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IndustryArena Forum > CAM Software > Uncategorised CAM Discussion > Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    21

    Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    I'd like your suggestions for CAM software. Buying my first cnc. My budget is about $3k. I have autocad (for the next 3 years). I've got a spare pc. What's the best cam software for this arrangement?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Posts
    3063

    Re: Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    $3k for CAM or HW+SW?

    What sort of CNC machine?

    What sorts of things do you want to machine?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    21

    Re: Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    RE: What sort of CNC machine?

    "Autocad, zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__" The question mark means I want to know what cam software folks are using successfully.

    RE: What sorts of things do you want to machine?

    Birch ply. I need to mill things to a zero tolerance. Ie., if I draw parts that are to fit together there shall be zero gaps at all. Not even a piece of paper should slip between the joints. I work in a furniture shop where the tolerance is +/-.003", so, I know how to set up an environment where that can happen. Perfectly flat table, firmly clamping down the items being milled, etc. The basics.

    It can be done. I want to hear from folks who have a zenbot, and what combo of software is working for them as I've been working with someone else for several months to get stuff milled on their machine and the problem we're having is that we don't have the same software, and he's not entirely familiar with how to get other folks software to work. I need to get moving forward with getting my projects done and get down to making money. I have folks willing to buy my creations and I'd like to get down to business.

    Thanks,
    Lee

    "Debbie Downers need not respond. I deal with folks who want to see how things can be done vs folks who just want to look at all the reasons it's going to be hard. Yes. It is hard. That's why it's called work."

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35494

    Re: Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    The majority of router users use Vactric's V-Carve Pro or Aspire.
    But if all your cutting is 2D shapes, just about any inexpensive software will work.

    I use an AutoCAD macro to generate my g-code from within AutoCAD. It's free. The CNC Woodworker - AutoCAD 2 G-Code
    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)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    21

    Re: Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    Thanks Gerry. I really appreciate all your knowledge. Hopefully getting pummeled with questions on this forum still allows you the time to build stuff for yourself.

    Cool! I would like to be able to carve reliefs if asked. Suggestions for that?

    I was wondering if Autocad can produce g code. I took a 3 part series of acad classes last year. It just focused on drawing and plotting.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35494

    Re: Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    Aspire will allow you to both create and cut 3D reliefs.
    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)

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Posts
    21

    Re: Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    Something just occurred to me. Are you saying you don't use any Vetric software and that you just use auto cad 2 g-code?

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35494

    Re: Budget shopping-Autocad,zenbot 4848,mach3, and __?__

    It depends on what I'm making. For 2D (or 2.5D) parts, which is probably 90-95% of what I cut, I use the AutoCAD 2 g-code macro.
    I also use MeshCAM, and Aspire on occasion.
    I can draw my parts much, much faster in AutoCAD than Aspire, so I just prefer to stay in AutoCAD. I'll only really use Aspire when I need V-Carving, or I need to combine both 2D and 3D operations.

    I also have Fusion 360, which is both CAD and CAM, but I haven't really had time to use it much. I bought it during their promotional deal, to get the Ultimate version for the price of the standard version.
    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)

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