master cam seem difficult to use

[qmas99]

Mastercam is very difficult to learn

[Mitsui Seiki]

No,it's not.All you need is a good teacher.

[chipproducer]

compared to what? I find it easy. is there something you would like to ask?

[jorber]

My first view is saying that looks difficult, I just want a good tutorial to start.

[tbar2485]

Two years ago I was a new user to MasterCam. I needed to get up to speed quickly on version 9 bought the book MasterCam Mill Training Tutorials V9 over the Internet. I see a copy of on ebay right now for $75.

The book has examples that you can do on your PC that walk you through most every feature (including 3D) and allows you to see what those features are and what they do.

It was a HUGE assistance for me and well worth the investment.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have if I can.

Tom

[Boots]

I started out using MasterCam ver. 7 about 6 years ago and used it for 4 years. I now use AlphaCam which is very comparable to MasterCam. I find both programs very easy to use. I didn't have any professional schooling or classes on the subject of programming but just took and followed the tutorials in their book "To The Letter" Then I applied what I learned and just started with something simple like a square then a circle and on and on now I can program in 3D or 2D. But I have to admit that if you are new to it and have not had practicle CNC experience trouble shooting programs to get them to work then I would suggest taking a course in CNC Programming with your machine in mind. I say that because they all handle the NC Code a little differently and most machines have to have their own post processor. That's a little piece of software (usually written in C Basic) that takes your drawing and tooling information that you have to provide to MasterCam and turns it into NC Code for your particular machine. Then you have to get it into the machine by either floopy disc, RS232 cable from a laptop or other PC. Then you will be ready to run it. Then if you need any particular help on certain things you can ask them here and you will have all kinds of help. But MasterCam is a very good program to use. Give it a chance and you will come to like it alot.

[crazythunder]

Originally Posted by qmas99 Mastercam is very difficult to learn

the best things is life that are easy are not the best for you. To gain knowledge is this profession is not easy. Mastercam is a tool for you to be able to better yourself while bettering the place where you work. I make very good Monet using Mastercam, more than a lot of people with degrees. Put the time and in no time you have have. Complain look for fault and that is all you will see. The quickest path to an answer is to ask a question. The easiest way to fail at something is to never attempt. Do you have a specific problem? A certain area that you can not figure out? A toolpath you can not get to do what you want? Believe it or not there are people here who will be more than glad to help you. The big key to that equation is you letting us help you.

[lovecnc2003]

everything is easy when you know how ...

[scottmdemmert73]

Originally Posted by crazythunder the best things is life that are easy are not the best for you. To gain knowledge is this profession is not easy. Mastercam is a tool for you to be able to better yourself while bettering the place where you work. I make very good Monet using Mastercam, more than a lot of people with degrees. Put the time and in no time you have have. Complain look for fault and that is all you will see. The quickest path to an answer is to ask a question. The easiest way to fail at something is to never attempt. Do you have a specific problem? A certain area that you can not figure out? A toolpath you can not get to do what you want? Believe it or not there are people here who will be more than glad to help you. The big key to that equation is you letting us help you.

Fine words of wisdom

[cadcam]

(everything is easy when you know how ..) But did not get this over night. I my self have 20 years invested in mastercam and more hours then I could ever say.
I open mastercam a normal of 29 to 30 days a month. between programming, designing,supporting and training oh and Sales. I have invested allot. But for most that know me I will share all the time. JM2C

[cam1]

I'm pro MasterCam, but having driven SolidCam for a couple of years, I can appreciate the comments about not so easy. I switched after V9 (Cplane=Tplane?.....) to many steps, all I want to do is machine the other face.. I do however agree that you have to sacrifice something to be able to move ahead in life, and the best things in life come hard.
MasterCam is like an old girlfriend you can always go back to after a breakup...
Please take with a grain of salt, we still maintain a seat of MC Mill and Lathe.I really like MC Lathe.

[cadcam]

have you used Mastercam X2 or just V9?