Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Group cnc software database wasRe: SOFTWARE

Ballendo,
Did you just think of doing this ?? This is a good Idea really, especially
with the link capability. I end up discussing soooo much in the regard of
"what's out there" with potential buyers of my router plansthat it gets very
tiresome.... But, only out of repetition.

I see the real need to have one place where the users of this group can share
links to products they use or have used to the point that they could
recommend it. This would be such a great spot for a newcomer to learn.

It would be excellent if the product(s) listed could except basic comments
about its advantage about it from multiple users, but unfortunately see where
this could lead to much controversy, enhanced babysitting, and research time
to keep accurate. Sure would hate it to end up with comments like made in the
other CNC NG ! Very hard to find any useful information over there these
days..

So, at the very least we could all find some of those "special" links that
people know about that we may have never seen. I will have to find time to
take a look at what you have started. Sounds interesting for sure.

Chris L

ballendo wrote:

> Hello list,
>
> I need your input!
>
> I just set up a database on the group website to give a location for
> what I proposed in my response to Woodknack.
>
> That is, a comprehensive listing of cnc software. It is meant to be a
> STARTING point for an investigation by either new or experienced
> folk, and includes fields for:
>
> TITLE (including version where appropriate; as when functionality
> across the 3 defined categories changes)
>
> USE(S) (described as 1=Cad, 2=Toolpath/CAM, and 3=Motor control)
>
> PRICE (using the F/$/$$/$$$/$$$$/etc. for Free/$1-9/$10-99/...)
>
> MANUFACTURER / AUTHOR
>
> LINK / URL (if the link is complete, it IS "clickable"
>
> I added two listings as examples. Group members can add listing(s) by
> going to the group home page, click on database, click on cnc
> software; then click add record.
>
> I can see that this will not deal with certain types of "gray areas"
> between product functions. But I think it could be a very useful tool
> for the group. Currently the database creator(Ballendo),Tim and Bill
> can edit listings. ANY MEMBER can ADD listings.
>
> Please have a look, (and provide your input!)
>
> Ballendo
>
> P.S. Some Questions:
> 1)How should we describe a MOTOR CONTROL program (3) that can import
> a non-native file (DXF,HPGL) and treat it as a toolpath, but which
> does not allow toolpath creation or modification??? Or allows
> some "massaging" of the imported file, but not toolpath creation?
>
> For example, Flashcut imports dxf "intelligently", so is it a 2,3 or
> just a 3. My thoughts are that since flashcut allows editing of the
> resulting gcode, it is doing the work of toolpath (and will suffice
> for some), so I would give it the "2" as well as the "3". Master5 is
> another example of a gray area; Does it include "toolpath"
> functionality? Well yes, but not with the same sort of control that
> FLashcut has... So should there be a distinction?
>
> 2)Do those in other countries have a dollar sign key? (I really don't
> want to see numerical prices on htis list, as small changes make
> their inclusion insignificant and misleading. The $'s method gives
> some room for interpretation, and relative cost is easily apparent
> between products)
>
> 3)The CAD section could easily overwhelm the database! Should there
> be "grounds" for including a s/w pkg. in this listing as
> being "appropriate" for cnc? What should decide?
>
> 4) I think the beauty of a list like this will be to keep it simple,
> and go for complete-ness of entries (Get ALL the cnc software; even
> the high-end stuff), but do NOT try to have all the answers here.
> Just enough to know if further investigation is necessary by defining
> some broad categories, and provide an easy route to get to any
> additional info... Your thoughts?
>
> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "ballendo" <ballendo@y...> wrote:
> <snip>
> P.S. To give you a bit of a starting point, here are a FEW popular
> > choices: (the numbers 1,2,3 are references to the programs' ability
> > to do the steps outlined above)
> >
> > NOTE: This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, or in any
> > particular order. BUT it WOULD BE a useful thing to HAVE such a
> list
> > available to the group?, and as comprehensive as we could make it!
> > Maybe with a F/$/$$/$$$/$$$$/$$$$$ (dollar signs for digits; like
> > income, defining 'x-digit' pricing) like restaurant listings?
> >
> > (others mentioned above left off this SHORT, INCOMPLETE list)
> > Intellicad (1)free
> > Vector (1,2)
> > Master5 (2,3)
> > Ace converter (2)
> > Flashcut (2,3)
> > CncPRO (3)
> > AhHa artisan (2,3)
> > EMC (3)
> >
>
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