[Biggermens]

Is Bobcad V19 a good program to start for a home made cnc wood router ???

Thanks

Look a Dancing Banana ---> :banana: hehehehe

[Bloy2004]

It works for me....

[kenlambert]

Thats what i started with so far

[Biggermens]

you guys like it
it can do everything you want it to ??

[Bloy2004]

No, I can't say that it can do everything I want it to....I still have to go get my own coffee.

[ESjaavik]

@biggermens: It seems the answers so far are not making anyone any wiser. I can't advise, as I haven't any experience of my own in this, (did not get the activation codes yet) but I will make some general comments:

You can download a trial version and try it out on the things you need to do. Since people have different needs and desires, I don't think you can point out any program as "the best". It's like cars, I tried cars everyone say were nice to drive, but ended up buying one that sells less than 100/Year in our country. And I'm very satisfied! It works the same with programs.

By trying it yourself you know the weak points are not covered up by a demo session avoiding those. And even if it doesn't fit you, you will have gained experience in the process. One thing difficult to test though, is the responsiveness of the company. There you have to ask those using the product what their experiences are.

Expect a steep start of the learning curve. If you are not exposed to methods and "buzzwords" already, there is a lot to learn in the beginning. You need to dedicate quite a bit of time in the beginning. This is something that applies to most programs targeting a professional market. As a hobby user we don't have the benefit of knowing methods and terms from education or experience.

So, get your evaluation copy and jump in and get your feet (or maybe head?) wet!

[Bloy2004]

Well said, Einar!

[nervis1]

I have had Bobcad 18-19, Onecnc XR pro and expert, and just got mastercam mill3/solids.

If I had to do it from the start all over I'd get Onecnc XR express and as I learned, upgrade it if I needed. Unless you are doing multiaxis work it will probably be all you'll ever need (they are coming out with 5 axis in a few months from what I hear). The interface is very intuitive, and easy to navigate even for people without any exposure to CAM. IMHO a much more functional and user friendly piece of software, the price is a bit higher than BOBcad but in my case I would have saved a lot of money and time if I'd just bought it from the outset.

I also encourage you look at demos before laying down the hard earned.

[Bloy2004]

Remember Nervis, we're talking a big difference in pocket money here. If you have deep pockets and want to have trouble free(at least reduced) usage, then your advice is well taken.
Much depends on whether you are a casual hobbyist or if you intend to produce marketable pieces and make your investment pay for itself. SO many factors on how to choose a CAD/CAM program.

[nervis1]

I understand, really. I'm just saying that I think the 500-900 I've seen BC go for would be better invested in a more sophisticated system. Mill express is only 500 or so bucks more and can grow as the user does into a top flight program with upgrades if needed. That I feel would be a much beter place to start.

Who was it, Henry Ford? Someone said if you buy bad tools you feel the pain of the purchase for ever, if you buy quality you only feel it once. Something like that....

[Bloy2004]

heh....is he the same one who said..."If you can't have the tool you love, then love the tool have". ?

[nervis1]

No that was a song from the 70s. it was a good song, but bad advice.

[ger21]

I understand, really. I'm just saying that I think the 500-900 I've seen BC go for would be better invested in a more sophisticated system. Mill express is only 500 or so bucks more and can grow as the user does into a top flight program with upgrades if needed. That I feel would be a much beter place to start.

Who was it, Henry Ford? Someone said if you buy bad tools you feel the pain of the purchase for ever, if you buy quality you only feel it once. Something like that....

If he was only going to spend $500, then you can't say for ONLY $500 more. Especially for someone just starting out. And with a wood router, you're probably not going to need a lot of the stuff in the higher end package. For most woodwork, you can get by with a lot less.

As for BobCAD, from what I've heard, get a demo and make sure you like it before you buy it. That goes for just about any software that will cost you more than around $500. You don't want to spend your money twice.

What kind of work do you plan on doing? If your just cutting out parts from wood sheets, look at SheetCAM, http://www.sheetcam.com With something like this free CAD program, ( http://www.a9tech.com/products/a9cad/ ), it may be all you need.

[nervis1]

Well....yes I can. When you consider tooling, machine, and all of the other overhead $500 is not that much, especially when you consider that the CAM system is arguably the most influential part of the package (besides what resides a few inches behind your eyes). A good piece of software can make the difference between having fun and having a nightmare.

Furthermore if we all agree that time = money then a good CAM system will save money (not to mention sanity).

I'm writing from experience here, I've used BC, I know BC, and I'll without hesitation say save your money till you can afford something else.

Certainly if you go and get it, and it is all you dreamed, feel free to tell me I was wrong, I can take it.

[Jennifer]

I've been using BobCAD for years and it's worked well for me. (The parts we make with it are 2D.) I haven't had many problems with the program nor have I had trouble getting help from tech support when problems do come up. I'd definitely recommend it.

[caitolly]

Why not try the version 17 demo?
If your just starting out you don't need to spend any extra for all the bells and whistles!
I have been using 17, on my trusty IBM pentium II, to run my 1995 Anilam 1100 knee mill and occasionally my HAAS VF-OE, since it's release many years ago, use it almost every day
Just as with any thing, the more you use it the easier it gets.
It's not all science, it's art
caitolly