[richpsr]

hi all,

i am moving from an old version of alphacam ('98) to Mastercam X3. I am interested if firstly learning how to profile 2D shapes etc and get used to the interface. It is fairly confusing to say the least and I am having trouble with applying the tools to the shape i have drawn. I am also having problems joining the geometry in teh fuirst place (even with a simple rectangle!!) do i need to making surfaces etc? or can it go on line geometry like the old alphacam does?

Sorry to be vague, but i am looking for a bit of set up help, as I am sure if I can get one tool path on then the rest will come to me in time.

Rich.

[beekeeper]

mastercam cutter paths can drive off geometry, faces, and surfaces. to connect lines to model a rectangle there are several ways. if you are building using lines make sure they are on the same plane and use the edit trim/break function to join

[camnerd]

Hi - I think that you should stay with AlphaCAM - there is so much new/improved features in the 2011 version, that you ought to see that, before making the choise for Mastercam..

[richpsr]

@ Beekeeper, Thank you for the reply. I think it will just take a bit of getting used to the interface and knowing where things are. I found a few things out yesterday .

@ camnerd, thank you for the response. I would like to stay with alphacam as it is 'what i know' it is just the financial side of things (we are a small family business). I might end up getting the alphacam to develop how i produce things and learn the mastercam on the side.

Thanks for the replies though guys, its appreciated.

[camnerd]

@ Beekeeper, Thank you for the reply. I think it will just take a bit of getting used to the interface and knowing where things are. I found a few things out yesterday .

@ camnerd, thank you for the response. I would like to stay with alphacam as it is 'what i know' it is just the financial side of things (we are a small family business). I might end up getting the alphacam to develop how i produce things and learn the mastercam on the side.

Thanks for the replies though guys, its appreciated.

I don't think there is much difference reg. prices... and espc. not when you allready got AC - if you ask for an upgrade to 2011...