[darinmurray]

Hi, I am going to be milling out some (MDF/Bamboo/Foam/Particle Board, etc.) parts (2 -2.5D) and some 'art' stuff (3-D crests, logos, etc.) on a K2 2514CNC. This is an all new setup, so I only have Mach3 and Lazycam.

DeskProto is an advertiser here, so I checked them out. The software looks good for the cost (student version), so i did a search, but did not find any threads on it.

http://www.deskproto.com/products/dplite.htm

Has anyone used it? For what did you us it? Do you like it? Pros/Cons?

I need something CHEAP for home hobby work (2D, 2.5D, and 3D). I have looked at others, but at $1000, It's out of my budget.

Thanks!
D

[ger21]

Usually, the cheap stuff does either 2.5D, or 3D, but not both.
For 2D, Vectric's Cut2D and SheetCAM are popular.

For 3D, MeshCAM and Vectric's Cut3D.

You might also look at CamBam, which I think does both.

I don't think there are many DeskProto users due to it's price.

[mcphill]

I downloaded the demo, and was quite impressed. I have BobCAM, and it can't do continuous 4th axis milling, but DesktopProto can, and it does a very nice job of doing it! I didn't spend much time on it, but it seems to be pretty easy to use, and seems to make nice looking (on the screen) code. In full disclosure, I have NOT run any of the code that it produced...

[ger21]

They just came out with Hobby pricing. ~$300 for the full version.
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=106447

[mcphill]

Yep, I think you would be a fool not to get it now, if you were considering it. I think I will get a seat as well!

[ger21]

Yeah, it's quite a bit more powerful than the cheap apps. Very good deal at $300

[darinmurray]

Thanks for the info everyone, the PM's also, very good info. My K2 2514Servo should arrive Wednesday. I will start another thread on the un-boxing/setup/tuning/software/first cuts, etc...

I will end up running Mach3 with SheetCam (2D) and DeskProto(3D). The evaluation coppies are running on the PC to power the machine, and working well for my needs so far.

Unfortunately I think I wasted $75 on LazyCamPro... very disappointing...

Happy Cutting!

[DeadTom]

So Ger21 (Gerry), I know that you are a dyed-in-the-wool MeshCAM user and you are saying that DeskProto is better or more featured than MeshCAM?
I have Cut2D and I am looking for a more robust CAM package.
DT

[awerby]

and it keeps getting better. DeskProto 5.0 is a solid alternative at the regular ($1300) price, offering various 3-axis and 4-axis carving strategies, 2d to 3d mesh generation, linear engraving on 3d parts, a 2-side wizard, freeform cutting regions, and a lot more sophisticated features you don't see in the low-priced programs. It handles huge files with ease, and generates toolpaths very quickly. With the new $300 hobbyist pricing, it's an unbeatable deal. I have some copies in stock, which should go quickly, but I'm expecting some more in shortly. This program includes a dongle, CD, and a manual and needs to be shipped, so if you're in North America you do save something by ordering it from a US dealer (like myself).

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

[ger21]

and you are saying that DeskProto is better or more featured than MeshCAM?

More featured. I wouldn't say any of the similar programs are better than others, as they all do basically the same thing.

A few things that DeskProto has the edge on:

Continuous 4th axis.
Additional strategies.
2D Machining.
Manual 5th axis support.
3D simulation.

I haven't looked at the demo in a few years, so don't know everything that it does.

Bottom line is this. If you need something that DeskProto does that MeshCAM doesn't, then buy DeskProto. If MeshCAM can do everything you need, then buy MeshCAM.

If I had a spare $300, I'd seriously consider DeskProto. But I've also been known to buy software and never really use it. The main thing I would want it for would be continuous 4th axis. Other than that, I can do everything I need in MeshCAM. Others needs may vary.

[DeadTom]

Thanks again Gerry, you have given me some great insight.
Truth be told my machine is only a 3-axis router so anything beyond that is a waste.
But also I will say that I am heading toward the addition of the 4-axis since my controller just needs another stepper motor and associated spindles.
And yes an EXTRA $300 would be nice, but something that is not always available.
Tom