I've been having all sorts of problems with normal mapping lately, and have been looking for some help. I can get scratches and stuff on my models no problem with mudbox or PS. Its with high poly to low transfers that I'm at a loss. its usually fine except for the edges. If I have simple box primitive and a high poly that has smoothed or beveled edges, should I be able to get those edges on the low box looking smooth via transferring the maps?

It should come off without any major problems.
If the angles are too steep, lets say over 90 degrees, you might have to soften the normals on your low poly mesh.

It also depends on how much the models differ from each other. If you added a major extrusion, the normals will be hard pressed to display hard angles.

What package are you using to perform the high to low poly conversion?

Hope that steers you in the right direction.
Post some screens of the models that are causing you trouble.

Cheers,
Sebastian

Seen this?

http://wiki.polycount.net/Normal_Map...0ef4caf9e5640e

Seen this? (pre-emptive apology for a possible double post, yeah!)
http://wiki.polycount.net/Normal_Map...0ef4caf9e5640e