Though thing is getting around all the settings needed. Unfortunatually, Setting Cplane, Tplane, Z.... There's almost no getting around it. Seems like they don't like the settings? I'm also a Solidworks user. Almost everything is off of planes. It's all CAD settings (or for drawing). (not a camworks user) 3D in solidworks is tough also. I've built something recently, customer wants to build a mold parts are plastic. I'm actually trying to split a mold along the curve. Tough job! Having to use surfaces in Solidworks.... the WCS takes some getting used to.... Never really used it till X..

(Cplane Top) *Create *Primitave *Sphere (Cplane Front) draw (trim) line *Create *surface *trim surface *Click on primitave *move arrow to lower part of sphere and click again.

I haven't used comp in my Lathe Programs. I operate a SL20 (Haas), when the Applications guy was setting up the lathe here last year, He was explaining the wear features: Tool Radius and taper comp. I haven't used these features either. Only because I'm a hard headed Mexican with a fear of learning new things. I like the idea of some of these features. They give a lot of control to the operator at the machine. I have'nt messed around with it!

I haven't used comp in my Lathe Programs. I operate a SL20 (Haas), when the Applications guy was setting up the lathe here last year, He was explaining the wear features: Tool Radius and taper comp. I haven't used these features either. Only because I'm a hard headed Mexican with a fear of learning new things. I like the idea of some of these features. They give a lot of control to the operator at the machine. I have'nt messed around with it!

quote: .... why doesn't he get G41, G42 when he outputs a 3-D Surface? Because it will NOT work on 3-D surfaces.Here is my theory..... It is only a theory. The software is needed to generate the code for the surface(s) to be comped. If One has the proper code that is generated. i.e. creating arcs and room to turn cutter comp on and off... quote: WHen I need Comp on a surface, I go into "Direction" (on old style toolpaths), add a linewith an angle on entry and Exit. Then go into the toolpath editor and edit the point where the lead in line and turn cutter comp on, then go to the end and turn it off.....instead of having to imput this code manually. The control (I am learning the only control on earth).... quote: To this day this is the only machine/control that could do a "true" 5 axis comp.Should comp the program. Weather the cut is in a G17 (XY), G18(ZX), G19(YZ) and the only control on God's earth that could calculate such incrediable numbers should take that arc or code and comp the numbers. It is not a secret that the compensation is at the control. This control shouldn't care what plane it's in. It should take that number from the program and shave a couple thou or add a couple thou. quote: Laws of physics apply to machining and math doesn't change. Close just isn't close enough in the fields I've worked in, especially for surface mathematics and this "it worked" theory has been proven wrong mathematically ever since data points were first put together and surfaces were cut point to point with a ball or bull or straight or any other type of cutter. Sorry guys!Seems to me that you must know a lot! The boys that have interfaced MasterCam have done a good job with their product! I am sort of old school and should I need to make some adjustments i.e. electrode or surface adjustments I tend to use stock to leave or change the dia. of the cutter. I'm still learning to read..... quote: Using the surface toolpath options, my only comp options are tip, & center. Could anyone enlighten me or point me to a source where I could educate myself on how to use this so the operator will be able to change values for resharpened tools?My anwser would be that from what I have learned... Version X has the capabilities to comp surfaces. I could still be incorrect in this. Should your machinist re-sharpen his e.m. and you need to comp for the adjustment. I would recommend you change the .NC code if you are un-familiar with this new function! Didn't mean to step on God's toes....

quote: Just a simple man with a simple plan!

C:/mcamX/documentation/whatnew.htm#_CAD_file_for_Compensation_for_Surfaces Should be on most of your desktops when one installs McamX. I'm having trouble uploading files to my photobucket.

Welcome!

I think everyone's right about the pitch angle. That doesn't change. In V9, (something like a mold core) I think you just want to change the start angle? Might be a bit difficult with a multi-tooth cutter. Trying to accomplish a double thread. We use single tooth cutters. (similar to lathe boring bars). We have been experimenting blunt starts on the lathe. I have yet to get that perfect.

I'll try it!

X is a different transition... I'm also a SolidWorks user and I like learning new things, It's just sometimes my Downs Syndrome get in teh way. I've learned to humble myself. Cause a lot of these veteran MC users can do circles around me. Actually teh X transition was and is taking a lot of work. especially when there are parts to be expiditied. Some of my collegues are'nt taking the transition so well. We are sometimes under a lot of pressure to build these molds. Hey I can difinitly do a lot more stuff in V9. That is until I learn a lot more in X. I know X has the capabilties. I hear your frustration sometimes.... I get paid when the molds are finished and making parts in Production. I don't get paid to sit a learn MC. That makes it even harder on me. I wounldn't publically bash MC their programmers and their years of knowledge, Then go ask for their help, If you don't like something, stick with it, use another software. Every here is on the same side. I guess I could go home work on practicing it there. After doing this stuff all day. Another computer is the last thing I want to work on. I think Steve said it well. This is the first year of MC X and it should only get better from here! Jay's a good guy. I know he means well, After all, the're only here to help! [ 02-11-2006, 01:26 PM: Message edited by: chip ]

Toolpaths * Operations * edit common parameters. You can set some defaults there.

I tried importing opps.... I could'nt save the file for some reason and MC added the opps to the default. So when I imported the opps they were there, along with all the default opps. I just clicked on the opps I needed and imported them. Ohh ya! I'm running an 4.6L with a Vortech. 8.5:1 compression. Some head work. Pretty much stock. Like every other mustang!

I would think it nearly impossible to DBL (Chip) me! There is only one of me. DBLing me would definitly scorch your tools. TGIF! JK

quote: If you put an example of what you're trying to do on the FTP I'm sure someone would take a look at it and make some suggestions for you.

Huh? What? :wipping sleep from eyes: Just trying to get through another day! TGIF!

:BUMP:

*Edit*Trim-Break*Many pieces.

I was un-aware of that feature! You the man Doug!

quote: If your running pre-MR1 VX, make sure you reclick on the tool after you edit it or it will rest to before the edit. I'm running SP1. I haven't run the SP2 installment yet. I had a helluva time with SP1. updating 4 sims. I installed for X then V9 would'nt work. It was a disaster. I'm waiting till we get some extra time to up-date our computers so there's not much down time. I will try this for a bit and see if it works. It doesn't happen all the time. Mabe that's what I'm doing wrong (or not doing). Thanks

I have this happen to me a lot in Version X. I'm programming a contour, I pick a tool, I edit that tool for say T5 H5 D5. That contours a path and back plots alright. If I start another contour, Pick that same tool. It won't save the parameters and sometimes MC even wants to change the previous contour's tool parameters. I apologize if this has been covered. I ran a search and didn't find too much...

I avoid ellipse if at all possible. I try to make all into arcs. It codes better machines better. Sounds like you just have a glitch with your file.

I use a slide ruler from my Kennametal guy. won't cost you anything.

JM is correct... I started drinking before noon. My bad!