CAM Software Keeps “Grave Digger” Alive

Talking shop with visitors to Mastercam’s Booth E-3340 all day Wednesday and Thursday is a departure of sorts for Pablo Huffaker, a monster truck driver whose public appearances are typically more about pulverizing metal than shaping it. However, when he’s not crushing cars, buses or even mobile homes from behind the wheel of the crowd-favorite Grave Digger, he and the rest of the team at the RaceSource fabrication shop in Tomball, Texas, rely extensively on Mastercam CAM software to keep the black-and-green behemoth in working order.

 

Huffaker, who owns RaceSource and has a background in machining, began using Mastercam in 2006. That year, the fabrication shop swapped its manual machines for CNC models to avoid outsourcing the manufacturing and repair of critical components for seven different Grave Diggers as well as a host of other trucks. Featuring 5-½-foot-tall tires and more than 1,500 hp under the hood, these trucks require one-of-a-kind components that can be difficult to machine without quality CAM software—including shocks like the one on display at the booth. Additionally, Mastercam is offering free 5 × 7-inch photo placards of Huffaker with the Grave Digger for booth visitors who would like an autograph but have nothing for him to sign.

 

The company encourages IMTS attendees who plan on enjoying Chicago nightlife after the show to follow Mastercam on Facebook and Twitter. Interested parties can keep an eye out for a date and time to meet and have a drink with key Mastercam personnel at a local bar.