The code looks right. I believe the R-.5202 will generate the taper.

I got back in the FTP site and deleted the file. Seems like logging into that FTP site is kind of flaky. Tried it 4 or 5 times with no success. Waited an hour and tried again, got in on first try.

O.K. I'm in and uploaded a file into the lathe directory. Filename is serpentine pockets. I already solved my problem so no help needed. I wonder, can I delete files I loaded to the FTP site? If not can someone with access can go ahead and delete that file?

Hmm, that user name and password won't let me in either. I have already solved my problem with the lathe file I had, but sooner or later I will need to upload a file to get some help from some of you.

I can download from FTP site to my desk top. Just opened one up in Mcam, works fine.

I would like to post a lathe file to the FTP. I read the "step by step instuctions" but I also get a pop up asking for a user name and password. My forum name and password don't do it. Any help out there?

In regards to EIA on Mazaks, I use wear when I program with Mastercam. If I am writing a simple EIA program at the machine I program part shape and enter cutter radius on the tool offsets page. I always put notes in the program so the guys know what to put in the offset. However now that I am using Mastercam more often I can't even remeber the last time I wrote code at the machine.

My entry above of course applies to running EIA Gcode programs, not Mazatrol conversational programs.

To the Mazak users. Mazak parameters default to using the tool data page length and actual diameter columns. There is another page called Tool Offset, it defaults to 128 offsets that can be used for lengths or diameters. If you want the control to use the tool offset page values you have to change two or three parameters.(Fusion 640). Look at parameter F93 bit3, F94 bit 7, maybe F92 also. I have my Mazaks set to use the tool data length column for tool lengths and to use the tool offsets page for G41/G42 tool diameter or wear offsets. This lets the operators still use the quick & easy tool measure plunger thru MDI. Anyway read your Mazak parameter manual as I mentioned above. You have lots of choices. If you want to email me I can look and see how I have the parameters set on the machines.

I think you have to change each tool individually. For example, in the operations manager click on parameters for a machining operation and go to the tool tab. Right click on the tool to edit its defaults and save back to library. I think it also depends on what you have set on the settings tab as to get data from tool or operation. There are seperate defaults for the operations too.

So, it sounds like we can't do it through the mcam customizable menu. That is what I thought.

I want to add an escape function to my RMB custom menu. I know how to customize the menu, but can't find the escape command. Or..... how do you guys escape from the middle of a command? I'm too lazy to hit the escape key with my other hand.

yep, found a press release on UGS site also. http://www.ugs.com/index.shtml

Got it. tools/folder options/file types tab/restore/advanced/action-new/type in open for action/application used to perform action, use browse button normally.

Been there, done that. After I pick Mastercam (McamX2mastercam.exe) with the "browse" button the other pop up comes back showing the list of available programs but mcam is not there and if I continue anyway it doesn't work. The list seemed to be programs that were in the "program files" directory. I created a short cut to Mcam.exe and placed it in the "program files" directory. Then it showed up in the list and I could pick it. However now when I click on a .dwg file I get an alarm that says "filename.dwg is not a valid Win32 application". If I open Mcam first and do file open on the .dwg file it opens just fine (file is ok).

I want to just click on a .dwg file and have X2 open with that file. I have tried many ways to associate .dwg files to X2 in WinXP Pro but can't get it to work. What am I missing?

I had a similar problem with a face groove. It wanted to go to X and Z home/index position from the bottom of the groove, hitting the large diameter of the face groove on the way. I tried all of the various settings. Spent about 30 minutes on it, but in the end time is money. I just edited the nc code in that one spot and sent it to the machine. Probably by the time I have to do another face groove X2 will be on a new update and it will be different anyway.

yep, rabbit tool is kind of what I am looking for. Thanks to all for replying.

Anyone have any ideas for centering large shafts that can't be swallowed in the lathe spindle? 4" to 6" diameters, 20-40" long) BTW we don't have a steady rest or a large boring mill to make the centers either. Many years ago we had a drill that looked like a portable magnetic base drill, but instead of a mag base it was a 12" 3-jaw manual chuck. We would use a large center drill that would also make a counter bore. We would cdril/cbore deep enough so the cbore would be deeper than than the faces to be finished. This way you could still face down even with a tailstock engaged. I have been looking through many industrial supply catalogs but I can't find these items anymore. Can anyone help?

Chuck, The "Free, and freely distributable viewer that supports all CGM profiles" from your link works quite well. This well help me get through a couple of hundred drawings I need to quote. Thank you very much.

Thanks Chuck, Took a bit of work to get the software and plugins downloaded and working. Although it will now open the .cgm files the graphics and text are very choppy and text is so poor it is not readable. Maybe I am missing something?

I did a search of the forum and found some ways of opening .cgm files. MS Word worked OK by "insert picture from file" but you have to use the scroll bars to pan around. Google search of file extension shows the following but we don't have any of it: CorelDRAW, Paint Shop Pro AutoDesk AutoCAD Adobe Illustrator IrfanView Anyone know if Mastercam or Solidworks will have a converter any time soon? Any other ways out there?

quote: And theres a shortage cause we end up starting our own shops. the list is only short of a couple things needed to do it. hum??? Funny you should mention that. Did open my own shop for a while. Took me even further away from the things I like to do. Also realized that every machine shop owner I have ever known in the last 30 years was divorced. It almost got me too but I decided to get rid of the shop and keep my family intact.

I have been a machinist/cnc machinst/cncprogrammer/mfg eng for the past 30 years. In my experience the following is a list of what a company wants from a good CNC Programmer: 1. can operate cnc machines with ease and no crashes 2. can setup machines with ease 3. can trouble shoot and solve machining process and tooling problems 4 can trouble shoot and solve machine alignment and breakdown problems because company has no maintenance people 5.quotes cycle times and determines tooling specs and costs 6.speaks with customers/engineers to clairify part specs because the solid files have no datums, tolerances, or hole callouts. "Big Company" policy seems to be who would need a print if we give them a solid drawing? It costs too much, let the other guy create a drawing if he needs it. Many of the college graduate solid designers (with out any machining experience) don't truly understand why these things would be needed anyway. (I could really go on ranting and raving about this one but I'll stop now.) 7. Create blue prints for machinists and inspection department from customer's solid files 8. Is constantly re-ordering cutting tools for production next day air because there is no tool crib or attendant. 9. Always scrambling to keep up with ISO and AS Audit requirements (usually training and or maintenance procedures) 10. Constantly re-drawing the plant layout file 11. Constantly having operators/setup people pull off of one job to run another job that is "hotter" 12. Constantly sending new job routers back to the office to be re-done to the proper machining sequence because they don't ask manufacturing how it should be machined in the first place. 13. Research and justify machinery for new capitol equipment purchases 14. Stay on top of continual improvement projects for everyone in the shop 15. And for the 30 minutes of spare time I have each day I actually do the thing I like the most which is write NC programs 16. Oh yeah, and now I need to learn 5-axis simultaneous milling. (on my own time). YOU BETTER BELIEVE WE ARE WORTH BIG BUCKS! - just wish I could find them and not have to work 60 to 80 hours a week to get them.

Had a Haas with a 40 cat spindle about 10 years ago. Three spindles in less than 6 months. Traded it in for a Mazak/Mori/Okuma. On the other hand I have had to be that service guy replacing spindle bearings multiple times for one customer (not a Haas). Three spindles before the operator showed me how they were rapiding the Z-axis down to press bearings into a part they machined! Then we charged him for all three service calls and parts.