[studysession]

Hi -
This past year I took up machining as a hobby and have been learning a lot. I am still confused on softwares. I use Mach2 for CNC'ing on my mill. If I made 3D parts in BOB CAD/CAM and it is supposed to generate the GCode for me from what I understand. Would Mach2 fully understand everything exported from BOB CAD/CAM???

What programs does everyone else use?


I am considering the BOB CAD/CAM 17 Hobby verison:
http://www.bobcad.com/index_hobby.php

I am not sure how well it is compared to other softwares out there. When I do google searched it and Rhino come up the most but from what I can tell Rhino does not export any GCode. I would like to have a program that generated all the tool paths and GCode.

Also for those familiar with Mach2 - Some cuts are pretty deep and Mach2 has a multi-pass function. With using these other programs will I still be able to use the multi-pass function?

Thanks!!!

[studysession]

Here are some pictures of items I would like to be able to make myself. I have a 3 axis SIEG X1 Micro Mill.

[ger21]

Would Mach2 fully understand everything exported from BOB CAD/CAM???

Yes. You just use a post processor for BobCAM that exports the correct g-code

Also for those familiar with Mach2 - Some cuts are pretty deep and Mach2 has a multi-pass function. With using these other programs will I still be able to use the multi-pass function?

Mach2's multipass only works for imported .dxf's, I believe. But, your CAM program (BobCAM or whatever) will do the multipass for you.


If you can do your 3D models in AutoCAD, you might just need something like MeshCAM. http://www.grzsoftware.com

[studysession]

Here are some pics of my mill.

[studysession]

If you can do your 3D models in AutoCAD, you might just need something like MeshCAM. http://www.grzsoftware.com

THANKS for the quick reply. Have you used MeshCAM before? Or anyone else? Is it any good?

[ger21]

From looking at those parts, I think they can all be done with 2D (2.5D) operations. You just need to make different fixtures for holding the parts.

[ger21]

MeshCAM would NOT be a good choice for those parts.

[studysession]

If MeshCAM is not a good choice - To have something show the tool paths and generate the GCode for me. What would be a good program? I would want something that I can also set the multi-pass with as well.

THANKS

[ger21]

I haven't used BobCAD/CAM, so can't comment on it. And I don't know anything else that will do those types of parts in 3D for less than at least $1000 or more. You might want to look at OneCNC. 3D CAM software isn't cheap. But like I said, I don't think you really need 3D.

[kong]

If all you want is multipass, 2.5d work, take a look at Dolphin at www.dolphin.zenwebhosting.com
Cracking software, and on sale until the end of March (Eeek!). You can download the demo and have a play around, it is fully functional except for the fact that you cannot generate g-code until you buy it! They also have a Mach2 version so you get a Mach2 license thrown in.

[ger21]

Cracking software

That means good, right?

[kong]

Lol, I just realized what it looks like!
Cracking = very good

[studysession]

Wish these softwares could be more afordable.

[kong]

Dolphin is £245 at present, and that includes the Mach2 license. If you don't need the Mach2 license, take off £60 (I think it's £60 anyhow!).
You probably won't find anything with those features for less money.

[ger21]

Lol, I just realized what it looks like!

I never even thought of that, actually.