Re: CAM Expert software

Hi Ron,

You really want to print out the manual, and go through the exercises
(do enough so that you know how to draw some simple figures). Vector
CAD doesn't work like your "average" CAD.

I don't believe ACE does the tool compensation. That's why you want to
use Vector to do the offsets. THEN export .DXF to ACE.

If Ashlar Vellum can export a .DXF, then you could even DRAW in Vellum,
export a .DXF to Vector, and do the tool offsets, if you desire.

I draw in Vector CAD/CAM, add the tool offsets, and export GCODE. One
step!

HTH!

Alan KM6VV


ron_routledge@... 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
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., Alan Marconett KM6VV <KM6VV@a...> wrote:
> > Hi Ron,
> >
> > It's been posted many times, but I'd recommend you check out Fred's
> > Vector CAD offer (I think it's still on), and then use the free ACE
> > converter (and CNCpro controller) from Yeager. Or a simple free CAD
> > program. Check the previous posts. At $240 for CAM Expert, you
> are not
> > much cheaper then Vector CAD/CAM. I KNOW that is supported!
> >
> > http://www.ribbonsoft.com/index.php3
> >
> > I notice they have a free Linux vers. And some GERBER support.
> >
> > Alan KM6VV
> >
> >
> > ron_routledge@y... wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi Group
> > >
> > > I was wondering if anyone has used CAM Expert by Ribbonsoft. We
> are
> > > building a 4x8 gantry for plasma cutting and need a simple drawing
> > > and CAM program. I have E-mailed the site a couple of times with
> no
> > > response so I a bit nrevous. It seems to work well (the demo)
> but I
> > > haven't figured out how to do kerf compensation.
> > >
> > > If not this software what would you all reccomend to use as a
> drawing
> > > and Cam software. This needs to be as simple as possible so the
> > > machine can be used with minimal training.
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > > Ron Routledge