Re: CAM Expert software

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., ron_routledge@y... wrote:

> I have a demo of Vector Cad but it doesn't seem very intuitive to
> draw with. I am used to drawing with Ashlar Vellum, it is the only
> CAD program that I have ever sat down at and been able to draw
> immediately.
> I plan to use CNC Pro to run the table, but want to be able to draw
> the finished part, not the tool path. Will the ace convertor do

tool

> width compensation or do I need to draw the tool path, not the

part.

> I have also looked at Deskam but also have found the help to be not
> terribly helpful.
>

Ron
If you are only using 2 1/2D for your work it might help to take a
look at a program called Dolphin.
There are some details and a small slide show at the following two
web sites.
Dolphin's main claim to fame is that it can do away with tool offsets
altogether. What you draw is what you get. The program takes into
account what size tool you are using and then generates the toolpath
plus or minus half this amount. Another good point about this program
is that it has a very good edit facility. You get to edit the
operation and not the drawing, so if you look at the simulation and
see that you are going the wrong way instead of having to redo the
drawing you just go into edit and select "Cut Reverse" and it will
then redo the code. There is loads that you can do in edit to tweak
the program to suit different applications and all the while you get
to see a simulated toolpath using the correct cutter diameter and not
just an arrow following a line.

http://www.quantumcnc.co.uk/Dolphin%20Promotion/sld001.htm

http://www.quantumcnc.co.uk/MicroMill%20Dolphin.htm

John Stevenson