[balsaman]

Hi,

Why is it, that when I do a pocket with some islands, for example this harley logo, the tool path isn't very efficient, as in the tool goes all over the place, and often over the same spot a few times and jumps around a lot. I chose the default pocketing method (zigzag). I tend to leave other check marks etc. at the default as well, as usually I don't know what they mean...

Forgive me as I am a poor Mastercam user, because I am trying to teach myself. The factory I work at has mastercam (one seat), which the tool and die makers use, and I try to get on it when I can. I am just an electricain. Try to be patient.

Eric

[hardmill]

Post your file if you'd like

PEACE

[balsaman]

The MC8 file is 3 megs. I will upload it to my web page later so you can download it.

Eric

[balsaman]

www.e-zflight.com/files/HD.MC8

[balsaman]

Shoulda zipped it I guess. Sorry.

Eric

[hardmill]

It took me about 10secs to download.
I could'nt bear the wait

PEACE

[cadcam]

balsaman, were should I put the file on the ftp..
I will Zip it and it's you file with jay added to it and a single op.

[cadcam]

Look on the FTP under Mastercam_Files

[balsaman]

I will Zip it and it's you file with jay added to it and a single op.

I don't know what the above means...

I can't access the FTP site. Send it to my email. [email protected]

Thanks

Eric

[Mortek]

I can't access the FTP site either, keep getting error 425 couldn't get data.

[Rekd]

Are you behind a firewall?

[Mortek]

Yes, is this a bad thing?

[balsaman]

My router has a hardware firewall.

Eric

[Mortek]

So I can't use protection when I go to the ftp sight? What if I get the bug? Do I shut the firewall off?

[Rekd]

Try FTP Explorer or something external, other than IExplorer. It may help. I have problems with ftp also.

[Mortek]

I'm using netscape 7.1

[cadcam]

Netscap is vary picky when coming to FTP.
Try using like Cute FTP.

You can get the trial version of my links page on my web site.

[balsaman]

I have tried wsftp with no luck.

Eric

[balsaman]

Jay,

Thanks for the file, but thats not how I had the original. All the lettering was raised in the original, I used a 1/16" EM, plus I had a tool change to a 1/8" EM for cutting the profile. Have another look at the original.

My origianal question was is there a way to make the tool path more efficient? Simply letting Mcam figure it out doesnt seem to make for a super efficient tool path, (specifically for pockets). Simple contouring of chains is efficient because I can choose the order that the chains are cut).

On the original, I selected the outside of the pocket, then all the letters, one at a time. The toolpath jumps all over, and often goes over the same spot several times.

Eric

[HuFlungDung]

Eric, I haven't looked at your file, since it is not in a format I can import. But, I doubt that software generated toolpaths would ever be as efficient as manually drawn ones, just like hand written software created in Assembler is far more succinct than that created from higher languages.

It boils down to a compromise between your programming time versus the machine's time spent in rapid motions. Which is less?

If you wanted, can you backplot the toolpath, and clean it up and reconnect it yourself?

BTW, I like your lesson 3 formula