When I execute a program in DCAD (v8), either as a simulated toolpath or when Post Processing, the tool starts out at +6" on the imaginary Z axis and has to descend to 0 before the program actually starts executing. This takes a good 12-13 seconds, which while not a lifetime, definitely adds up when iteratively testing out and or assembling the program. When the execution completes, the Z retracts to the Clearplane as specified in the Machine Setup, not the 6" height.

Is there a way to get the tool to start out at the clearplane height, vs this seemingly arbitrary (and ridiculously high! :-) 6" point?

Thanks!

Hi Jim,
It sounds like this starting position may be the 'Z Tool Change position' and 'Safe(Home) Position' as it is set up in the Machine Setup dialog box under the Tool Change tab. You can probably go to that dialog and change those to something closer to the surface of your work and see if that fixes your situation, but you may want to replace those values with something greater before you generate the actual program to keep the Z Tool change and Safe Home postions at a safe distance from the actual part surface.
Regards,
Wes