[InspirationTool]

I need to go 3D. The complexity of my designs is increasing, and I'm looking at doing some curvy molds. I'm good at 2D AutoCAD, but am a bit bewildered at the array of 3D choices.

It looks like a lot of people like Rhino, and it's not too expensive (I've seen it at about $600). So I'm trying the evaluation version. I'm also going to try BobCAD, although that seems to have a reputation as being a difficult interface. My dad really likes Solid Works, so I may look at that as well. The pro verions of TurboCAD is also an option.

Of course, I'd like to keep the cost down, but it doesn't look like I can buy anything for less than $500-$600. Not that most of the software comapines POST PRICES? What's up with that?

Am I missing anything? I will probably be outsourcing the milling, but I may buy or make a small machine later.

Thanks!

-Jeff

[ger21]

If you don't need Iges export or nurbs surfaces, why not do it in AutoCAD? Although very complex surfaces may be difficult.

[InspirationTool]

Gerry.... I guess I dont KNOW if I need those things... but doing three dimensional curves in AutoCAD sounds truly painful.

Do I need those thigns? I need to be able to create millable drawings of complex shapes (say skulls, or cars).

-Jeff

[ger21]

Going from 2D to modelling cars and skulls is a pretty big step. AutoCAD's probably not you're best bet. Modelling a skull in Solidworks might be even harder than doing it in AutoCAD. Depending on what formats you'll need, you might want to look at something like Silo, only $109. http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/

[trevorhinze]

This Silo program looks interesting, and I have never heard of it before. I am going to try the free version and see how I like it. I am in a very similar situation as I draw in 2d autocad all day at work, but I am looking for a way to create some complex contours for my milling machine, it looks like this program may be a good start. I wonder if anyone has some good suggestions for low cost cam software to turn the models created in Silo into toolpaths. I love sheetcam for 2.5d stuff since it makes so much sense to me. I also have bobcad 20.4, and hate it.

[ger21]

I wonder if anyone has some good suggestions for low cost cam software to turn the models created in Silo into toolpaths. I love sheetcam for 2.5d stuff since it makes so much sense to me.

MeshCAM - http://www.grzsoftware.com

If Silo exports .dxf's as polygon meshes, you'll have to load them into AutoCAD and explode into 3D faces them before MeshCAM will load them.

[DareBee]

Back to your original question.
I am not intending to take anything away from the above conversation.
If you are really need to do 3D mechanical design, moulds and what not and are VERy serious about it you will want to go SolidWorks.
Generally it is too expensive for a hobbiest.
You get what you pay for in the MCAD market.
I have NO (none nada zilch) experience with it but I hear OneCNC Pro will do 3D modelling and CAM. Will probably cost 5-7G but all in 1 package should suit your needs.

[turmite]

If modeling is what you want to do and farm the gcode out my first choice would be Rhino. My second choice would be Z-Brush http://pixologic.com/home/home.shtml

It is the thing for organic modeling.

Mike

ps I use Rhino to get my models close then have DabDesign finish the model and do my g-code. You can find him here on the zone.