i guess my initial posting was kinda sparse on details. For some reason I cannot get any toolpath that has a bullnose tool assigned to it to run. Each time the Haas alarms out with "Program Error" with no further details. I first noticed the problem on a simple 2D toolpath using a 1/2" diameter Bullnose with a .06 radius. When I verified the toolpath it looked fine and posted normally. However the Haas choked on it. Cutter comp was in the computer. When I called the bullnose a flat end mill, Mr. Haas liked it and ran the toolpath. The same thing happened when I tried to run a 3D contour toolpath with a bullnose- verify and posts okay but won't run on the machine. I still believe that there is something in my programing and not with the machine.

I've come across a puzzling problem when I program a contour to be cut with a bullnose end mill. I'm running V9.1 MR105 and running the program on a Haas VF3. The toolpath with the bullnose End mill will not run on the Haas- I get an alarm "Program Error". However, when I repost the exact same program with the only change being that the tool is changed to the same diameter flat end mill, the program runs fine. My initial thoughts are that the problem is with Mastercam and not the Haas but I could be wrong. 'Any ideas?

One other thing that I forgot to mention. I asked if we will need a new hasp to run X and he said yes. The new hasp will be about half the size of the current USB hasp. I said great, easier to lose. His response was that the new hasp will increase security since it a lot harder to copy. He said that knockoffs of Mastercam with hasps are selling for about $100 in Russia. He also said that he would really be pissed if the Russkies start selling X before CNC does. ZACK

Hi Guys: Just got back from LA and a short visit to WESTEC. Spent some time at the Mastercam area and saw a presentation on X given by a CNC Rep. Once you get use to to new interface, it looks like X will be more user friendly. No more "done", "done", "do it". Lots of improvements on how we do things now as well as additional capabilities. Mill and Lathe will be on the same interface so it will be easy to switch back and forth between the two. When I asked the obvious question I was told that X was in its final Beta test and will be in "production"soon. Said to expect release about June. About WESTEC in general it seems that there were less manufacturers displaying their products but maybe a few more visitors than last year. Nothing earth shatteringly new but having a customized chopper at your display was a sure crowd pleaser. Several 'Monster Garage' vehicles were also on display and the paint jobs on these vehicles (?) looked better on TV than in person, but I guess most people and things do. All in all, it was worth going to checking out the latest and greatest. ZACK

Thanks for the help guys. I'll try your suggestions. I am a one man band here and have to watch the pennies so the Solids add on may have to wait. Anyway, thanks again.

Everyone: I 've been lurking quite a bit and have picked up a lot of great info to help me with using MC. However, this is my first posting so go easy on me please. I am currently using V9.2 to create toolpaths for 3D surfaces that I constructed in wireframe. The parts are not too complicated but do involve a lot of compound curves. I do not have the Solids add on for MC but I do have Solidworks. Is it possible to import a MC wireframe model into Solidworks so that I can "tweak it" and then use it in a Solidworks assembly or do I have to bite the bullet and redo every part in Solidworks? Since getting Solidworks, I've done all but the simplest parts in Solidworks and the then imported the model into MC as a parasolid for toolpaths. I'm thinking that I can't reverse the process because of the operative word of "solid" but maybe the expertise here can point me in the right direction. The reason I'm asking is that I created a large number of parts in MC before buying Solidworks and I would like to avoid redoing everything.