[eartaker]

So what CAD and CAM software does everyone use on their home bench-top mill, how simple/complex is it, and how do you like it?


Personally I use Autocad 2006 and MasterCAM X3, programs have the ability to be simple or very complex but have never used anything diffrent. I like them both but wish there was an easier way.

[mcphill]

I use Solidworks for CAD, and have BobCAD V23 and now the SolidWorks addin BobCAM for CAM. I am very happy with this mix of products!

[speedydumpster]

You might want to look at WorkNC by Sescoi USA. Go to http://www.sescoi.com/. I am an Applications Engineer @ Sescoi, and I can tell you that it is good software. Let me know if you would like me to get a salesman to send you some information. It's not cheap, as it's an elite software that makes the hard stuff easy. It is usually not in the hobbiests price range, but if you want something to replace MasterCAM, you might want to check us out.
Take care,
Dave

[cjdavis618]

I use Alibre Design expert (3d modeling), Alibre Cam Expert (Up to 5 Axis) and then Visual Mill 6 standard (3 axis).

I'm very happy with it.

[ImanCarrot]

I use progeCAD for CAD and Dolphin for CAM- works fine for me.

[Boots]

I use Alphacam ver. 2010-R2 it is very similar to Mastercam but easier I think as I have used both. I also use Solid 5.0 for cabinet making. Alphacam and Cabinet Vision work well together with the Screen to Machine Development. No lessons on either software packages as they are fairly easy to figure out but they can be quite complex and do very large projects.

[Arich0908]

Ive been playing around with different Cam/ Cads programs . Ide like to know what Im doing when Im finished with my cnc conversion.
Solid Works
Solid Edge
Edge Cam
Bob Cad
Google sketchup 7 .

Now Im new to this and havent used any of this software a day in my life until recently.
I really like edge cam and I think its the one im going to stick with. Allot people have BobCad for the money. The more I researched the more I read bad things. Quite frankly I didnt think it was noob friendly to me.
Im really liking EdgeCam and Solid works. Im more on the Edgecam Side of the fence.

This is just my opinion though and as I said im a newby to all this so hearing from some one who uses them on regular basis will give you a better opinion over mine.
Anthony-

[machinechick]

I use Alibre, it was very easy for me to learn, and it's inexpensive, expandable, and powerful. I highly recommend it.

[harley4ever]

Autocad 2006, Dolphin Partmaster Pro, also have access to Surfcam when needed but that isnt much. Autocad and Dolphin do a wonderful job for me.

[Dougal]

I use CAMBAM for 2.5D and engraving. I haven't tried 3D surfacing or cutting yet.
I generate models/DXF's from solidworks, cambam imports and goes from there.

[mcphill]

Ive been playing around with different Cam/ Cads programs . Ide like to know what Im doing when Im finished with my cnc conversion.
Solid Works
Solid Edge
Edge Cam
Bob Cad
Google sketchup 7 .

Now Im new to this and havent used any of this software a day in my life until recently.
I really like edge cam and I think its the one im going to stick with. Allot people have BobCad for the money. The more I researched the more I read bad things. Quite frankly I didnt think it was noob friendly to me.
Im really liking EdgeCam and Solid works. Im more on the Edgecam Side of the fence.

This is just my opinion though and as I said im a newby to all this so hearing from some one who uses them on regular basis will give you a better opinion over mine.
Anthony-

You are correct that BobCAD does get a lot of "bad press". I think much of that is due to a very poor version 22 of the software and the fact that instead of "fixing" v22, they released v23, and didn't give owners a free upgrade.

The newer V23 has fixed most/all (?) of the issues that were a problem in V22. Note also that V22 (and now V23) uses a totally new method of execution for BobCAD (that's probably why v22 was "buggy"). People that are happy with and very experienced with V18/19/20/21 have a hard time with V23 because they changed the way the user interacts with the software. If you are not used to the old way, though, then learning the new way is not that difficult (I started with V23)

Also... They have just recently released BobCAM. This is an add-in to SolidWorks, it is NOT a separate program environment. You should really get an online demo of this software (you can set one up by calling BobCAD). You stay WITHIN the SolidWorks environment to do all the CAM work (BobCAM becomes a new tab at the top within SolidWorks) directly on your SolidWorks CAD model. You should be able to talk them down to $750 or so for a seat (it lists for $2500). This should be a very easy system for you to learn if you already know SolidWorks, as much of the interaction with the software is just like how you interact for SolidWorks already.

[kawazuki]

Another vote for Dolphin Partmaster CAD/CAM here although I only use the CAD to import DXF's generated from a non engineering based CAD system. Easy to use and competitively priced for hobbists!

[TXFred]

I have access to MasterCAM X4 through work. I would like to have a copy for home use, since currently if I have a problem with a toolpath, I have to wait and fix it the next day. But a MasterCAM license is pretty pricey, so that will have to wait a while.

MasterCAM has some excellent features that make it easy to produce good toolpaths for small machines like our benchtop mills. Ramping contours, spiral and zig zag entry instead of plunging, and easily programmed stepover and depth cuts all work great at keeping stress off of the machine and getting a good finish.

Fred

[harley4ever]

Kawazuki, I agree with the comments on Dolphin CAD/CAM . Extremely easy to use and although the web site doesnt say so, they do a wonderful job helping out hobby users.

[ATRepair]

I purchased Dolphin Pro. It seems to have all the features I need with a price that works for a hobbyist. I have just started using it but it's been great from the start. Their tutorials have helped me a lot.
I finally have my first machine setup. When I get a problem with my driver board fixed I hope to cut my first part.

[lovebugjunkie]

I use VcarvePro, very ease to use, and the price is right. Support it above the industry norm IMO.


http://www.vectric.com/

[hoss2006]

Agree about Vectrics programs, very user friendly.
Cut2D
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c2d_index.htm
Cut3D
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c3d_index.htm
MeshCAM is also very easy to use and affordable.
http://www.grzsoftware.com/
Hoss

[sfrankland]

I use Alibre, it was very easy for me to learn, and it's inexpensive, expandable, and powerful. I highly recommend it.

I just bought the Alibre CAD program last night after using the demo for a while. Just wondering if you have the CAM package as well? I need to save up for it, but I have an old copy of Edge CAM that will work for now.

[machinechick]

No, I haven't purchased the Alibre CAM module yet (my machines are still manual and dro'd). If you go and sign up for the Alibre forum, which I have only checked out a couple of times, people talk about it. Seems like it was a work in progress and is finally taking flight so to speak. I was taking a couple of school course on line so I haven't been able to dedicate the time to the program it deserves (so far just mod and prints, really want to use the strain analysis and motion sim stuff eventually). If I'm not mistaken, even though you have a purchased version of Alibre CAD you still can use the "freeware-trial version" of their CAM program in an integrated fashion with your CAD package.

[LeeWay]

I use Turbocad. Then I use Sheetcam mainly. For other stuff, I use Cut 3D and Vcarve.

I do have Dolphin Turn for the lathe, but haven't really needed to learn it yet. I just code everything by hand so far. It will help though when I want to do more intricate stuff.