Re: 4-Axis CAM suggestions?

Hi Roger

You've probably been aware of this, and I have not yet used it, but
Art Fenerty has a windows based 4 axis software program, Master5, and
it may be worth looking at. I can't tell you a whole lot about the
software yet, although I will certainly be buying it, but I can say
that Art is very helpful and flexible when it comes to adding "wish-
list" items to his new software revisions. I've talked to him several
times, including twice on the phone, and he is very patient and
informative, especially since the whole issue of stepper motor
control is still quite new to me.

His cost is very reasonable. Hopes this is of some help.

Cheers, Tom Kay.

Here's the link:

http://users.andara.com/~fenerty/master.htm

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Roger Swift" <vrsculptor@h...> wrote:
> I've been fairly successful doing 3-axis machining (Rhino > STL >
STLWorks (demo) > CNCPro >Gecko 340) on my converted Tree Journeyman.
So far I've just been playing but I want to add a 4th axis to machine
some irregular shapes.
>
> What concerns me is that some of the inexpensive CAM packages
(Bobcad?) creates a 4th axis by substituting a rotary axis parallel
to the X-axis for the Y-axis. The resulting G-code still only drives
3 axis, one of which is rotary. This seems like a waste and a loss of
capabilities when CNCPro (and EMC) is ready and willing to drive all
4 axis.
>
> Do I have this right? Do any of you have any suggestions for a low
or higher end CAM package that will intelligently handle all 4-axis.
Please be gentle... this is only a hobby.
>
> Roger
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]