Hello BobCAD Guy,
I would like to offer some help. There are 3 "plane" that you define with the BobCAD CAM software that have to do with where the tool starts and returns to for each operation, Where the tool path start cutting from, how high above the part the tool re positions at and how far above the part the tool rapids down to before it starts feeding.
#1) I would not use a negative value for the rapid plane or clearance plane for the feed plane. I would use positive numbers for these values.
#2) There are 2 dialogs you uses to set these values. The machine setup is where you set the clearance plane, and the rapid movements window is where you set the rapid plane feed plane and top of part settings.
I've attached a screen shot of both for you.
#3) From the help files:
Rapid Movements
Clearance Plane - displays the clearance plane value. In the CAM Tree, right-click Machine Setup, and click Edit to set the clearance plane in the Machine Setup dialog box. The clearance plane is incremental from the top of stock (defined in the Stock Wizard). It defines the safe rapid plane used from one feature to the next.
Rapid Plane - is the height at which the tool can rapid safely within the current machining feature. This value is incremental from the Top of Part setting.
Feed Plane - is the height at which the tool movement changes from rapid feed rate to feed rate. This value is incremental from the toolpath.
Top of Part - is the top of the material for the feature. This value is incremental from the Machine Setup or machining origin.
Pick Top of Part - enables selection mode for you to set the Top of Part by selecting geometry in the Workspace.
Ok so now each value you have a definition for.
Al DePoalo
Partner Product Manager BobCAD CAM, Inc. 866-408-3226 X147