[lovebugjunkie]

Hello all. Been lurking for quite a while trying to gain more info on which software to buy. I am in the process of getting the parts to build a CNC router table setup (thanks to Mr. Jan Rowland for steering me in the right direction on hardware) and plan on ordering the CAD program first to make sure I have the brainpower to be able to use it. (At my preset age, this is a big if.

I just about took the plunge and ordered Rhino as I have seen a lot of positive info about it and that the learning curve was better than most. True? I have also read where some changes had to be made after loading it into the CAM program to get the correct G-code generated in some cases. I might not have understood this correctly, so not sure.

I plan only cutting/engraving flat stock, wood, plastic, copper. 2D Nothing fancy.

My questions, is Rhino a good choice for someone that has no experience with CAD and what CAM software would be the best “fit” for it. And any other software that might be needed.

Thanks for any input/suggestions.

[ger21]

I plan only cutting/engraving flat stock, wood, plastic, copper. 2D Nothing fancy.

My questions, is Rhino a good choice for someone that has no experience with CAD and what CAM software would be the best “fit” for it. And any other software that might be needed.

Thanks for any input/suggestions.

Rhino would be overkill for that type of work, as it's intended use is 3D modeling. I'd go for a low cost CAD program like DesignCAD (my preference for ease of use) or TurboCAD.Free trials of both are available at http://www.imsisoft.com

For CAM software, try SheetCAM http://www.sheetcam.com

For less than half the price of Rhino, you should be able to do everything you'd want.

[PROTOTRAKFAN]

Gerry,
I will agree with you about Design Cad. You can purchase version 16 for $89.00 and it is easy to use and VERY accurate. It also has many dimensioning tools so you can make detailed prints. I dont use it for 3d modeling , however , because the models are in the form of a polygon mesh. For 2d drawings I think it is great.....
Patrick

[lovebugjunkie]

Thanks for the suggestions ger21 and PROTOTRAKFAN.
I purchased ver 16 and a trainng CD.

Plan on getting SheetCAM when I get to that bridge.

Thanks again

[ger21]

G I dont use it for 3d modeling , however , because the models are in the form of a polygon mesh.

.stl files are polygon meshes, and that's what a lot of CAM programs accept. DesignCAD's export might convert the model to meshes, but I think internally they are some type of solids. Boolean operations (which DesignCAD uses) won't work correxctly with meshes.