Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Excaliburcnc by XCAM

just thought I'd throw in my two cents here since I've been using Rhino3d for a couple of
years now.

I've used a number of CAD and 3D modeling programs since that is what my degree is in and
I would have to say that when it comes to 3D modeling software you are not going to find
a smaller learning curve than you will with Rhino. I modeled a car in just an afternoon.
(granted not every single part of the car, but a good deal of it :-) )


There are a lot of functions in Rhino that you won't find in other programs costing tens
of thousands of dollars. Of course in all fairness there are functions in those programs
that you won't find in Rhino. But I wouldn't give up my copy for any price. McNeel and
Assoc. are the authors of the program and you won't find a nicer bunch of people to deal
with. When I bought my copy they were shipping V 1.0, about two months later they came
out with V 1.1 and they sent it to me free of charge. Then a couple of months ago they
had a link were registered users could download the upgrade to V 2.0 free of charge.
There aren't many companies that offer the service and support that McNeel and Associates
does.

For some bad news. Although it is a fantastic modeler when it comes to creating toolpaths
you have to get creative. The good news is that there are functions in the program that
make it a lot easier. What I'm still looking for is a program that I can either import my
models into and have the tool paths generated or a program where I can import the
toolpaths I generate in Rhino and have the program generate the G-Code.

Speaking of which if anyone knows of a good software package that will generate toolpaths
and G-Code for me I sure would like to know about it. I did download a simple dos program
that would take a dxf file and convert it to G-Code but the problem is it's quirky and
pretty limiting. I don't think it would be good for much more than a router.

Well I think that was a little more than two cents but I sure would appreciate any
suggestions on software. I'm a full time college student at the moment so I'm strapped
for cash, but nonetheless I would appreciate any info that you all might have on CAM
software for the home user.

Thanks,
Chris



--- tauseef <tauscnc@...> wrote:

> hey andrew and carol/jerry.
> NO! did I miss some fine print on price :) or was my mind just trying
> to tell me I could maybe afford it! Well thanks for bring me back to
> reality,,it looks like I am just ment to buy Rhino3D (which I don't
> mind) and then hopfully some CAM progam (maybe RAMS) to compliment
> it. The demo of excalibur does look nice though. I am not sure about
> the files andrew but it is able to import a few differnt types. The
> looks of it is similar to rhino from the limited use i have had with
> either program. Its pretty "straight" forward so far.
>
> still in search tauseef :)
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Carol & Jerry Jankura"
> <jerry.jankura@s...> wrote:
> > Tauseef:
> >
> > Which ever software you finally choose, be sure that you research it
> > carefully. There's a pretty steep learning curve to any of these
> programs,
> > so (money spent aside) you really only want to learn and use one.
> >
> > -- Carol & Jerry Jankura
> > Strongsville, Ohio
> > So many toys, So little time....
> >
> > |
> > | hey all!
> > | Well I think I finally might of found a good CAD/CAM package that
> > | is "affordable." Its excalibur from XCAM and its at
> > | http://www.excaliburcnc.com/ its seems like a mixture of rhino
> > | (which i just love) with CAM built in!! Downloaded the trial
> version
> > | and looks good so far. Wondering if any of the more "experts" have
> > | seen or tried it (or xcam products). Its $750 cad/cam and seems
> very
> > | straight forward.
>
>
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=====
Chris Reynolds

Design/Drafting Student, freelance drafter, freelance graphic artist, freelance animator and all around nice guy.



"I believe you should live each day as if it is your last, which is why I don't have any clean laundry because, come on, who wants to wash clothes on the last day of their life?"~Jack Handey Deep Thoughts

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