[gearsoup]

So,
We are thinking about buying a small SuperMax CNC lathe (Fanuc 0T). I know nothing about programming a lathe, and just a little bit more about setting one up.
We would like to upgrade our MasterCam to include Lathe functionality. What level can I get away with? It's just a simple 2 axis lathe, with a hydraulic tailstock.

Are there any sites that give a brief tutorial on the basics of programming a part in MCAM, or how to set up a lathe?

I am fairly comfortable in MCAM mill, so I don't think it will be too much to move to lathe programming.

My partner and I have a lobster dinner bet to see who crashes first.....

[Steve Arteman]

Look through the threads here you will find some, I did one and will have some more available soon.

[cadcam]

for your needs you could use Lathe entry but be aware that you will not have Solid Varify with that.
But to add Lathe1 to your mill seat is not to high of moneys at all.

[Steve Arteman]

I have a helpful Lathe book up on my site now, www.cad2cam.net

[g-codeguy]

So,
We are thinking about buying a small SuperMax CNC lathe (Fanuc 0T). I know nothing about programming a lathe, and just a little bit more about setting one up.
We would like to upgrade our MasterCam to include Lathe functionality. What level can I get away with? It's just a simple 2 axis lathe, with a hydraulic tailstock.

Are there any sites that give a brief tutorial on the basics of programming a part in MCAM, or how to set up a lathe?

I am fairly comfortable in MCAM mill, so I don't think it will be too much to move to lathe programming.

My partner and I have a lobster dinner bet to see who crashes first.....

Lathes are much easier to program than mills, so I don't think you will have a problem learning to program your new lathe. I've had Steve's lathe book for a week, but haven't had time to open it. Hopefully I will have a little spare time in the next few weeks to go through it.

Neither of you will win that lobster dinner as long as you set the tool geometry correctly on the machine. (And the work shift, naturally!) MasterCam will tell you if there is an interference problem, but you already know that. I much prefer version 9.0, but may change my mind after we get some instruction (and time) on using MCX2. From what little I've seen so far, I think v9 is easier to use, although MCX does have a couple nice tricks that v9 doesn't.

We've had MCX since it came out, but had post processor issues, apparently because we are on a network.

I'm sure you already know the OT control isn't as powerful as the 18 or 21. Can't do something like this X[.506+#500] inside a G71 canned cycle, although you can use something like U#500. At least it won't on the one lathe we have left that has an OT control. It will accept X[.506+#500] in the first block, but anywhere else in the cycle, and it will alarm. You can't edit a [...] expression on the control...no brackets! Have to make the edit off the machine and reload the program. Of course you won't have to worry about this if all your programming is done on MasterCam.

[raymond1]

I am knew to mastercam X and I am trying to figure out how to draw the part on mastercam that way I can get all the dimension and intersection points instead of doing all the calcualtion by hand does anybody know of somekind of tutorial a can doawload. thanks

[g-codeguy]

I am knew to mastercam X and I am trying to figure out how to draw the part on mastercam that way I can get all the dimension and intersection points instead of doing all the calcualtion by hand does anybody know of somekind of tutorial a can doawload. thanks

You might want to try some of these links. I am sure there are others also.

www.cncci.com
http://cad2cam.blogspot.com/http://w...t/lessons.html
http://www.eapprentice.net/lessons.html
http://www.cad2cam.net/
http://www.techedu.com/Mastercam.asp We have the lathe book.
http://www.compumachine.com/Regional/camdnc/MCam4.htm
http://www.masterworksolutions.com/books.html
http://www.probookshelf.com/mastercam-x.htm
http://www.emastercam.com/ I've got to try this one shortly. Heard it is good.
http://www.thesolacegroup.com/


I did a Google search for "MasterCam tutorial books". Lots of information out there. Now I have to spend some time researching some of these sights.