Re: Excaliburcnc by XCAM

Message: 2
Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2001 06:10:18 -0800 (PST)
From: Chris Reynolds <c_reynolds2571@...>
Subject: Re: 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.

[I'm a big fan of Rhino too...]

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.

[Are you making toolpaths in Rhino by creating contour curves from surfaces
and and exporting them as DXF polylines? ]

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

Hi Chris-

[It really depends on what you're trying to make. Programs that will
translate the STL or DXF surface files you generate in Rhino into parallel
toolpaths for 3-axis mills aren't very expensive any more. MillWizard
www.millwizard.com does this, and it's a very simple program to run.
DeskProto isn't much harder, and it has more features. You can download a
fully functional trial version from their site: www.deskproto.com. They also
offer a generous student discount.

If you need something that will cut DXF contours, clear pockets, go around
letters, and drill, as well as cut STL files, take a look at RAMS
www.rams-software.com They're working on a smooth translation from Rhino,
but they aren't there quite yet. It's not quite as simple to use as the
above, but it can be made to work (...right Smoke?)] If you're really trying
to build automobiles, you'll no doubt eventually want a fancier piece of CAM
software, but one of the above would get you started.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com
3d Scanning, Modeling, and Milling Products