Just got a batch of files that are for the newest version. Files are MX9 format and I'm using MX8. Just trying to figure out if it's at all possible to open or convert these files. Thanks for the help guys!

I was pretty impressed as well that it actually moved the topic to first page. Hopefully the topic helps someone else, or gets some more feedback about the topic.

I don't exactly understand what your asking. I do plenty of deep hole drilling, and the my X axis sags when I have a spade drill over 20" in the quill. It hasn't caused any problems with accuracy. I start with a pilot hole that guides my longer spade and keep its on centerline. Programming a boring operation in Mastercam in my opinion is unnecessary. Sweep your holder and set tool offset and the machine goes to X=0 (centerline) and then start traveling -Z. My only real challenge is monitoring tool pressure, and changing feed and spindle speeds.

I've been using this website for over a year and I haven't seen this problem occur more than a couple times. But organization never hurt anyone/thing, so maybe we couldn't benefit from new layout. Also, I love the Einstein quote! "I am convinced that He (God) does not play dice." -Albert Einstein

Thanks for the explanation of NURBS. I was thinking about redrawing my part with arc segments instead of NURBS. Because it wasn't able to find a path between entities. Then I was having trouble chaining together a line segments with lot's of arcs and "cannot join entities" message appeared when I attempted to. Switching my paths from partial to chained and it allowed me to create the roughing path without joining entities.

Yeah I keep getting this problem today. I believe that it has to do with the authentication server were using. However, normally the error message clearly indicates that the NET HASP isnt connecting or found. But whenever I attempt to re open mastercam I get the no SIM message. I was going through the recommended solutions on mastercam support website and it fixed it for like maybe 5 mins. Then I got the "Error 9" message and so I came to see what other users who experienced this issue have to say.

I placed my indicator on the face of my chuck and lined up the tool holder and the centerline just by glancing through the back of the holder. I was able to get two sides match and then used X0 "measure" so now the machine has a better idea of where to start. But I don't believe it's centered correctly still. Because Although 12 & 6 are in sync, 3 & 9 are almost .03" out. The only way I could think to adjust this would involve adjusting the position of my actual turret. But I don't think I can accomplish this because I don't know of any ways that unlock the turret. When I switch tool slots it locks it's self in position. If there were a code to adjust the orientation of the turret would the lock still be able to engage after the adjustment? Jeff, I had the same thought about simply setting the X Off-set to 0. So I tried this and it took my turret up into the home position.

I'm working on a part that uses two different spades. I'm GREEN when it comes to spade drilling and I'm unsure of how I would set the X-Offset for these tools. The process I use to set my ID boring bars is to bore a diameter, move the tool out and measure diameter. I input that diameter and then press "measure" and it sets my tool offset. I was wondering if I would just use ZERO for the X-Offset because the tool needs to follow the center line of my machine. Or do I set the tool like my ID boring bars? Overall I'm very unsure how to touch off this tool. Please let me know in detail what I should do. Thanks for your help everyone! NO STAR WARS SPOILERS PLEASE!

I was thrown into programming and operating a CNC lathe when our operator quit suddenly. I had my Boss buy me the one of the entry level Emastercam books. It wasn't good at answering questions or giving examples of alternative ways to program. But I completed the entire course twice and by the end I felt very comfortable doing basic projects. To further my experience I moved onto the "professional" level series Emastercam book. It had a lot of similar projects, but it was much more in depth as to what all the settings found in Mastercam do. After completing this book twice I moved onto finding and modeling any engineer drawings I could get my hands on. I've been working on programming light sabers recently. So I would be wary of spending a lot of money on courses. I've become a decent programmer after a year and we only spent $140 total on books.

Thanks for the tip. This shortcut is great, I often get a little confused what line is what sometimes. Normally I just color code the drawing before I start creating geometry.

Thanks for the quick responses. I'll definitely make sure to keep the machine clean after running a part. But I don't have a way to get a fan or vacuum in the machine to remove the dust. It's a leadwell cnc that's enclosed, so there isn't anywhere to run a hose or setup a box fan. I didn't think it would be a problem but I wanted to ask around before I accidently damage our companies lathe. Like Mike@Lustre mentioned, I've run lot's of induction hardened metals on the machine, but I was worried that because the wood makes dust rather than chips that it may get into the bed. I contacted our Leadwell distributor to inquire what they have to say on the topic. Also been trying to get in contact with some mechanical engineering instructors to find out their take on the matter.

Today I was told that I shouldn't cut wood on a metal lathe. Because the shavings absorb the oil and will become abrasive and wear the bed of the lathe down. Then the machine will become less accurate. I'd never heard this before and it sounds like a reasonable statement. But I have yet to find credible information or an example of this actually happening. My search found many operators that have used a metal lathe to cut wood before and didn't experience any problems. I also found a few examples of users that acknowledge this concern. Please help me get to the bottom of this. I've put my wood working projects on hold while I seek out information. I really look forward to hearing others input on this topic.

At the end of your code, before line containing M30. Use this code to send your turret home. G28 U0 W0

I've noticed that the files for download in my book I purchased are incomplete. I downloaded the files from the site http://www.emastercam.com/board/files/file/789-mastercam-x8-lathe-professional-courseware/ But the files Geometry.IGES , DRAWING#1.MCX-8. are absent from folder I downloaded. It's really disappointing that a "Professional courseware" book is missing files needed to complete some of the lessons. Another error I noticed is page #39 (Lathe Drawing # 8). The drawings dimensions are different than the "full size drawing" found in the back of the book. I don't know if Emastercam will address these issues. Probably not, now that X9 is available. But I just wanted to vent my frustrations. I'll try to remember to post anymore errors I come across in this book. !UPDATE! Working through the book I also just came across an error on Page #106. It tells the user to "shorten the end contour 1.0" ". This is inaccurate, if you shorten the contour an inch on the Finish Toolpath. Then the part is incomplete with stock remaining at the top of your part.

I don't understand why we always need a new version. Why not just update the current v8? I only program for lathe's. So I don't use the new features. They never seem crucial to have.