need help getting started with CAMWorks

[engineeringBaby]

I’m a student, and have the task of setting up CAMWorks 2013 for a company where no one else knows how to use it
I’m solid in SolidWorks, but I’m hitting a wall with CAMWorks' lack of tutorials. every time I try to extract features on our main production parts, I get hit with Zero Depth errors and Tool Not in Crib warnings.
My goal is to automate the machining for a Mori4000 with a 120tool station, but the TechDB feels like a black box.
I’ve defined custom strategies, but the software ignores them or tells me my parameters overlap. I’m trying to teach the software how we machine our specific parts so it picks the right tools and sequences automatically, but I’m stuck on the how to begin

has anyone built a custom TechDB from the ground up? I need a clear workflow for setting up a new machine, populating a tool crib, and getting these strategies to actually stick.
Tech support hasn't been helpful, so any advice for a beginner would be a lifesaver.

 

[BlackWorkshop]

I’d split your problem into two tracks. First, get rid of Tool Not in Crib by manually adding just 5 to 10 common tools and forcing one op to use them, even if it’s not optimal. Second, for Zero Depth, I’d double check your part origin, stock definition, and whether the feature recognition is grabbing a face set that’s basically flat or missing a top/bottom. Once those two are stable, strategies start behaving more predictably.

 

[Alan]

If you’re building TechDB from scratch, start small and lock the plumbing first. One machine, one post, one material, one part family. Populate tool crib with only the tools you know you’ll use on that part, then create 3 to 5 strategies max and force each strategy to call one specific tool. Once that behaves, expand tool coverage and only then start letting it “auto” pick tools.

 

[Tom S_]

I’m a student, and have the task of setting up CAMWorks 2013 for a company where no one else knows how to use it

that's weird. the company expects a student to take a free jump without any prior exp in Camworks?
Did you tell them you have zero experience with that software?

they should've give you to training first, man