Re: VectorCad opinions

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "kdoney_63021" <kdoney_63021@y...> wrote:

> I have a lathe and a mill. I would like to do as much on both of
>them
> as possible without having to change software depending on what I
> want to do. I guess what I am looking for is expert advise on which
> CAD and CAM system to choose for the future. Now I guess I need to
> include the controller selection in the request. I thought the CAM
> system included the controller so if a CAM system gave you
>threading
> you could actually manufacture something with threading. I don't
>want
> to have to scrap the hard work of learning a specific system when I
> get better at CNC.
>
>

Kevin,
This makes the first part easier and the second harder.
Virtually everyone on this list has acknowledged that there are only
two good affordable CAD CAM programs, Dolphin and Vector.
Fred sells Vector, and my views purely as a user [ I don't sell it ]
of Dolphin are well known.
That aside the best thing you can do is contact Fred and Mike
Milligan at Dolphin for a demo. They both do them.
Don't send for both at once as you won't have the time to evaluate
them together. Get either one first, try it, ask questions, make
notes. Then do the same with the other. At the end of the day it's
the one you are most happy with, find easy to use, and does what you
want, that will suit.
This way you have a system you can live with and not have to scrap
one as you get better at CNC [ Your words ]

The second part is harder as you have far more choice. In no
particular order is Master5, TurboCNC, Flashcut, CNC Pro, EMC, Ahha,
Microkinetics, DeskNC and a few others.
All have their plus and minus points, Depending of various factors
like cost or ease of use will mean you are choosing from different
end of the list.

John S.