A pair of quick tips in today's post.
Moving a Toolpath in a Solid Tree and Importing Levels
5/13/24 3:09 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, quick tips
Short and Sweet - TikTok and Shorts Mastercam Videos!
2/14/24 4:20 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam
Sometimes, you just need a quick fix of Mastercam! Have a look at our short form content!
Complex 3D Wireframe with Ask The Instructor!
1/31/24 3:11 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam
Stuck trying to create complex 3D geometry? With camInstructor's 'Ask The Instructor' perk, you won't be!
Dynamic Mill Course FREE Peek - Gaps and Motions
12/9/23 1:30 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Dynamic Milling, Mastercam
This video is taken from our 2D High Speed Toolpath Course where we explore every toolpath parameter inside of these paths.
How much RAM does Mastercam really need?
11/16/23 1:36 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Benchmark
Does more RAM make Mastercam better? Lets find out!
ChatGPT is Evolving! It Now Creates GCODE From Prints!
10/4/23 1:44 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC
The remarkable advancements in ChatGPT-4, with the ability to upload prints, and 10 times the computing power, find out how this is changing machining!
Old Toolpath, New Functions - Swept2D Improvements
9/15/23 1:27 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2024
Not very often the old toolpaths get some love, Mastercam 2024 has made Swept2D better!
Mastercam 2024 Now in TECHNICOLOR!
8/23/23 6:06 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2024
It's amazing how much easier a touch of color can make programming!
The BEST New Feature For Mastercam 2024!
7/24/23 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2024
Now this is a game changer! This will be your go to in 2024 and beyond!
Mastercam 2024 Graphics Cube
7/14/23 5:08 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2024
Check out the NEW Graphics View Cube in Mastercam 2024!
New FREE Mastercam Mill-Turn Content
6/14/23 4:42 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, millturn
Videos have been added to the FREE Mill-Turn Lesson and....
Mastercam 2024 has been released and so has new camInstructor content for it!
I Gave Away Free Mastercam Mill Turn Lessons and This Happened!
2/22/23 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, millturn
Unleash the Power of Mill Turn with camInstructor's Free Lessons
Can ChatGPT Program Your CNC Machines?
12/23/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC, gcode, ai
Can ChatGPT Program Your CNC Machines?
Another 6 Quick Mastercam Tips
11/18/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Tips, Mastercam
6 more Mastercam Tips to help your workflow.
Brace Yourself, Mastercam 2024 is Coming
11/1/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Mastercam 2024, Beta
You can be part of Mastercam 2024. Here's how...
Emboss and Deboss on Surfaces in Mastercam
10/5/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, engrave, emboss, deboss
Extruding letters evenly into or onto surfaces can be tricky in Mastercam, here's how!
We are looking for the next camInstructor! Is it you?
It's Time to Update to Mastercam 2023!
7/25/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam 2023, Machine Group Setup, Stock
A very big update has been put out for Mastercam 2023. It's now time to update!
Watch This Before Upgrading to Mastercam 2023
6/8/22 5:08 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam 2023, Machine Group Setup
There is some new workflow in Mastercam 2023. I suggest you watch this video before you upgrade.
8 More Quick Mastercam Tips
4/9/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Tips, Mastercam 2023
If 7 tips were good, 8 tips are better, right?
7 Quick Mastercam Tips
4/1/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Tips, Mastercam 2023
7 Quick Mastercam Tips.
I Can't Believe I Didn't Know This Was Possible
3/11/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Chaining
I can't believe I didn't know this Mastercam shortcut!
FREE | UMC Setup and Operate Lesson
2/20/22 1:07 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Setup Operate, Haas, UMC
Here's an overview of our new UMC 5x Setup and Operate Lesson. Oh, it's also FREE!
a WORDLE for Machinists
2/18/22 4:41 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Machinist, Wordle
That's right, a WORDLE just for machinists!
How to Mark Faster in Mastercam
1/28/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam
Teachers, you've got dozens of programs to review. Here's how to get through them faster!
Catching Cheaters in Mastercam
1/15/22 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam
I have a special set of skills I've acquired over a long career that make me a nightmare for cheaters. If you cheat, I will find you!
Mastercam Dark Mode
12/23/21 4:49 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, dark mode
Put those sunglasses away and turn on Mastercam Dark Mode!
A Better QRC for Mastercam
12/15/21 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Keyboard Shortcuts, Quick Reference Card
A Quick Reference Card for Mastercam that you can edit and customize!
Creating and Using Tabs in Mastercam
11/15/21 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Tabs
Everything you ever wanted to know about Tabs in Mastercam, and more!
Mastercam in Windows 11
10/23/21 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Windows11
With Windows 11 now available, how is Mastercam in this new Operating System?
Oscillating in Different Mastercam Toolpaths
10/5/21 3:24 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Swarf, 5 Axis Curve, Oscillate
Oscillate is most commonly used in the 2D Contour toolpath, did you know there are other toolpaths also capable of this motion?
Dealing with Dogleg Rapids in Mastercam
9/28/21 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Vericut
What do dogs and golf have to do with machining? Knowing could prevent a crash!
Mastercam in VR
9/10/21 9:43 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022, VR, Virtual Reality
Lets give Mastercam a try in VR - Virtual Reality!
Controlling OptiRough | Xometry Mill Test Part - Video 5
8/25/21 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022, Xometry
Often when using OptiRest, tool motion happens where you don't want. Let's look at controlling this toolpath.
OptiRough using Stock aka OptiRest | Xometry Mill Test Part - Video 4
8/4/21 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022, Xometry
Using Mastercams OptiRough Toolpath with a Stock Model to create the best roughing motion for this part.
Stock Setup VS Stock Model | Xometry Mill Test Part - Video 3
7/30/21 4:50 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022, Xometry
The defined stock in Mastecam Mill can play a couple different roles in your programming. Lets have a look the two different stock definition methods and why you would use one or the other.
Solid Import and Alignment - Xometry Mill Test Part
7/28/21 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022, Xometry
First up for the Xometry Test Part is importing the supplied solid model and then aligning it to the Top WCS .
Xometry Mill Test Part - Overview
7/25/21 3:29 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022, Xometry
Programming the Xometry CNC Mill Test Part, start to finish, in this video series. This first video provides an overview of the starting files.
Voice Programming Mastercam
6/15/21 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022, Stream Deck, Siri
Hey Siri, program Mastercam for me!
Mastercam 2022 - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
5/26/21 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 2022
Let's talk about what's new in Mastercam 2022!
Do the Undoable in Mastercam
4/30/21 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Excel
Just because there isn't a button that performs what you need, this doesn't mean it cannot be done in Mastercam.
Avoid These Cutting Conditions and Stop Breaking Endmills
4/12/21 10:55 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Shortcut
Ever encounter these two cutting conditions that lead to a tool breaking? Here's how to recognize what causes them and how to avoid them altogether.
The Mastercam Keyboard Shortcut You DON'T Know!
3/23/21 8:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Shortcut
You won't find this keyboard shortcut in the manual! You might not even know the function it controls!
What's the BEST Computer for Mastercam?
2/24/21 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Benchmark
What is the fastest, what is the best bang for your buck?
Join us on Thursday, February 4th for a camInstructor first...The BIG Event!
Mastercam Levels
12/24/20 12:50 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Tips, levels
Everything you need to know about Mastercam Levels and more!
A Little Mastercam Tip and A BIG Event
12/15/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Tips, Big Event
A super simple Mastercam Tip and some info on the BIG Event!
The Solid Regeneration error that can destroy your file.
Rubik's Cube Assembly with Mastercam
11/15/20 8:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Tips, Align to Face, Rubix Cube
Here's a file to explore some functions in Mastercam to help you solve the Rubix Cube!
Mastercam Triangular Mesh, Swarf, and 5-Axis Helix Bore
11/6/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in 5 Axis, Swarf, Triangular Mesh, Helix Bore
Finishing the side pockets of this project with more Mastercam MultiAxis Toolpaths.
Mastercam MultiAxis Flow, Parallel, and Morph
11/5/20 9:14 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in 5 Axis, Morph, Parallel, Flow
Finishing starts with Mastercams Flow 5 Axis, MultiAxis Parallel, and MultiAxis Morph!
5-Axis Pocketing with Undercut Walls
11/5/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in 5 Axis, Parallel, MultiAxisRoughing
Undercut features can be very difficult to toolpath, Mastercam MultiAxis toolpaths make it easy.
Expert Level Mastercam OptiRough Tips
11/3/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in 5 Axis, Stock Model, OptiRough
Expert Level Mastercam OptiRough Tips from Ron Branch on Day 1 of 'RON WEEK'!
Introducing Team camInstructor! Lets put a face behind some of the names!
RARE Interview With a 5 Axis Expert
10/20/20 10:47 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in 5 Axis, Interview
You won't find him posting on Instagram, FaceBook, or YouTube...listen in on this chat!
Here's what to do when you're stuck in Mastercam.
'We should have fewer people doing law and finance...and more people making stuff' - Elon Musk #MFGDay20
Mastercam Quick Masks
9/28/20 8:00 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, QuickMask
These 15 little icons can save you hours of work in Mastercam...
Mastercam Selection Bar
9/17/20 8:55 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, SelectionBar
The Selection Bar is used to select entities in Mastercam for use in different functions. Let's look at how to use this effectively.
Lathe Canned Cycles
8/26/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Lathe, CannedCycles
G-Code in a can! Lets look at how to use Mastercams Lathe Turning Canned Cycles.
Have You Seen Our SolidWorks Content?
8/14/20 4:14 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in SolidWorks
Did you know we also have SolidWorks Training Content? Books, Videos, Courseware, etc.
Virtual Haas in Mastercam - Part 2
8/10/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, machine simulation
Part 2 of building a virtual Haas VF-3 with an HRT-210 for Machine Simulation in Mastercam.
Virtual Haas in Mastercam - Part 1
8/4/20 3:31 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, HLE, minimum requirements
Let's look at building a virtual Haas VF-3 with an HRT-210 for Machine Simulation.
Mastercam Minimum Requirements
7/25/20 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, HLE, minimum requirements
New to Mastercam and looking to buy a computer? All your questions answered here.
Rocket CyberTruck, 5 Axis Crew Dragon, PocketNC - camInstructor Update
7/16/20 6:14 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 5 Axis, tesla, 3D Printing, HLE, pocketNC
Here's what we've been working on this year from Rocket Powered Tesla CyberTrucks to updated Mastercam 2021 content to experimenting with the PocketNC!
Mastercam HLE for 3D Printing?
7/3/20 7:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 3D Printing, HLE
3D Printing fans are looking everywhere for cheap CAD software to model their prints, is Mastercam HLE an option?
Module Works Help in Mastercam
6/26/20 9:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, ModuleWorks, Help
The Module Works End User Help file is your best friend when doing Multi Axis work in Mastercam, do you have it yet? Links to download in the post!
Mastercam 2021 is a Drag!
6/19/20 8:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Linking Parameters
Continuing our look at some of the new features in Mastercam 2021, some are a real drag!
Mastercam Linking Parameters - Output Feed Move
6/12/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Linking Parameters
New for Mastercam 2021, Output Feed Move and Arc Fit found on the Linking Parameters page.
Your Feedrate is Wrong - Fixing it with Mastercam
6/6/20 2:01 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC, Mill, feedrate
Inspired by a recent Haas Tip of the Day, here I look at how to fix your 'incorrect feedrates' in Mastercam.
Using WHILE and IF in Macro B
6/1/20 8:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC, Macro, Mill, gcode, live stream
Making a program that will face ANY size block using Macro B. This was taken from one of our YouTube Live Streams.
VBScripting to Automate Mastercam
5/26/20 12:54 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, gcode, live stream, editors
The often forgotten function in Mastercam, VBScripts! They are the easiest way to automate Mastercam. This was taken from one of our YouTube Live Streams.
G-Code Editors in Mastercam
5/17/20 6:29 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, gcode, live stream, editors
Talking G-Code editors in Mastercam and why you would choose one over the other. This is taken from our most recent YouTube Live Stream.
camInstuctor LIVE!! Mastercam demo on YouTube
5/1/20 5:02 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, engrave, live stream, boolean, softjaws, vise
Here is a recording of our first YouTube LIVE event. Thanks to everyone who joined and participated!
Programming a Mill as a Lathe in Mastercam
4/18/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, postprocessor
Programming a CNC Mill as a CNC Lathe in Mastercam!
NEW Post Processor for Manual Machines
4/1/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, postprocessor
Start programming those MANUAL mills and lathes with Mastercam using this Post Processor from camInstructor and Postability!
Tools for Online Teaching and Learning
3/27/20 4:04 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, online
Tools you can use to create online content, share your created content, and connect with students/colleagues.
Working, Learning, or Teaching From Home?
3/21/20 1:20 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam
Given the changes that are happening now, many are struggling with options for e-learning. Here are some of the FREE and DISCOUNTED offers we currently have.
Mastercams Dynamic Motion Explained
3/12/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Dynamic Milling, Mastercam
Ever wondered about the magic that happens in Mastercams Dynamic Motion toolpaths?
The Tools You Need When First Starting As a Machinist
3/5/20 9:45 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Tools
Here are the tools you need to buy when first starting out as a CNC or Manual Machinist.
The Best New Features in the Mastercam 2021 Public Beta
2/23/20 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 5 Axis, Haas
Have a look at the best new features in the Mastercam 2021 Public Beta and my top pick that you may have missed!
Helix on the Haas
2/17/20 5:16 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, 5 Axis, Haas
Programming with Mastercam to cut a complex helical shaped part.
G-Code on Your Phone
2/9/20 12:04 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, gcode, phone
You use your phone for everything else, why not use it as a G-Code editer and backplotter!
Tesla Cybertruck Step by Step - Parts 2 to 5
2/1/20 11:36 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Solids, Wireframe, tesla, cybertruck
Finishing off the Tesla Cybertruck with 4 videos on solid modeling in Mastercam. Check out the end of the last video for a special peak at whats coming!
Tesla Cybertruck Step by Step - Part 1
1/23/20 4:07 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Solids, Wireframe, tesla, cybertruck
Finally, after many requests, lets get started with the step by step for creating the Tesla Cybertruck in Mastercam! It's about time!
Secret Haas Control Screen
1/17/20 5:28 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Haas
Have a look at this super secret screen in the Haas Control! In this video I'll show you how to access it and what it does!
Whats Coming in 2020 From CamInstructor
1/10/20 4:02 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Mastercam 2020, Wireframe, Mastercam 2021
Finally! The first post of 2020. Not going to spend time looking back at 2019, just looking ahead at whats planned so far for 2020 from CamInstructor. Some double double top secret info in here....shhh!
Cutting 3D Forms With 2D Toolpaths
12/17/19 10:20 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Mastercam 2020, Wireframe
The often forgotten toolpaths in Mastercam, Wireframe Toolpaths. These paths are able to cut 3D forms very quickly with extremely clean gcode. Another 'tool' you need to have in your programming pocket.
Making the Tesla Cybertruck in Mastercam
12/6/19 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, Mastercam 2020, Solids
Modeling up the new Tesla Cybertruck in Mastercam! This ground breaking (window breaking too) new design is awesome, just couldn't resist playing around with it!
The #1 Mistake Students Make on Mastercam Certification Tests
11/27/19 3:31 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, CNC, Mastercam 2020, Pocket, Entry Motion, Certification
With our CamInstructor Certification for Mastercam, I end up marking a lot of tests in Mastercam. This is by far the most common 'mistake' I see on these tests.
5 Axis Setup
11/13/19 2:49 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC, Mastercam 2020, 5 Axis
Taken from one of our new 5 Axis Lessons, this video takes you through the sights and sounds of a simple setup on a Haas UMC-750 using a 5th Axis dovetail vise. Keep an eye out for a complete step by step lesson that covers setting this part up on the machine.
FREE 5-Axis Lesson
10/30/19 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC, Mastercam 2020, 5 Axis
Here is an introduction to one of our new Mastercam 5-Axis Lessons. There is also a link to access this lesson for FREE!
A quick overview of my top 4 machining related podcasts right now. Beware, some may have strong language use....you've been warned :)
A day at CMTS 2019
10/3/19 12:38 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam, CNC, Lathe, Mill, Tradeshow
I spent the day at CMTS and took some video of some interesting stuff. Check it out!
The Mastercam Tip You Need to Know
9/18/19 2:16 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam
Quite possibly the least known shortcut in Mastercam that can really help you get things done faster!
Tool Length Offsets Explained
9/5/19 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC, Setup Operate, Mill
Talking about Tool Length Offsets and how they are set on a CNC Mill. There are many methods to choose from. This video covers the 3 most common methods and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Macro B Programming Part 2 - Passing Values
8/28/19 6:00 AM / by camInstructor Mike posted in CNC, Macro, Mill
Video 2 in our Macro B Programming series. This video looks at passing values to a macro that control the resulting tool motion.
Mastercam - 3D Toolpath Control
8/8/19 3:22 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Tips, Mastercam, Mill, 3D
This video is taken from an Ask the Instructor email submission and looks at the Tooplath Control options in some of the 3D toolpaths. Ask the Instructor is available to all Premium bundle subscribers.
Working Faster in Mastercam
7/24/19 7:15 PM / by camInstructor Mike posted in Mastercam Tips
This video looks at some things you can do inside of Mastercam, as well as external to Mastercam, to help speed up your overall workflow!