[bce086]

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to this whole CNC thing and am beginning to research different CAD and CAM programs.

I'm curious which programs you guys recommend? Are some of thse programs better for specific applications? I.E. I know there are some specific programs for carving, some specific programs for cabinet making etc. I've read a little about Alibre, SolidWorks and AutoCAD but am just looking for some more information.

Would anyone be willing to help me out and list some pros/cons of the more popular softwares, and what applications they are best at performing?

Are there certain softwares that are more user friendly than others? Certain softwares that are more complete/capable of performing all applications?

I know this is a pretty broad topic I've created here, but any shared info from you guys will be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[DareBee]

The first 2 things we need to know (if you want appropriate answers) is.
1) Business or hobby?
2) Approx budget

[angramcnc]

Im in a similar situation only I've been a cnc programmer for some years. I'm now in the position of looking at cad cam software for business use. A simple and basic free program that can be downloaded straight from the net is called gsimple, and will offer some kind of starting block for a novice to cnc milling. I've used this to do some simple jobs successfully already. What I need now is a much more advanced package. If anyone can offer info on vero machining stratagist and alpha cam it would be helpful. Vero caught my eye as I'm sure ive seen this used on some injection moulding tools i've been involved in at a previous work place. I'm getting more complex jobs put to me to produce now so I need to set something in place..........

[bce086]

The first 2 things we need to know (if you want appropriate answers) is.
1) Business or hobby?
2) Approx budget

More of a business, although include popular ones of both if you could. It would primarily be for cabinets, furniture etc.

Although some side work of carvings and signs etc isn't out of the question. If there were a program that was the best of both worlds that may be ideal. Or if it makes more sense to purchase 2 programs (one that's significantly better for cabinets/furniture, and 1 for carvings/hobby/fun work) then that is an option as well.

Disregard budget for now, as I'd rather know the best programs and would be willing to pay for a superior program if it seems worth it. This is still a learning phase for me and am just trying to learn more about softwares as I haven't had the opportunity to use any of them.

Thanks for the quick reply!

[DareBee]

Do you realize that price ranges from $0 to $30000+?
As a general rule of thumb, you get what you pay for.

I am not a cabinet guy, I understand there is 3D design software specifically for you guys. I would start by searching that out.

FWIW I use SolidWorks and VisualMill Pro (about $12K + maintenance)
It seems that there are a lot of guys programming routers with VisualMill.

[bce086]

Do you realize that price ranges from $0 to $30000+?
As a general rule of thumb, you get what you pay for.

I am not a cabinet guy, I understand there is 3D design software specifically for you guys. I would start by searching that out.

FWIW I use SolidWorks and VisualMill Pro (about $12K + maintenance)
It seems that there are a lot of guys programming routers with VisualMill.

Wow ok, I did not know it varied that much. I would say under $15kish would be the ballpark.

For starters could you tell me why you chose SolidWorks / VisualMill Pro, what are some of the major pros/cons and also what applications you're primarily using with them? I will also begin to look at these online, but learning from an experienced user always has its advantages.

[ger21]

A lot of guys use Vectric's V-Carve Pro (~$600) or Aspire (~$2000). There also a lot of high end cabinet packages that start around $2000-$3000 and go up to around $20K, depending on what you need. You might want to look at Cabinet Parts Pro. http://www.cabinetpartspro.com/ Never used it, but it's a lower priced option.

The right package for you would really depend on what you want and need to do. And ideally, you need to be very specific in what you'll be doing.

[bce086]

I guess to make things a little clearer, could anyone expand on these programs. What they specialize in, lack of, how much they cost, what the typical user is for each program (I.E hobbyist, small shop, large shop etc)

After looking more into different softwares, I believe I would like to buy a software capable of 3D modeling, that can handle both simple and complex drawings. This way as I learn more, I will have a program capable to meet all my desires and needs. Although I must admit, we are new to CNC and a user friendly program is also important.

I've seen these mentioned alot and would like to learn more from a users perspective rather than their own websites. Are these good softwares? Are there others in the same class I have left out?

- Rhino ($1k to 3kish?)
- SolidWorks (seems popular on here as well?) - associated with MasterCAM?
- AutoCAD (better for 2D modeling?)
- Alibre (good for single part modeling?)
- Aspire ($2kish?)

To further add information about my operations, the software would be running a small size MultiCAM router, or one with similar capabilities.

[sbalder]

I am a reseller for Bobcad, so take my opinion for what it is worth. I prefer Bobcad to other programs for machining design and cad work. It has been built from the beginning for machine shop design and ease of use on generating actual code to make actual parts. Add to it that it is affordable (We offer the latest V23 pro package which includes lathe mill and art functions for less than $1000) and the company has great training and tech support.

All that said, I would not use it for architecural drawing, realistic rendering of 3-d scenes, or computer-aided engineering. Many of those functions are best served by higher-end software.

Steven Balder
www.sbprecision.com

[ger21]

Do you want to do nested manufacturing? What kind of products do you make? What kind of volume? Custom work or production?

Imo, for a production woodworking shop, there are better options than you've mentioned.
Check out Microvellum. http://www.microvellum.com/ It runs inside of AutoCAD, so you'd need AutoCAD as well, but it can do everything you're looking for, and it's specifically designed for cabinet making. All the ones you mentioned are not.

Cadcode also has a wide range of products to cover a range of uses. www.cadcode.com

[bce086]

Do you want to do nested manufacturing? What kind of products do you make? What kind of volume? Custom work or production?

Imo, for a production woodworking shop, there are better options than you've mentioned.
Check out Microvellum. http://www.microvellum.com/ It runs inside of AutoCAD, so you'd need AutoCAD as well, but it can do everything you're looking for, and it's specifically designed for cabinet making. All the ones you mentioned are not.

Cadcode also has a wide range of products to cover a range of uses. www.cadcode.com

Cabinets and carcasses (entertainment centers, bookshelves, etc) Many of our jobs are custom ordered. Ideally i'd like to be able to draw in the product being made (as easy and fast as possible), be able to see the entire 3D outlay of the product (all the joints, sides etc), have the machine cut it out to my specifications wasting as little as possible material.

Nested is an absolute must have.

Should I be looking at products more like MasterCAM & EdgeCAM?

[ger21]

Should I be looking at products more like MasterCAM & EdgeCAM?

Not in my opinion. I'd look at a cabinet specific package, like the ones I mentioned, perhaps Cabinetvision or one of the 2020 products. http://www.2020technologies.com/

[bce086]

Not in my opinion. I'd look at a cabinet specific package, like the ones I mentioned, perhaps Cabinetvision or one of the 2020 products. http://www.2020technologies.com/

Sorry if this is annoying to you, but you seem very knowledgeable so I'd like to keep picking your brain for as long as you can put up with me!

What are the advantages to the larger software packages such as Rhino, SolidWorks, AutoCAD etc. What are people using their machines for who purchase these programs compared to those who are using cabinet specific software?

[DareBee]

I did not buy SolidWorks for CAM. Yes it designs or manipulates a lot of the parts that I machine (CAM) but this was a secondary (or bonus) function.
My purchase of SolidWorks was for automated mechanical machine design. I did not have CNC then.
I also use it a LOT for weldment design (the weldment function would be superb for cabinet design with the right templates) and sheet metal design.
SolidWorks was and still is (by most accounts) the world leader in mainstream 3D mechanical design software.
It was sorta flukey how and why I started with VisualMill but I have been with them a lot of years and their product has evolved into a superb CAM. Check out MecSoft.com for them.
Do what you will, but I would listen to the cabinet guys recomendations.

[ger21]

What are the advantages to the larger software packages such as Rhino, SolidWorks, AutoCAD etc. What are people using their machines for who purchase these programs compared to those who are using cabinet specific software?

None. Although, a few of the cabinet packages are integrated into AutoCAD. And I use AutoCAD regularly all day for cutting one off parts, in conjunction with Cadcode to generate the g-code from .dxf files. We do custom commercial casework and millwork. We don't need 3D drawings, so we use AutoCAD for our 2D shop drawings. We have an integrated 3D cabinet package, but don't use it.

Cabinet packages will generate nested cutlists, with all machining with a few clicks of the mouse. Once you set it up for your type of work. I'm at work right now and have to get back in the shop, but I'll try to give you a bit more info later.