posts and tool libraries are stored in the Shared Files directory. I would also have IT check the recommended hardware specifications for X8 and possibly upgrade your computer to match.