I have some programs I designed on Mastercam X5 that have a bad Z or maybe I should say a false Z at the start of the programs. My tools are: Mach 3, Mastercam X5, and KL 1212 CNC router. So, at school I can design what I need utilizing MC X5. I use the Default Mill as the machine type. ( Never Used the Router). When I "Cycle Start" my program, sometimes the spindle will move to the start position and stay up rather than go to the specified -Z. I checked all my "Parameters", checked tools, checked tool path type...all simple stupid easy good. But for some reason, I'll have to watch the start of each program, stop the tool, re set the Z and then let it run. More backround... I never set up the KL 1212 router to match the Mach 3 or visa versa. It simply runs 90% of the time without issues. The only issues are the ones described. I've deleted all tool paths from the problem files and re programed them all. Still, on these certain files, it continues. Any ideas?

I have a similar problem. in X5, when I create an arc lets say.....those little data entry boxes that you can set either the radius or the diameter are gone too! Likewise for the rectangle, line etc... Also, the Trim tool no longer has that little series of boxes that you can select what entities to trim too. Man, I'm pissed, I'm trying to learn solids, and I can't find half my tools If it's simple, can someone send me a note at [email protected] ????

I'm rebuilding my dust collection portion of my CNC machine, and I'm having the darnest time trying to find replacemnet brushes that are about 1.5 - 2" long. I've already looked on eBay and 1 guy had a lenght of brushes that was flexible, but the bristles were just too small....1". So i started thinking maybe get those wallpaper bruhes and chopping them down to size. Not really what I want as I've built a circular base. Does anyone have a source for a flexible lenght of brushes? IO can build just about anything, but the brushes are an issue. Otherwise, I'll go back and slit a bunch of vinyl again and gluing them up. Thanks in advance, Rob

Cool...I'll give it a shot when I draw the next job.' Sincerely, Rob

Im on X5....still pretty good program though.

never mind.... figured it out sort of. I had an oval 19 x 17...made the text to a 14" radius and follow the top of the radius...came out pretty darn nice. Check out my Telecaster and Stratocaster templates on eBay.

Aligning text to the inside of an oval? I have a bunch of oval cut outs in corian and I'd like to make a few gifts for friends on my mill. I'd like to be able to take text and align it to the contour that i drew. On the text tool there doesnt seem to be an easy solution to accomplish this. BTW... I corrected my screen to get my Mach 3 back to normal.... so if there is helkp for this text alingment issue, let me know Rob Thanks

Thank you Glen.... "In House Solutions " Where can I send the check? Worked perfectly. You also may know the answer to this... When I turn on my Comupter that runs my mill, and I open Mach 3, why is the screen stuck on the small size? I tried shutting it off , unplugging the monitor and it's still the same. Also, sometimes the icons are on a different side of the screen. Any thoughts? Rob

new problem.... Why does my cursor now have a cross hair and a pencil type tool along with a small square when I use my drawoing tools...it drives me nuts and seems to be associated with a snap function. Can anyone help me with this simple fix?

Maybe I should clarify the problem. I'm working on a file that was a DXF drawn in mm. 1.) I opened it in Mastercam, and switched the settings into inches. 2.) So I was able to fing a .375 flat endmill to make my first pocket cut. 3.) I selected my pockets and when I went into parameters, it looked a little different...the default numbers. so I changed my depth of cut to -.51 in inches of course. 4.) Then just to double check, i went into stock set up and the "select corners" tab. I stretched my box around my objet and IT WAS STILL IN MM.....i assume because the numbers were so high. 5.) So, how does one correct all the issues in a conversion from mm to inches? Thanks in advance.

What about the tools? I've change the settings to inches, then when i went to write my tool paths, the tools still came in as mm. I searched for my old tool caytalog and alot of odd stuff popped up. You know, just different tool catalogs. Also, how does one rescale a drawing? I'm working on a Stratocaster design for my template manufacturing business and I have some crazy scale....like over 300 inches! Or if someone has a great Strat file...Pick Guard, Neck with frets, Body, Tremelo etc..... could you please send it my way? [email protected] maybe a DXF file? Hey I have great Tele stuff......lets trade?