Importing files to Mastercam

[Texacue]

Thanks again Steve, I found it.

Now, of course, I have another question. Does MCX3 need a spacific post-prossessor to accomidate the "Mach 3" program, or is MCX3 already set up to comunicate with it? Anybody?

[Superman]

Basically, Mastercam has stages it goes through from the actual CAD to the final stage of having an NC program

1- CAD model on screen ( can be wireframe ( lines, arcs etc), surfaces or solid models.
2- a machine definition file is usually pre-defined ( this sets available axes that can be used, the post for this machine, and control for this machine ). Try the "Machine Type" pull-down, you may have one set-up already
3- create toolpaths applicable to the machine that you have selected that utilise the data in #1. ( eg you define a 3-axis machine, but you cannot program a 4 or 5 axis operation ).
4- When posting , mastercam uses the toolpath operation into an NCI file, which in turn is converted to NC-code using your assigned post

The Post
is a .PST file that is specifically configured to your machine, it can be customised to some extent by yourself ( can be daunting to the average user, as special care is needed, miss a comma, $, etc may stuff it good and proper )
If you do not have a post, try the generic posts and select the one with closest outputs for your machine ( this would normally be the one to customise.
Customised posts can be obtained through your mastercam reseller. Not sure on $$$, 3 axis may be less than 1000

Communications to & from M/C
the NC-file would reside in your PC, another software package would need to be set-up to enable communications with the machine.

many would use floppies or USB to get the NC-file into the machine, until a comm link is set-up

I suggest you have a seperate directory, other than the c:/mcamx/mill/nc directory to place the finalise NC-file in that is to go machining in case of overposting, or the operator stuffing up editing on the machine.

[Texacue]

Thanks Steve, I see what you mean about the superman thing; LOL. Anyway, I thought I'd let you know; and anyone else viewing, at the risk of boring a lot of people, what it is that I am trying to do.

I'm a custom Pool Cue Maker. I am attempting to use a 4 axis machine, which was built by another Cue Maker, who then sold it to me. I am going to attatch a picture of the drawing I made on Cadkey 99, which depicts what I am trying to do. I would like to make a helical cut around a tapered dowel using only the X axis and the A axis (I do mean the rotary axis). Anyway, here goes.

[buggie]

Hello
How do i import a Rhino file into mastercam X3? and is it possible to get g codes to plug into hass mill?

Thanks