Hey Paul Decelles, Hope you are still following this thread. Bryan has found a post fix that should be incorporated into this post file. Man, I've overlooked that one for sometime. +1 Bryan Johnson

See! This forum is truly great. I even learned something new to what I've been doing for years. Best of luck with your ShopBot Carl. Let me know if you can use any help when you receive it. Right now I have 8 custom built ShopBots and 2 Alpha models that we use. They are unique little machines.

OK, makes sense now. I'm using router. This would be the difference were seeing. I don't use Mill at all since the ShopBot tool is a "router". Two seperate programs for 2 totally different machines.

Hmmm. Are you using Mastercam Mill or Router?

Carl, OK, I ran it again, I deleted your tool paths and started fresh. This is what my file looks like. Something is very different in the way you are tool pathing this part file? '(PROGRAM NAME - T) '04-05-0509:07 &PROGTOOL=1 START: SO,1,1 IF %(52)=0 THEN GOTO START 'MS,0.75 J2,.625,.000 JZ,1.250 MZ,.000 CG,,-.625,.000,-.625,.000,T,1 CG,,.625,.000,.625,.000,T,1 JZ,1.750 J2,-.354,.125 JZ,1.250 MZ,.000 M3,-.319,.125,.385 M3,-.268,.125,.422 M3,-.213,.125,.452 M3,-.155,.125,.476 M3,-.094,.125,.491 M3,-.031,.125,.499 MX,.031 M3,.094,.125,.491 M3,.155,.125,.476 M3,.213,.125,.452 M3,.268,.125,.422 M3,.319,.125,.385 M3,.354,.125,.342 MZ,.000 CG,,-.354,.125,-.354,-.125,T,-1 JZ,1.750 STOP: SO,1,0 IF %(52)=1 THEN GOTO STOP JX,90 JY,-0.125 END

Carl, I think I see the issue with what you are trying to do. This is written right in any of the ShopBot post files: # DO NOT use "Create Arcs" in Filter when Multi-surface, Multi-axis or Engraving toolpaths are used. Shopbot does not suppot XZ (G18) & YZ (G19) arc motion. # You can still filter line motion in the above toolpaths. You can use the Create Arcs in any 2D toolpath. This is the error you show receive when running this part file: "ERROR - XZ or YZ Plane used. Turn " "Create Arcs", 34, " OFF in Filter Settings." Under your tool contour parameters, your contour type must be set to 2D for the ShopBot. This is the code output you should see. Is this what you are trying to achieve? '(PROGRAM NAME - T) '04-05-0508:38 &PROGTOOL=1 START: 'SO,1,1 'IF %(52)=0 THEN GOTO START 'MS,0.75 J2,.500,.000 JZ,.100 MZ,.000 CG,,-.500,.000,-.500,.000,T,-1 CG,,.500,.000,.500,.000,T,-1 MZ,.100 JZ,.250 JX,-.500 JZ,.100 MZ,.000 MX,-.496 MX,-.484 MX,-.465 MX,-.438 MX,-.405 MX,-.364 MX,-.319 MX,-.268 MX,-.213 MX,-.155 MX,-.094 MX,-.031 MX,.031 MX,.094 MX,.155 MX,.213 MX,.268 MX,.319 MX,.364 MX,.405 MX,.438 MX,.465 MX,.484 MX,.496 MX,.500 CG,,-.500,.000,-.500,.000,T,-1 CG,,.500,.000,.500,.000,T,-1 MZ,.100 JZ,.250 STOP: 'SO,1,0 'IF %(52)=1 THEN GOTO STOP JX,90 JY,-0.125 END I Remarked out the spindle switching so you can run the file in your previewer. Let me know if this isn't what your looking for.

Sorry I didn't reply sooner. I leave my work day at 3:00. I'll take a look and reply 1st thing from work in the AM! I only see one issue that I can't explain yet. I don't have Mastercam here at home to troubleshoot. -the &progtool variable is code I use for my tool changer. It won't cause any issues for you for it to be there. Just REM it out and you'll be fine. -The START: SO,1,1 IF %(52)=0 THEN GOTO START routine is for the automatic start and stop of your spindle. Do you have the Columbo 5hp spindle? If not I'll REM out that line of code for you if you still use the Porter Cable rig. -The G18CG line that is incorrect is coming from an incorrect setting in your Mastercam settings. I'll research that one in the morning. (I forget it off the top of my head ) I need some info from you on your setup as well to fully customize your post file correctly for you. Call me tomorrow if you like at 570-374-2711 Ext.761 . I'll explain the additional code that you see as well. For now I must spend time with the family.

Paul: It "was" good until ShopBot updated there control boxes and motors. I can get you the file you need for "x" If you want to swap for a copy of "x"? Just Kidding! (No, not really) The file out on the FTP (MPSHPBOT_Fixed) should work for ya.

Hmm Hmm. Please don't shoot me for puttin up a post! Here is your repaired Post file Carl! I put it in the same folder on the FTP

mike.b: No, I did not make that post file. We have produced several new post files though since that initial file. It seems that there aren't too many Shopbotters out there that use Mastercam for the programming. If there are, shopbot usually directs them to me. Dan teh man who cuts all them screwy wood parts out of teh shed full of ShopBots!

+1 mike.b This post file that is on the website needs to be "tweeked" a little especially is your using the alpha system. And as mike.b stated you must update it to v.9.

OOOOHH, My Specialy!!! I thought I'd never see another shopbotter here on this forum! I worked out a post file for TeD Hall at ShopBot that you can use. I can E-mail you the post if you like. I have one tweaked out to use a toolchanger we made for our bot as well if you need it. Very tricky code, but I mastered ShopBot code long before I ever got started in Mastercam. Would you like the file? Let me know or e-mail me off forum so we don't infringe on the "post" issue here on this forum.

One way I have worked with verified parts (*As long as your part is a Solid) files is to: 1: Verify part and save .STL file. 2: Open saved STL file in Mastercam as a new file. 3: Use File Convert and Save As SAT file. 4: In AutoCad you can open your saved SAT file by using Insert ACIS in AutoCad. 4: You can now manipulate and plot your file in AutoCad as you need to!

We use Cimco entirely here at our facility without any glitches thus far. I'm pretty happy with it.

I'd just like to see it before 2006

Hey James, Pleasure talking with you. Will keep in touch over the next few days. Wifes on board.

Onsrud Cutter has worked well for me.

I'm sorry I didn't get back to your original question in another post on this Craig. Our server has been crapping out here at work lately and didn't get a chance to reply. I hope ATP will help with your doors. As before, let me know if you need any additional help with it. I'll email you my other contact info this time.

Craig: Nesting MDF doors is a lot easier than it seams. The approach that I have taken after a LOT of trial and error, is to: (1) program one door not a nest of doors; (2) Save it to a part library with tooling on seperate "properly" named layers; (3) Use ATP in Mastercam to automatically set up your nested sheets. Save your nested sheet files and you never have to re-program your doors again! Plus, any new door designs you may come across, you simply apply your layer names to the new MC9 file, process through ATP and Bingo your done. Learn to use ATP for MDF parts. It is simple to learn and use and the rewards are a HUGE time saver. Contact me anytime, I'll do my best to help.

Hey George! Cool who you run into on this forum. When I came here to Wood-Mode, they were at the time purchasing all of there MDF doors and a few other odds and ends parts. I was hired to put a CNC operation into place here and are now machining all of our own parts in house. What type of machines do you manufacture? Myself and one other individual have built 8 other specialized CNC units ourselves. Maybe we can swap thoughts sometime?

Keith, My specialty is high-end wood millwork machining. It is all I do and know when it comes to cnc work. I would love to share alot more info while I'm here at work, but time doesn't allow alot of that lately or hardly ever than more than a quick reply to a thread. This is why I ask for anyone to email me specifically if they would like to pick my brain further. I will gladly share my drawings, designs and tool library to any fellow forum member. I may need to work on a request after I put my 13 mo. old to bed at night, but I will answer any request to the best of my ability. I too have recently worked on the doors in our 1826 home here in PA. I have successfully recreated all the doors and mouldings that match the originals. Maybe I have a program that would make your work easier? Let me know If I can assist! My New Years resolution was to drop the stress and be a better forum member!

quote: when you finish with the 45 in the corner just take an 1/8" bit and cut about 1/32-1/16 deep around the top of the 45 deg and it will look really square Exactly! I run these MDF panel doors 2 shifts a day on a Onsrud and use the same technique for the corners. Iron Chef: Take a look at our website; http://www.wood-mode.com Look under "Style Options" and most of our Brookhaven I line is MDF doors. You will see several Raised Panel MDF doors on the site that you probably can't even recognize as being MDF. With the right processes in machining and finish, MDF doors can look just the same as a Solid Wood raised panel doors. If anyone would like more info on machining MDF door styles, email me. I can supply the cutter info that we use in more detail.

To the Bar Idea!! Have a yearly meet & drink! Count me in!

Thanks Emastercam! The best guide and companion to Mastercam, Handsdown! Not to mention the daily stress breakers in the off-topic.

Same issue here Mick. I'm iterested as well in a fix. I had to drop back to Autocad 2002. '05 solid files crashed Mcam everytime.