Newb still not getting it.

[Spinnetti]

Several of you have given me some great advice already, but I don't "Get it" yet. Any chance someone could pull down my MCX file and fix what I'm doing wrong? I've attached the part file, the mcx file, an image of what its supposed to look like, and what in looks like when I simulate it.

1. The first (outer countour) is ok.
2. The second needs to ramp into the work from the right, and I can't get it to do that. It just plunges in.
3, The third countour is supposed to be an open pocket, which ramps into the work. Couldn't get that to work, and got all sorts of odd error messages.

The waste stock is to the Right of the part, and I did it this way so that the final op would be to cut off the stock, minimizing secondary ops.

If you are willing to edit the file, it would probably take 2min for somebody who knows the ropes. That way I can learn from the actual code - Picture worth 1000 words and all that!

Thanks....

[Donkey Hotey]

I can't open your MCX file (you must be on a newer version than me). And you didn't say what cutters you're using. I'm assuming that you are using a ball-end mill for the edges of that pocket.

Are you using a 'pocket' or a 'profile' for that inner web? It looks like you used 'profile'.

There is a button in each operation dialog for the entry move: RAMP. You can choose a number of entry options to minimize the plunge angle.

[tstom]

see if this is what you want

[Donkey Hotey]

Are you actually trying to program from that attached DXF? It looks like a 2D profile when I open it in Solidworks. I hope you're using at least a 3D wireframe, if not a solid.

[tstom]

I just used the 2d wireframe ...I figured he could reset the cut depths as needed

[cadcam]

Here is quick and dirty. sense it was 2d falt did not know depths.

[Spinnetti]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll check it out. For more info from your alls comments,

I did post it with a 2d DXF, but the Mastercam file has the stock size in it (it seemed to have problems with the solidworks file, and the part is simple so DXF worked better). I'm using a .0625 ball end mill (the part is tiny).

I do have one of the inners as a contour instead of a pocket, because I got errors trying to do it as an open pocket, and it wouldn't ramp. The error message said something about not being closed and having to do roughing, but I didn't understand that.

I'm rebuilding my windows "side" (dual booting a Mac), so soon as I get that done I'll try it. Thanks!!!!! I know this is probably very simple, but its been driving me nuts for weeks. I have a Mastercam book, watched tutorials etc, and can't seem to get it. Once I get over this "hump", all my other parts I'm trying to do are similar, so this will get me off and running.... here's what the parts go to - a variety of scale working landing gear for small R/C warbirds. These are almost complete except for the dang drag links I'm tring to make (rest was done without cnc)

[cadcam]

My file I used the open pocket. if you need more info let me know.

[Donkey Hotey]

Well, for grins, post the Solidworks file and I'll see if I have the same problems. We're in the same boat (Solidworks / Mastercam).

I usually import the Solidworks file, then set the stock boundary around the part, plus whatever margin I want for stock allowance. I ask it to generate lines and points with the stock. I use that stock perimeter as the basis of my work offset.

If you start with good 3D, you can load all of the geometry depths with mouse picks instead of remembering dimensions.

And keep in mind that you can do things like click the depth button, click on a line that defines the depth and have it load that into the dialog field. from there you can click into that field and do arithmetic. If you wanted to change a drill depth to be a bit more shallow, you could click in there and type +0.050 after the number and tab to the next field. Mastercam will do the math for you--adding 0.050 to the field's value. It's very useful.

I suspect that your biggest problem is making friends with the WCS settings. I too am working on making peace with the tool plane / construct plane thing.

[Spinnetti]

Originally Posted by Donkey Hotey Well, for grins, post the Solidworks file and I'll see if I have the same problems. We're in the same boat (Solidworks / Mastercam). I usually import the Solidworks file, then set the stock boundary around the part, plus whatever margin I want for stock allowance. I ask it to generate lines and points with the stock. I use that stock perimeter as the basis of my work offset. If you start with good 3D, you can load all of the geometry depths with mouse picks instead of remembering dimensions. And keep in mind that you can do things like click the depth button, click on a line that defines the depth and have it load that into the dialog field. from there you can click into that field and do arithmetic. If you wanted to change a drill depth to be a bit more shallow, you could click in there and type +0.050 after the number and tab to the next field. Mastercam will do the math for you--adding 0.050 to the field's value. It's very useful. I suspect that your biggest problem is making friends with the WCS settings. I too am working on making peace with the tool plane / construct plane thing.

ah, thats good stuff. Most of what you mentioned I didn't even know was possible, just not get the pockets right. In my example file, I did get the stock defined, and the major profile, just not the inner cuts/pockets... The irony is that my actual needs are dead simple, so once I can get one part to cut, I can make virtually all the parts that I want to. (its all 2.5d simple stuff).

Here's the Sw file (SW2008)

I got my PC side rebuilt, and if I can kick my daughter off the PC, I'll load up the files you guys did for me and have a look.

Thanks!

[Donkey Hotey]

Hmmm...wouldn't ya' know it: I can't open your Solidworks file either. Of course I'm on MCX MR1 and Solidworks 2006. I figured Solidworks wouldn't like the newer formate but I thought Mastercam would open it.

Well, either post a .stp file or just give it another whack on your own. I think you'll find that it's a lot easier to work from the 3D model.

[cadcam]

Sorry guys to open a 2008 SW, you need X2 Mr2 for that version of SW.