[Kookaburra]

When I operated the TNC 426/430 controllers, I had access to mastercam but rarely used it. Like mouldmaker said, it is a very friendly system. Once you get to know the language, you will do most of the programming at the control, in most cases it is quicker than mastercam. I even used to do a lot of basic 3D stuff at the control using and combination on plane swapping and the "Q" (parametric programming) functions which allow you to have the program calculate variables in a flash. One program I wrote for a previous company is still used today. They are manufacturers of jigging tables for fabricators. The tables have 100's of holes in them and range in 100mm increments from 1m x 1m to 3m x 3m. All the operator has to do to machine the specific size the customer ordered, is to answer 6 questions at the beginning of the program and the entire program self adjusts. Get into it, heidenhain is great stuff, you and the push from above won't regret it, and besides, use the oportunity to learn a new language while you can, as it will boost your position in your current job and also your future employability by others.

Good luck with it all.