[autobot]

whats a free or cheap cam for lathes?

[m98custom1212]

what kind of lathe do you have?

[autobot]

I dont have one yet. wana do research beforehand to get back of the envelope total cost of ownership.

[txcncman]

Most CAM software, while easy to output some G-code, do not use canned cycles for lathe turning efficiently. Even today, I program most lathe jobs (90%) standing at the machine with a part print and a calculator. Anyone serious about CNC machining needs to learn "manual" programming before stepping off into CAM anyway.

[harley4ever]

Dolphin Partmaster has a pretty slick turning package.

[camtd]

There is a product called Inplot the website is i-Logic Software I think the cost
is around $150.00 the product is very good for lathe cad and cam. We use it for
testing and tweaking our lathe programs.

[Stutank]

If anyone is still Interested, The latest version of Ezilathe (version 1.4) is available from the downloads/others section of CNCZONE.

Ezilathe is a free program including many useful functions for the CNC lathe including a DXF to Gcode processor, that produces toolpaths directly from DXF profiles.
Also included is a quick and simple to use G76/G32 thread processor.

[Bob La Londe]

If anyone is still Interested, The latest version of Ezilathe (version 1.4) is available from the downloads/others section of CNCZONE.

Ezilathe is a free program including many useful functions for the CNC lathe including a DXF to Gcode processor, that produces toolpaths directly from DXF profiles.
Also included is a quick and simple to use G76/G32 thread processor.

I am reading the manual right now. If it lives up to the brags in the manual it looks like a very powerful program for the small shop or hobby lathe user.

[Bob La Londe]

Lazy turn. Abandoned I think and no longer supported.

CamBam I think has a lathe operation mode, but I have not used it.

[Tkamsker]

Hi
Thats why i bought the bobcad boundle
But right now i fight with the emc2 control on my lathe.
I do have an Klippfeld k10
Cu
Thomas

[autobot]

is lazyturn still available for download or purchase?

How much did the bobcad bundle cost you? 2kish?

It seems there arnt as many options for turning cam as there are for 3 axis milling cam. the lowest price is probably cambam (but only does profiles and no internal hold cutting. then next one up is dolphin partmaster which is 500?

[Bob La Londe]

is lazyturn still available for download or purchase?

I'ld ask that over on the Mach Support forum. There is still a section over there to discuss Lazy Turn.

LazyTurn

[Anant]

SmartCAM for turning can be best option in low cost CAM for turning.

Anant

[Bob Adams]

Checkout my CAD2Lathe Program at:
CAD2Lathe
Its not fancy but it works with a liittle CAD Help.
Bob A
CNC Programming Software Tools

[autobot]

how much is smartcam?

their website is support only and no sales or pricing anywhere

[Stutank]

Planebuilder. Sorry it did not work for you, I assume you have a fairly recent version of Ezilathe. Last Upload (as beta) was V1.6.4.4, and this has all the features needed.
The ability to load Reversed Polylines was not in the last full upload V1.6.4. if you are using this version, you will need to make certain that polyline direction is correct in the DXF.

First Make sure you are set to "OD TURNING OPERATION" and for Direction "Follow Polyline". This will only work when set like this (refer included jpg).
To load as a complete polyline, it is required to select via the "SELECT POLYLINE BUTTON". This button is only enabled when the DXF file includes a valid Polyline.
The Dialog box that opens (as per included Jpg) will allow you to tick the checkbox for "Reverse Polyline" (V1.6.4.4) and then Select the Polyline required.
Once all selected, Press the OK Button to exit the dialog box, and the whole polyline should now be selected.
Selecting on screen will only select or De-select single entilies from within the polyline.

When processed you will then be able to delete all the rough cuts leaving just the finished cut, that should be all you need.

Attachment 426792

[AngryGuy]

One that works well? There isn't. It's either thousands on a pro package or one of the part timers who develop it as a hobby. Not that that's a bad thing, it just isn't what business is looking for. The first guy who comes along and makes a simple dxf to gcode package that doesn't have thousands of extra gadgets will sell a lot of it.

I'm on my third consulting gig in a year for small shops new to cnc. These guys usually don't need or want to spend ten grand on cadcam and they can't afford a full time programmer. They also don't want to bother with the learning curve needed for camworks etc.

Most of these shops new to cnc just need simple turning, drilling boring. After all, they have been doing it manually until now.

Well, I guess it's good for me as I still get to teach programming and set up DNC systems

[Tkamsker]

Hi
Did you look at heeks cam?
Its simple and free and still a Lot left to teach ...

[Curran]

Have there been any developments or new pieces of software released in the last couple of years?

I'm looking for something free or cheap for hobby use.

I use Vectric VCarvePro for my CNC router and have found it to be excellent. Unfortunately they don't offer any turning software.

[LeeWay]

I use Dolphin and have had it for several years. Once I got the post processor exactly like I wanted it, it produces perfect code for my lathe every time.
I still use the older version. I saw no need to upgrade. They do have a newer version out now. They also offer hobby pricing. Just discuss it with them and see what they offer. I did get a good deal on mine. I think it was about 40% off the $500, but that was years ago.