Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately can't link to mastercam.com due to our bullet proof security set to paranoia level.Once again I'll refer it back to IT and hope for a miracle .

IT recently eviscerated my computer due to an apparent 'threat'. Was happily running MC2017 - like a Rolls-Royce. After wipe & reload of Win7 Pro 64bit os, MC2018 was installed - so far has been a bobcad-esque experience. Before I start ripping the product, which I like and have used for years, I notice that it is very slow to fire-up & after the initial splash screen 'Loading commands...' etc the screen momentarily goes blank before continuing to start-up (Quadro M2000). Never used to do this. It seems sluggish in every respect, esp. verify which is glacially slow. Backplot will not display many of the tool holders from my Tool catalog I built in mcam2017. I know the product can't be this bad, its gotta be some or other setting. Bearing in mind I have almost zero sovereignty over my computer - any suggestions ?

It had actually not crossed my mind that anyone would by choice employ the 'control compensation' method until the issue came up a few years ago on my first day on the job with a new employer. During 'orientation' the supervisor informed me that their policy was to use what they termed 'centerline programming' with the compensation applied at the control. I was absolutely blindsided by this news and my incredulity at hearing this was clearly betrayed by the dumbfounded 'for what possible reason?'' look on my face. Afterall I had to believe the genius developers of APT at MIT had necessarily included the 'CUTTER' statement for good reason( yes, I know you can set it to '0'). Anyhow, I was thankfully tendered an instant 'get out of jail', when my prolonged look of disbelief was rewarded with an offer that I was free to use whichever method I was more comfortable with. Not totally sure but I think some of the older machines I worked on did not have diameter compensation anyway.

switched from x8 to 2017 same opinion. Not exactly lipstick on a pig scenario, because I like Mastercam, but superficial changes to a 'click rich' interface that don't add a lot of value, waste of money and especially time. Maintenance should be invested in innovative, substantive changes driven by user demand.

..or just open a new part window and copy/paste it - save as v5.

Encouraging to note that as usual a significant majority responded with verifiable facts. Please keep this a political b/s free forum.

I also have mixed feelings on Plunge Milling - good on older 50taper machines that are too slow to take full advantage of more modern techniques, but big downsides as mentioned by previous posters. From personal experience Ingersoll products out performed others, typically ran 15-5ph 380sfm .006/tooth. 3.0Dia .300 stepover/ 2.0Dia .200 stepover. Must have an attentive operator as re-cutting chips was the biggest determinant of tool wear - potentially can get very ugly.

I believe they have a downloadable Demo version. Many years ago about 2000 -, I transitioned from Mastercam v7 to Surfcam . Back then they were not too dissimilar, both were surface/wireframe with similar toolpath capabilities. Posting was very different but I would not be put off by the learning curve if I needed work . Good luck with your job search.

I think that's the crux of the issue, in that only the very curious and accomplished users who regularly push the limits attain a thorough enough understanding of their chosen software to be able to diagnose and differentiate a software vs. user limitation. The only software I have ever used that was essentially limited only by the skill and imagination of the user was NCL, it was as good or bad as you had the capability to make it - if it couldn't do it, it was probably because you or your machine couldn't. Like many on this forum, I have made a living with various CAD/CAM software, and all have their weaknesses, but I must say that at this time I like the Mastercam product. As with any software when you decide to invest time, money and effort to become proficient you hope there exists at least an implied partnership with the software company in that they have a shared commitment at improving the product in at least the features that are most valuable to you as a user. In that respect I am good with where the product is and how it seems to be evolving. Neither would I agree that there is a pervasive fanboy mentality on this forum, and in fact the level of the freely offered support by most on this forum is admirable and the knowledge of the Mastercam 'power users' is incredibly impressive and would favourably compare if measured against users of any CAM product, high end or other.

R is the ebonics of G-Code, it's expeditious but lazy, you will eventually get burned by continued use, as I did many years ago and immediately stopped using it.

Sorry guitar, It was supposed to be a joke, just a little a play on words. I run with coolant, but sometimes dry, it's no biggie.

no M08 is referred to as postmodern machining

I know Jim from when we worked together at Vantage, he's a greta guy - I'm now at utc in chula vista.

Tyler - This is the single most useful piece of Mastercam info I have had in a long time - thank you so much. Do you work with Jim Truitt? Tell him Hi.

I've just started using X8 - i think it is fantastic. I'm looking to find the parameters for the Description, Manufacturer name & Manf Tool Code in the 'General' Field of the Tool Manager. I would like to get them into my Tool List. Thanks in advance for any help, and retro thanks for all the help you guys have been in the past, I have picked your collective brains for several years as a browser and have benefited greatly from your knowledge . Peter Lawrence SoCal,USA