CAM confusion for CNC lathe

[dareposte]

I got the opportunity to try out a copy of masterCAM, and am thoroughly confused by the axis coordinates, specifically the two items below.

1) It appears that to view the stock in the lathe portion you need to be viewing the XY plane. In the lathe, this should be the XZ plane for a "top" view, which is thoroughly confusing to me. Why is it this way? Will it generate correct G-Code?

2) In the CAM software toolpath simulations, the lathe tool always approaches from the top of the cnc screen, with the chuck on the left of the screen. This to me appears to be making the cut from the back of the lathe. The LH and RH cutting tools seem reversed, almost like they are mounted upside down in the imaginary tool holder. From screenshots of other CAM software this appears to be "normal", but it is very confusing to me as I do not understand the reasons for it. Looking at a top view of my lathe, the tool approaches from the normal hand-operated engine lathe position (from the direction nearest the operator). Is it customary to mount cnc tools upside down and backwards? Why is it this way?

[cam1]

Hi:
You need to configure to work in the -DZ construction plane, and then set the tools for the bottom turret and LH chuck.
Then, you will see the tool cutting from Right to Left at the bottom of the screen.
As far as the coordinates go you will see a coordinate sytem indicator in the lower LH of the screen which is labelled -DZ where the -D is acting towards the cenerline of the part.

It takes some work, but once your tools and defaults are setup, it's a pleasure to use MC lathe.

PS I'm running

Regards

[dareposte]

Thanks for the help, I will have to mess with the settings a little more. I only got to use the MC software for a couple hours today, so I definitely have a ways to go on the learning curve.

I will probably not be able to use it at home due to the high cost, but I'm hoping learning on it will at least give some experience for when I find something I can afford.

[cam1]

What version are you running?
If it's V9, I'd be happy to send you the .cfg file that would setup the coordinate system, along with some other defaults.

regards

[cam1]

You are at the right place

regards