[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by whelzorn I'm very new to the lathe part of mastercam, and I have a machine I retrofitted here, but the default setup in mastercam was not meant for a lathe with the tool coming in from the front of the machine (like most non-CNC lathes), instead it makes the tool paths for a machine that has the tool on the back side. How can I change it so that mastercam accounts for this? Thanks! EDIT: Well, I got that set I think, but now I have run into another problem; I cannot figure out how to make the toolpaths go inward, toward the center of the workpiece. The piece can start off rounded (imagine a chess pawn) but when it gets to the middle of the 'ball' it just goes straight, instead of going back in toward the center, so I end up with a rod with a rounded tip, not a pawn. I have no idea how to do this. Anyone?

I don't know anything about Mastercam Lathe, just Lathes. (Trying to learn though) Try a 35 degree tool that looks like a point or a "V". You will be able to make most of the Sphere with this type of tool. You will need a 80 degree Front and a 35 Degree Back turning tools as well for this type of part. MC is only doing that tool path to avoid a tool collision with the work.