Thanks guys...that did it. I was stuck on finding a toolpath instead of creating geometry to drive the tool on.

Thanks Corey...I don't have that C hook in my library...apparently Mastercam downloads are only available back to X8.

For anyone who can think way back to X7....For example, a 2D toolpath that has a constant inward spiral with a .050 stepover so I can use a 5" slitting saw to part off pieces of 2" plastic round stock on a vertical mill. I've played with Dynamic Core but can't control the stepover. I know Circle Mill will do the trick but I wanted to know of a constant feed-in spiral if there is one. As you can see in the Dynamic Core image, the spiral doesn't have a constant stepover distance.

Best thing since sliced bread...period.

Thanks for the help Nick...

Re: X7 Can and/or where do I change the Source library default file in Import Toolpath Operations?

I can turn off stock in verify and it only takes seconds to run...then I turn stock back on and see what it cut. This works great unless you need to watch the toolpaths.

Thanks Colin...got it.

In X7, can I change the default drill tip angle from 118 to 135 in tip comp?

I know exactly how you feel brother. I'm a self taught, stuck-with-X7, Mastercam user with the exception of help from the emasterminds at emastercam. My company has money for everything except what it takes to actually make the product. I'm close to retirement so changing jobs is out of the question. If I did change jobs, they would probably ask me "I thought you knew how to use Mastercam?" So I do feel like a fool sometimes with my questions because I feel like Forrest Gump and someone is asking, "Are you stupid or something?" Also, the only reason I have Mastercam in the first place is because a customer came through and told them our shop looked like it was from the 60's.

Thanks JP...that works well with straight edges. The arcs require a little more effort. I'm glad they changed this for 2018. As for Millman's suggestion...I'm too close to retirement to change jobs and if I did, they might not like me there.

Thanks to management halting the maintenance agreement...I'm stuck with X7 forever.

What is the easiest way to do this without translating and such? I want all the curves I pick to be at "Z" 0 instead of their actual depth on the model. I tried 2D/3D but this doesn't have an effect.

Exactly....thanks.

I know how to convert splines to arcs and vice-versa but I want to eliminate this step.

Re: X7 Our designers use UG; they send me parasolids. We have a new designer and when I create edge curves on his holes etc. some analyze as NURBS, some as arcs. I ask him about this and he don't seem to know why. I don't have this issue with the other designers. That said, is there anything I can do in Mastercam to help with this or does this fall on him? I know how to convert Nurbs to arcs and vice-versa but I want to eliminate this step.

Thanks guys...

I need to machine a lot of these grooves...they are 3/32 wide x 3/16 deep. It's just a simple groove so there is no critical dimensions, I'm using Contour (Ramp) toolpath...what other toolpath(s) would you suggest?

How about "Old Fashioned Tool Maker". Until a few of years ago, it was all manual equipment. Horizontal and vertical mills, shapers, Troyke rotaries, surface grinders, ID and OD grinders and lots of granite plates. I been with same company 40 years and as long as job got done they didn't care how. We are strictly a support shop so we are not in the competition arena.

Thanks BP...I wanted to see the threads so I drew a tool profile on a different level and imported it into my library...seemed to do the trick.

Thanks...I'll check it out

I'm pretty much in the dark here. I searched the archives but didn't find much. I'm using X7, what are my options on importing or creating thread mills? When I try to create a new tool, there is no thread mill tool type. Do I use undefined tool and somehow create the geometry? Do I draw the tool and import it? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated...

Thanks all...it's installed and works great.

Ok... I give up...where is the CNC forum?

i don't have that C-hook in X7...can I get it somewhere?