Re: BobCAD/CAM v.s. Dolphin CAD/CAM

I just went through this process. I tried several evaluation
versions including a few that I had no hope of purchasing due to
their high (for a hobby-type) price.

I own AutoCAD but also have used IntelliCAD. I don't mind using
either one but will keep AutoCAD. I use them interchangably since
for the most part (except for 3D operations) IntelliCAD can do what
most will require. There are many other good CAD only programs out
there, but these are the ones I use.

My requirements were in approximate order:

1. The program must be consistent and reasonably easy to transfer
what is in ones head into an electronic form. I have used various
professional CAD programs for many years and expect certain things to
be easy and 'intuitive' to accomplish. Most professional quality
programs make sense even if one disagrees with how they work. I want
whatever I use to make sense without having to transport myself to
some other dimension.

2. Reliable toolpath generation. Minimal or no manual editing of
generated G code.

3. Pocket and contour generation with tool compensation in the
toolpath, not using G codes.

4. Strong 2.5D and some hope of 3D milling operations.

5. Reasonably reliable DXF import.

6. Machinable True Type fonts.

7. Ideally a Linux solution, but Windoze will do.

8. Ability to write extensions.

9. Visual feedback of generated toolpath.

10. Under $500 USD, the cheaper the better.

Here is what I have tried:

CAD of choice (IntelliCAD or AutoCAD and DXF out) + ACE
-------------------------------------------------------
Works okay for a free solution. ACE has a problem generating arcs in
the correct direction. The generated code often needs massaging but
overall worked well. For text I used a freebie utility (gone now and
do not recall the name) for converting True Type fonts to G code.
Overall a good free solution but definitely more time consuming since
toolpaths pretty much need to be drawn by hand. A lot could be done
here by writing ones own routines. I did a little bit in that regard
but simply don't have the time to devote to that task at this time.
I need to spend time making chips. I still used this combination up
until Dolphin came along even after evaluating the others below.

BobCAD 17
---------
Almost nothing good to say about this program. I should probably
leave it at that...but I won't. It has some nice features but they
are ultimately poorly executed in some (or many) cases and for me are
overshadowed by the overall very poor quality of the software. Lots
of manual coding involved in the generated G code. The user
interface is obtuse. The program is very buggy and crash-prone.
Poor online help. DXF import is unreliable. This is not unusual but
it is frustrating. Some CAD operations that are natural in proper
CAD programs cannot be achieved without severe contortions in
BobCAD. One the the biggest frustrations with this program is that
it has many features that I require and I really wanted it to work,
but it is simply too quirky, too buggy and...I will stop there. It
was literally relegated to the trashcan.

Vector 8 Demo
-------------
Better than BobCAD and seems to be a good low-cost solution. It
still is lacking in many areas primarily in the way things need to be
done. Online help is poor. Some operations I found somewhat obtuse
to use. It has in my opinion an amateurish feel to it (although
nowhere as poor as BobCAD). I have heard that Vector 9.x is improved
but since I have not seen it cannot offer direct comments. I think
this program has great promise but for my needs is not there yet. I
can see how it would be a good alternative for many people. Thanks
to Fred for the opportunity to demo it.

QCAD + IntelliCAD (or AutoCAD)
------------------------------
Free IntelliCAD (or AutoCAD) + QCAD for a low price 2D-ish solution.
QCAD is definitely one to watch, but in my opinion is not quite there
yet. The quality of QCAD from a software standpoint is outstanding.
I am hopeful that more powerful CAM oriented functions are added over
time. The CAD functions are very powerful and easy to use, in many
cases easier and more powerful than programs costing 10 times more.
If you are moving from AutoCAD-like interfaces you may have some
adjustments, but that shouldn't take long. I really wanted QCAD to
work for me primarily to support a Linux author and because it is a
very professional piece of software. In the end I had to pass it
over. It doesn't do pockets or offsets very well. It is also
limited to pretty much 2D operations although 2.5 is doable with
effort. QCAD versions exist for both Windows and Linux!

...and many others not worth mentioning unless one is willing to
shell out several thousands in USD. I did receive a 'free' SurfCAM
2D CD. It isn't exactly free. You have to register it periodically
to extend the license. It is lacking in some features. It is a
little quirky but once you get used to the way it wants to do things
it is definitely usable. The 2D limitations were somewhat
frustrating. It also crashed or hung a bit too much. This could
have been related to video driver issues.


My final choice
---------------
Dolphin Partmaster. It meets all of the requirements I set out to
satisfy. At full pop I would not be able to justify it even though
it would still be a very good choice. At the list discount price it
is definitely worthwhile and for me the choice was clear. The
generated G code has been flawless so far. The CAD is very powerful
and fairly easy to use. I still find myself using AutoCAD for some
operations but that is simply a personal thing. There are some bugs
here and there like in any piece of software. There are also a few
quirks. However, the company seems genuinely interested in improving
and advancing the technology. That fact made a big difference. A
big bonus: you can write scripts using VBScript to extend the
capabilities of the tool. As a programmer this is a very attractive
feature, even if it does require using VB.

Anyway, that's how I arrived I my choice. Your needs and tastes may
differ of course. I hope this helps answer or generate questions.


Regards,

Barry

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "mszollar" <mszollar@g...> wrote:
> I'm just getting started in the CAD/CAM world and have begin to
> review the different options for CAD/CAM software. I'm looking for
> reasonable price (this is only for a hobby), easy to use and full
> featured (in that order; see hobby note). I've been playing around
> with Dolphin (and like it) and have just downloaded BobCAD and will
> play with that as well. I've looked at a few others but most
others
> have been confusing (IMO) likely because I don't have a backround
in
> CAD/CAM or they where CAD only, requiring me to use a separate CAM
> package (IMO CAD/CAM in 1 package is a plus).
>
> Has anyone else done any eval of the various (lower cost) CAD/CAM
> systems? I'd be curious to hear from you if you have; it may save
me
> (and others on the list) time and $$).
>
> Please; this email is not intended to begin a war; I'm just curous
> about the good/bad of the various packages.
>
> Thanks,
> Ken