Hello all,

I'm brand new to the community despite the history on the account (I think I created it years ago for a quick questions about a 3040 Chinese CNC I was working with). I recently ordered a custom 3'x4' CNC Router from Carl Bruce to help me pursue instrument making. I'm particularly focused on open back banjos, so we worked together on a very cool 4th axis setup so I can mill 12" banjo rims off the edge of the router. I decided on Rhino 6 for CAD software after numerous recommendations for the flexibility it offers when designing musical instrument necks. I've got a banjo neck about 70% finished up in Rhino and am considering CAM software now. I was originally leaning towards RhinoCAM, which looks great, but I recently realized I'd need at least the expert version ($2,500) in order also be able to do the 4th axis stuff. MasterCAM looks to be about $1700 for the 4th axis capable version. I've recently been made aware of DeskProto, which offers a huge bang for the buck in terms of varied machining options and multi-axis capabilities, as well as the option to buy the hobbyist version for around $300. It seems fairly user friendly with the wizard prompts, but it does look a bit dated.

In terms of goals, I basically need to be able to carve banjo and other instrument necks with good cut quality and tool pathing control that is efficient. I really want to be able to easily define multiple separate machining operations from a single/complete CAD model if possible (i.e. isolating the fretboard pockets for inlay work, separate operation for fret slots with special bit, machining one side of a neck for the truss rod, then flipping it accurately with fixturing for 2.5D caving of neck/heel profile, etc). I will also be doing 2.5D engraving on banjos rims with the 4th axis, as well as 2D machining operations (like milling the banjo rim to thickness and accurately machining holes for brackets).

I'm honestly just feeling a bit lost in it all. I know just enough to be dangerous and not enough to really know which CAM options are advantageous over the others. I don't mind dumping the money into RhinoCAM if that's just the way to go here, but if I can get all of the CAM capabilities, cut quality, speed, etc. that I need for my purposes from a cheaper option, I'd certainly consider going that route. I'm a bit concerned about RhinoCam's high price of entry and the lack of support if you don't pay the annual $1k maintenance fee (which I just can't justify). I really don't want to sacrifice controllability or give up cut quality and speed benefits just to save money on CAM software, but that's a huge chunk of change.

Would love to hear what you all would recommend. I do like the integrated nature of the RhinoCAM and MasterCAM options, but it's not critical to me. I'm definitely up for considering CAM programs not mentioned here as well. Thanks for reading through my long-winded post here and looking forward to getting things up and running here in a few weeks!