[Willyb]

Hi Guys

Now I know this is a tricky question to answer as everyone's budget and opinion is different. Is there affordable (lower cost) Cad/Cam Software? One that works as advertised? One that just works?

Up until this point all of my machining is hobby related. Someday that may change and at that point I would be able to purchase better software. So for now, my CNC Software budget is limited. I would really like to dream and have 3D capabilities but I know my limit is 2-1/2D.

Looks like for around $500 you can purchase TurboCad with a Cam Plug-in from Tormach. Is this the same Professional program that TurboCad is selling? Seems to be a big difference in price between the two. ($330.00 verses $1,295.00) For the fellows using the Tormach TurboCad/Cam version, how do you like it? What don't you like? Is the Cam end of it easy to use?

I see that Dolphin is selling a New product called VX Cad/Cam. Anyone have any experience with this software? How much is it?

Interested to hear what you are using and how you like it.

Thanks for your time.


Willy

[ger21]

You might want to look at DesignCAD, for $100 or less, and Sheetcam for about $175. www.sheetcam.com and http://www.imsidesign.com/Products/D...6/Default.aspx

When you want to move to 3D, look at www.meshcam.com or http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr.../c3d_index.htm

[zephyr9900]

I will second ger21's recommendations for SheetCam (2.5D) and MeshCam (3D) cam software. They are what I use.

SheetCam takes DXF as an input file. You make a layer in your drawing for each process you want to perform (drilling, outlining, pocketing) and then set up the parameters in SheetCam.

MeshCam takes STL as an input file. This is the same kind out file that stererolithography machines use as input (thus the STL file extension.) It is harder to find free or low-cost software that will output STL. I have Alibre Xpress, their freeware version, that will output STL. But I was one of the first 100k users that got extra functionality, and the STL export might be a pay-extra upgrade these days. http://www.alibre.com/xpress

Best regards,

Randy

[ADucci]

I just bought cam expert http://www.ribbonsoft.com/camexpert.html
this was about $140, it uses DXF, and exports to NC, also is similar to Autocad

i dont know how good it is, but i did a successful cut today, i am happy.

i guess you only find out about the funny things with time.

[DareBee]

And FreeMill (from MecSoft) has 2.5 and 3d machining strategies.

[nagjames]

Hi Willy,

My Tormach just arrived last weekend I didn't power it up yet. My previous mill was a MaxNC for two years.
For me it was (is) a hobby too but I don't like relearning software. It takes quite a bit of effort to learn a serious cad/cam software.
Time costs money too. So When I was shopping for a cad/cam package I ruled out hobby software. I ended up buying Alibre design for CAD
and OneCNC Advantage for CAM. I designed a few RC parts with complete assembly. I spent more time designing than machining. Once I was happy with a
machined prototype. I moved onto a next project. I didn't make much money with my max but now I'm fairly comfortable with Alibre and OneCNC.
I use STEP format between Alibre and OneCNC. When you are willing to spend more than $10000 on a Tormach why not spend 1/3-rd of that money on a good
software?
I didn't regret my choice with Alibre and OneCNC combo.

Thanks,
James
http://nagycnc.com

[MikeAber]

The prices and recomendations for software are pretty reliable on the Tormach website. The TurbocadCam package they are selling is indeed the Professional version. The other packages offer more features and easier to learn interfaces but TurboCadCam is a good general purpose package well suited to the capabilities of the PCNC1100.

MikeAber

[philbur]

There are so many variables when selecting a CadCam package that there is no single correct answer. I have TurboCadCam. It’s a well integrated package, but then again I already had experience with the TurboCad part. My best advice for a beginner in CadCam is buy cheap to gain experience then up-grade as necessary, once you know what it’s all about. Frankly I doubt that 90% of us amateur users will ever need anything more than a basic CadCam package.

Lots of bell and whistle means a steeper learning curve, even if you don’t use the bell and whistle. I think this is a very important point that is not often realised. I think a full blown 3D package will be a lot more difficult to learn/use for 2D profiling/pocketing/drilling than a package specifically designed for that purpose.

Best Regards
Phil

The prices and recomendations for software are pretty reliable on the Tormach website. The TurbocadCam package they are selling is indeed the Professional version. The other packages offer more features and easier to learn interfaces but TurboCadCam is a good general purpose package well suited to the capabilities of the PCNC1100.

MikeAber

[MikeAber]

I use TurboCadCam V14 with the Mechanical pack, the constraints feature is wonderful. When you change the drawing all the tool-paths adjust automatically. The upgrade from V12 was $329; I typically upgrade every two or three years. I originally started with V9 and V9 will do everything I want to do but all the new features make the upgrades worth it. An interesting feature of TurboCadCam is that the CAM output is native RS-274 G-code.

I've also used MasterCam and Gibbscam but I can't afford those packages... If I had a 5 axis machine these would be essential.

MikeAber

[philbur]

The constraints feature is also available in version 11. It's kinda neat but I don't find it that useful. However the auto update of tool paths is really great. It's very quick and easy to produce the tool path (while in Cad) to see if your change in the Cad drawing produces the desired Cam result. If it doesn't just delete the change from the drawing and the gcode disappears also. This saves a lot of time if you learn your software by trial and error, as many of us do I think. Also if you click on a particular part of the tool path it will highlight the corresponding line of gcode, great for tracking down errors.

Phil

I use TurboCadCam V14 with the Mechanical pack, the constraints feature is wonderful. When you change the drawing all the tool-paths adjust automatically. The upgrade from V12 was $329; I typically upgrade every two or three years. I originally started with V9 and V9 will do everything I want to do but all the new features make the upgrades worth it. An interesting feature of TurboCadCam is that the CAM output is native RS-274 G-code.

I've also used MasterCam and Gibbscam but I can't afford those packages... If I had a 5 axis machine these would be essential.

MikeAber

[Willyb]

Phil, Mike & Other TurboCad/Cam Users.

Downloaded trial version of TurboCad Professional to see if it is what I am looking for. I can't seem to find any Tutorial files anyplace? Do you know if there are any available? I feel tutorials are very important and helpful in trying out new software.

Also does anyone know if there is a trial version of the Cam Plug-in available? I sent a message to TurboCad but of coarse no one wants to answer. Thanks for your help.

Willy

[MikeAber]

There is no free version of the CAM plugin I'm aware of but here is a link to free movies on the differences between Autocad and TurboCadCam: http://www.cadcourse.com/flashmovies...-TurboCAD.html

Free evaluation training clips: http://www.cadcourse.com/CADCourseMovies.html

IMO this training CD for the CAM package is worth it's $30 cost too: http://www.cadcourse.net/index.asp?P...PROD&ProdID=36

You may also make g-code from simple DXF files using the free Ace converter (old links but still good) nice to get your feet wet: http://code.arc.cmu.edu/rp_lab/machines/cnc1.html
http://code.arc.cmu.edu/~ellendo/CNC/Benchman.htm

Here is a link to TurboCad userguides for V4,5,6,7. 90% of the V4 commands are the same for V14: http://www.softdevspb.com/plugins/TC/ts_downloads.html

I hope this helps,

MikeAber

[Willyb]

Hi Mike

Thank you for letting me know about all the available information on TurboCad/Cam. Looks like lots of info to look at. Thanks.

Willy

[lapuser]

I have been a user of VX end to end since v9. If you are not really commited to an exhausting learning session you better forget it. VX has a very powerfull 3D modeling program that will let you do tremendous things but is complex beyond your wildest dreams if all you have dealt with is 2D or nothing. And it has to be to do every thing but I will tell you that 3D is the future and eliminates confusion for the designer, customer, and machinist as you see the real part and not just a line drawing. There are some serious warts with VX however. I am now on version 12.90 and after 4 years VX still will not accurately translate DXF files. I use a free ap called Acad9 to verify my files as the program I paid for will not and most of the files I end up getting from customers are still 2D and still Autocad so this is a major problem for me. I have been told that V13 which is 6 months late on release will end these problems but I have let maintenence lapse as I take a wait and see attitude. Cam is where I have had real problems with VX and is the reason I let renewal go by. I have a 94 Haas VF3 with 99 year software version installed on the controller by a Haas rep. I have NEVER had a version of VX work with this dirt common mill without having to get with support to get something to work. And they will change VX POST on you without notice and there you are waiting again for them to get you a machine post and whatever other files to go with it needed to make it work. In comparison I have had Surfcam 2002,2003 and 2007[velocity 3] and the very first post file Surfcam sent me has worked for every version flawlessly without these stupid support issues. And I am not the only one. If you get this you make this sales guy prove out code to your mill first before you lay the cash down. VX cam is very complex and there are THOUSANDS of poorly documented machining variables when you add all the potential toolpaths and conditions needed to create tool paths to get code out. There are some top notch machining strategies with VX but you will not arrive at them easily. Said all that to say this- this is a production machining package where taking two days to figure out a top tool path is not an issue as you going to save 4 days time on that complex mold or time per part on a year long parts run. THIS IS NOT A PROGRAM FOR BEGINERS OR JOB SHOPS THAT DO ONE OFS OR SMALL PARTS RUNS! The beauty of VX to do parts and machining all inside the same package is what sold me on this program origionally but the cam headaches are what will drive me away. I will probably renew after going to a demo of V13 later this month IF all these issues that have given me significant grief are addressed. Got a flyer in the mail today that says in the lower left hand corner " Until November 30,2007 Customers with expired maintenence contracts can upgrade to V13 without penalty" Does that sound like a lot of us are unhappy or what. It costs me $2,000.00 per year for maintenence by the way so factor that in to your budget plans. fieldweld at hughes.net if you need to know more

[metalworkz]

Hello Willy,
You can find Dolphin CAD/CAM PartMaster software at affordable prices on eBay in the store It's for Sale. Very reasonable prices and most of the Dolphin CAD/CAM packages are available. If you are interested take a look:

http://stores.ebay.com/ITS-for-sale_...QQftidZ2QQtZkm