MCam mill for a router?

[mafitch7479]

I've probably asked this before, but I can't find it...

We just got in a new AXYZ Pacer router to compliment our mill, and I'm wondering if mastercam X5 mill (or X4) will work for the router with a proper post processor (maybe using the generic 3-axis)? Or is the router seat necessary?

I have no idea what kind of control is on the router, nor have I ever used one.

It'll probably be a couple of weeks before it's set up and running, but I might as well try to figure things out now

Thanks for any help

[CJH]

Chances are the router control is a propritary set up built specifically for this brand of router. I am not familiar with this type of router, so can't say for sure what type of code it runs off of.

As far as i know you do need a seat of router to run the router tool paths. Although the toolpaths are mostly identical to the mill paths. You also need the specific machine definition, command, and post files for this machine.

It may be a nominal cost to get the router add-on if you have MC Mill already. I'd say contact your your reseller for MC, or contact CNC software directly for assistance.

Chris

[cadcam]

you can program the router using Mill. there are a few paths you will need a post for the router. Are you going to use endmills or router bits? are you you going to want to do drill blocking? are you going to cut would or using for plastics and metals?

[TheBigJW]

Be aware if you add router to your mill seat you will have to pay maintenance on both forever. In the future you can't just upgrade mill without router. Even if they never add another enhancement to router you must pay because it's now attached to that dongle.

This is how they have screwed the lathe and wire edm guys for years.

It is a lot cheaper in the US than in Canada so if you are in Canada try and buy through a US dealer. It may be close to the add on price.

John

John

[mafitch7479]

Originally Posted by cadcam you can program the router using Mill. there are a few paths you will need a post for the router. Are you going to use endmills or router bits? are you you going to want to do drill blocking? are you going to cut would or using for plastics and metals?

I'd say 95% of what we're going to be doing is metal and plastic with mill bits, at least for the foreseeable future. I went to the X5 rollout here last week, and they said since the router has two heads, that a router seat is necessary. Considering the price, it's not a big deal for us.

Originally Posted by TheBigJW Be aware if you add router to your mill seat you will have to pay maintenance on both forever. In the future you can't just upgrade mill without router. Even if they never add another enhancement to router you must pay because it's now attached to that dongle. This is how they have screwed the lathe and wire edm guys for years. It is a lot cheaper in the US than in Canada so if you are in Canada try and buy through a US dealer. It may be close to the add on price. John John

yeah, that's one concern I have, but with the way this company is, it's not a big deal. A small expense to make money off the router.

[cadcam]

router has two heads

did not know that. then yes..sorry

[mafitch7479]

Originally Posted by cadcam did not know that. then yes..sorry

Although, the second head is apparently just a knife attachment, so I'm not sure how that affects what kind of programming is required.