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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    54

    Cam software under $1000

    I recently got a sieg x3 cnc milling with a mach3 controller and would like to purchase a cam software that is just under $1,000. Can you guys suggest on a software that would be perfect for my application. I'am a custom knifemaker and most I'll be using a cnc mill to cut blade blanks and handles. This would be just 2d application. I design my knives on Adobe illustrator and save them as DWG or DXF. I need a CAM program that could import this type of files and do tool paths. Also I need a cam software that works well with Mach3.
    .
    Any help would be greatly appreciated :-)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    940
    check out the Vectric page and download their V carve pro and demo on your machine.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    +1 on V-Carve Pro. It can import Illustrator files directly.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Posts
    617
    what about cut 2D ?

    If the design is already done, then this will generate the toolpaths ?

    the upgrade to VC-Pro will always be there too ..
    My 1st Build (ongoing) http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc_router_table_machines/134670-one_big_one_smaller_my.html

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Yes, Cut2D will work as well for less money, but has far fewer options. If his budget is $1000, I'd go straight for V-Carve Pro.

    A new free update to Cut2D was just released, btw, making it an even better choice than before.
    Gerry

    UCCNC 2017 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2017.html

    Mach3 2010 Screenset
    http://www.thecncwoodworker.com/2010.html

    JointCAM - CNC Dovetails & Box Joints
    http://www.g-forcecnc.com/jointcam.html

    (Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    54
    I have tried Cut2d and it is very easy to learn, however does it have multipasses and stepover entries on the tool path controls? It seem it will just plunge the tool at a certain depth or do I need to make individually entries of certain depths for each pass until it cuts the material like alloy steel?

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    54
    Quote Originally Posted by pearldiver View Post
    I have tried Cut2d and it is very easy to learn, however does it have multipasses and stepover entries on the tool path controls? It seem it will just plunge the tool at a certain depth or do I need to make individually entries of certain depths for each pass until it cuts the material like alloy steel?
    Okay I just found those features at VCarvePro (nuts)....I will download the trial version and see how it works for my application :cheers:

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    12

    Cam software under $1000

    Look under Tool Select in Cut2D and you can see that stepover, plunge rate etc is set with the tool selection.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Tool Select.JPG  

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    54
    Quote Originally Posted by dennisbliesner View Post
    Look under Tool Select in Cut2D and you can see that stepover, plunge rate etc is set with the tool selection.
    Hi Dennis, I have downloaded the VcarvePro and so far I'm impressed with the package. It is very easy to use and simple. However, I'am not sure if this is the right CAM software for me :nono: Since I was checking on the their website most of the user of this programs are applying it for wood & stones materials.

    As of know I will only use it for a SIEG X3 CNC with a MACH3 controller, but I'am not sure if this software will work for me once I upgrade my machines to a full size turret CNC milling machine.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    12

    Cam software under $1000

    We use cut 3D and Cut 2D to machine wood, plastis, alluminum, steel with Mach3 running three different machines. It works just fine with excellent accuracy. We open dxf files in Cut2D and machine with good precision. It is very easy to use compaired to other postprocessers that we have used.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Posts
    54
    Hi Dennis, one thing that I really like about the program is it could import AI files ( Adobe Illustrator ). I have one sample drawing that I made using Illustrator. Would it be possible if you could generate a G-code for mach3. I want to test it first on my machine before I buy the program. The trial version does not allow to post the code :nono:
    It will be just a simple contour...willl try it first on wood..

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Posts
    266
    Check out CamBam, which is 2d and 3d. CamBam forum

    In my experience, CamBam has some of the best facilities and efficient toolpaths of any CAM program in its price range - and way, way beyond.

    Very straightforward to use and learn, it will do all of the things you mention with ease.


    Martin.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2010
    Posts
    0

    CAM Software,

    If you are just doing 2D work, Sheetcam is very effective.

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    940
    One feature I use all the time is the nesting feature. I saves a lot of material. I cut a lot of dimensional letters and I can get jobs that my customers think will take 1 or 2 sheets and get by with 1/2 sheet.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Posts
    8

    Cut2D and Illustrator

    Illustrator files will go straight into Cut2D. I do that a lot and it works better than importing AutoCAD files.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    940
    Dxf files open in Vcarve and Aspire without importing

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Posts
    1183
    Cut2D was just updated 2 days ago with more features the old one was 1.0 new one 1.5 a Free Update, they also added a list of videos for Cut2D...


    Lou
    http://www.cnczone.com/forums/diy-cnc-router-table-machines/140832-cnc-software.html

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Posts
    12

    Cam software under $1000

    Hi Send file and I will give it a go. Send to:- [email protected]

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Posts
    3154
    Visualmill standard is 1000 bucks.
    www.integratedmechanical.ca

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Posts
    496
    Dolphin cad cam is very nice took. Probably worth a look with the rest mentioned.

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