I've got 3 spacepilots. IMHOP this is the best model, even though it is outdated a bit. Reason being, the esc, shift, ctrl, and alt keys are actual keys, just like a keyboard. My "mobile" unit I carry around in a pistol case. Fits perfect, and always creates a ruckus.

The "default" control def (using MPmaster) has switches that do not work. Use Mill 3x using MPFan and more (NOT ALL) control def switches will work. Why a software package would have buttons do nothing, but lead you to believe they do, is so far beyond comprehension. Maybe I'll put john "d-bag" banqor on the case.

Working with a company that is machining this eco-board product. Basically paper, wood pulp, glue, (and probably some hippie pubic hair in it). A good quality 1/2 uncoated carbide endmill will literally wear .020 off the diameter in 30min. Yes that's about .0007 per minute! Since the material is soft, the tool will keep on machining..... Any tooling recommendations? Was thinking of diamond coated. However a few tools are custom ground, so they would need to be coated post-grind. 10k rpm at 150ipm currently. Going to test and increase the chip load as much as possible. Less time in cut, fewer chips per cycle is my theory. Any other feed/speed ideas? High volume production. Two verticals running 24/7. Regrinding tools almost can't keep up with machine cycles. :/

We've machined D2 with an el-cheapo.250 uncoated garr, .500 doc. 100ipm Cycle time about 20 min, tool looked new, part looked beautiful. I've found inexpensive tools to work very well with the dynamic paths. (Not to say coated or more spendy tools might be run at higher sfm, thus higher feed rate too.)

so your old rig worked ok? Usb to serial cards I've seen be of very sketchy quality. B & B electronics have some very robust products. Make sure everything is grounded very well. Slow down the baud and see what happens for starters.

Er-32? I'd bet something else is going on. Do the drills have the size stamped on them (vs printed)? If so that will severely limit clamping force and make runout horrific. Are the collets clean and burr free? Are the drill shanks burr free? Anything less than good smooth shanks and new collets = slippage no matter how hard you tighten or what kind of nuts. I used to use an ultrasonic cleaner for everything, then dip collet and nut in wd-40 before install. Allowed a much more consistent torque.

Looks like the most current version would be 3770K Ivy Bridge.

Also, make sure you go into the parameters page > Tool Clearance > "scan tool geometry".

m2c, I'd cut the ssd size in half, get an inexpensive 10k platter for storage, and use the $$ savings for faster processor.

Got it Jay! Not sure if people want just multi-axis content, but I'm happy to share all my level 1, 2 and lathe material too. I just added several worksheets and quizzes I'm doing right now in level 1.

Jay, just emaild ya'. You did send me one a while back, but I don't think it had the complete ftp location of the folder. thx

Jay so is it this ftp://mastercam-cadcam.com/Mastercam_forum/Training_files/ Isn't there a separate username/ password?

Hmmm I changed it to the .0001, and my times went DOWN by a few seconds each rig. :headscratch: Maybe because it's just horizontal and there isn't really that much to compute?

Yes only for x6, cause it has stock model in it. Also you can run 64 bit

I'm using the updated file on the ftp. The one with the stock model and opti toolpaths. Yes with the original file all my pc's are sub 1 min..again the OLD i-7 (mildly oc'd) the fastest! Yeah I think the old file is not that great of an indicator anymore.

Running updated benchmark file currently on the ftp, in the .zipped folder. 5:26 Dell Xeon W3565 @3.2 12gb ram 256gb ssd not sure $, but est about $3000 ? Totally un-tuned out of the box 5:02 Sager 9170 laptop i7-3610qm @2.3 16gb ram 128gb ssd $1500 Totally un-tuned out of the box Home built-rig for $1300!! (oc'd a bit) 4:40 i-7 920 OC'd at @3.6 6gb ram 10k raptor So the less you spend the more you get, it looks like.

The file on the ftp ftp://mastercam:[email protected]/Mastercam_forum/unspecified_uploads/ Opening in x6 toolpaths now are these (see pic). Did someone change them and resave to the ftp? Can someone please upload the original file. However the file now (see pic again) is a pretty good computer workout. Might be worth using this as a new benchmark. I was at 5:26 on my new Xeon W3565 with 12gb ram and 256gb ssd

I hear ya. It's very frustrating for teachers. I've got a computer literacy test for my entry level class, and a mastercam test for advanced classes. With class size requirments and community college funding in the dump it can be hard to turn away paying students (especially if a class is on the brink of not running at all from low enrollment)..however justly so another paying student shouldn't be hamstringed by someone in over his head! I've got a teachers assistant for my entry level classes. Sometimes you can get past students to help out, or others in need of a few bucks. But you are correct an advanced class should not need one. Ok guys I'm back on the wagon and can contribute to the folder on the ftp.

Yes everything you mention there Kevin is great, and such a relief from all those nightmares with traditional software.. Your right it is a whole different mindset in general. The tools for fixing, repairing, and modifying imported parts are really amazing. It changes the way you think about working and what is possible. Opens up options that you wouldn't even fathom with solidworks, inventor, let alone mastercam. I tried it for a big programming project and once I started to realize the possibilities it was like "wow I can do THAT now". (suppressing some really weird holes and filling in some complex pockets on medical parts). It can really change your workflow once you become used to it. I'm far from being comfortable enough with it, but it's not too bad to learn I've found. Great seeing you! Shawn still owes me a visit to show-off the Makino.

Maybe Carlo built them himself. He is as good as it gets. The dwgs from Haas are pretty nice. Contact your dealer, there is a good chance they have a turn-key simulator for that setup.

See you there! Make sure you grab me and say hi.

My skimpy 1300$ rig runs the benchmark in 54 seconds...and that is on a first gen 940 i7 Quadro 580 170$ card. VERY good value for performance. Btw, tomorrow my new Sager 9170 arrives. Can't wait! That was't cheap however.

Yes No Yes it's mind-boggling all those icons, interface, and help menus have been there for seven (eight?) years.... and NONE of it has ever done an absolute thing. Look up "boondoggle" on Wikipedia and they have a link to an X6 help menu. I'd better be careful, QC is going to blacklist me. :D

Ha good one. Since the inception of X, what 7 years ago? None of that has done anything. You are correct, very good help though, ironically enough. If you want to use machine simulation, there is a whole suite. Right click on your toolbar and turn on the machine sim toolbar. Lots to work with.

The machine was transferred from another plant to the local plant (can't get any info from old plant, still waiting for the manuals even!). The Haas guys came, set it up and ran a few sample parts. I really don't know much about it yet, other than it can take a 25 min milling op and grind it in 8 min.. and leave a vastly better finish..oh and do two parts at once...so make that 4 min a part. EVERYONE asked about programming says "I don't know we just use ug"