I haven't had a chance to check it out but my reseller told me there is a download on the Mastercam web site with a Solidworks add on called "Mastercam Direct" that allows you to bring the history tree into X also. HTH

I use tabs on a Thermwood all day and do not have this happen. Have you tried changing some of the parameters in your tabs setup to see if that may get rid of your unwanted moves. I have always used the manual set up and not automatic tabs. This is due to the strange shapes of our parts and my desire to place the tabs exactly where I want them. HTH

Yes, it is possible. My dealer set mine up for me many moons ago and I don' recall the exact process. I think it's a post modification or a misc integer setting or something. I'm sure one or more of the experts will answer soon. Sorry not to be of any help.

It sounds to me like it may be the tool offset numbers in the machine itself. One of our routers has two 9 spindle gang drills and each of the eighteen drills could be called independantly but will only work correctly if the tool offset parameters are correct in the machine.

That's whats so great about this place. I learn something new every day! Copying parameters will save me loads of time. Thanks Bob.

We cut particle board and plywood all day long here and the plunge rates can vary greatly depending on the finish quality needed and what type of cutter being used. As a rule, I'll always ramp down to the cut depth if possible as opposed to plunging straight down. I think your best bet for quick assistance getting started would be to speak to your reseller and have them come to your location for a day or two of training. What type of parts (sizes, details, etc.)are you making and what tooling are you using on what kind of machine? Sorry I can't be of more help.

I like the treadmill one. I could definitely see that happening to me.

Just a guess. Could it be that multi passes or depth cuts is checked with a setting of 2 and zero for the offsets?

Sounds to me like its an incremental / absolute setting in the tool parameters. I would make sure they're all set to one or the other. HTH

I have different files set up with named layers that I use to start projects with. Several factors determine which one I use. I haven't had a chance to associate colors to them yet if that's even posible. I usually just click on the color tab and enter the number of the layer I'm working on. JM2C

Happy Birthday forum and much thanks to all for the great tips and information.

Just my 2 cents, I think Thermwood has an OEM relationship with Mcam. They should have a post available to your dealer if not direct. HTH, Tim

This is my first attempt at returning a tiny bit of the vast amount of help I have gotten from this forum over the last couple years so please bear with me. I have 2 Thermwoods and use the "SET ZSHIFT=" on both of them. The daylight value is the distance from the tooling to the table top and the "ZSHIFT" value is 1)the thickness of the spoilboard or 2)spoilboard plus part thickness, depending on your Z zero in mcam. Operators change this value when the spoilboard changes. HTH I'm just a wood butcher and feel very humbled/intimidated by the amount of knowledge expressed by the real machinists in here. I'll be glad to help if I can though.