Re: What cnc setup to buy for my sherline mill?

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

> what is the best/easiest cad/cam program for the rookie?
>

Darrin,

The answer to this question depends on the kind of parts you want to
make. The best and easiest may not be the same program. Vector has
some complicated 3D functions. If you need them and they are not
found in competing products, VectorCam may be the only cad/cam that
fits your budget. Vector also has some complicated 2D functions.
Because it has all the functionality in one package, it can be
somewhat overwhelming to try to learn it all in a short time. The
lathe, mill, wire EDM and routing are all included in one program.
Yes it is going to be harder to learn than a program that is focused
on a single machine, there is more to learn. That also means that
you can work from a single integrated drawing and CNC file. Your
entire project from design to CNC programming and process planning
can be held within a single file. You can insert Word or Excel
objects into a drawing and further enrich the project detail.

Make no mistake about the 3D stuff. Vector is very powerful, and can
create many 3D projects at a fraction of any previous program cost.
It supports STL and IGES files and within a short time will fully
suport trimmed surfaces. Both in it's ability to import and use
surfaces from other programs and in it's ability to create them. It
can already apply toolpaths to the surfaces with axis parallel or
contour following direction of cuts, and can use guard surfaces and
restriction boundaries to control the cutting patterns and areas on a
larger surface. It can also project patches or engrave text on
complex surfaces.

We have been publishing 3D tutorials on our web site to help
customers get up to speed. 3D is new to many and the concepts are
not something that you can have a conversation about and have a
common understanding. I can talk to you about 2d stuff all day and
you will understand me with little trouble. When it comes to 3D
kinds of things the words start to fail. Unless I stick to very
simple 3D shapes and common objects, we can't understand each other.
That is where pictures really are worth 1000 words. Look at the
tutorials on our user forum. You will see that the description and
the result are very understandable because of the pictures and you
can repeat the same steps to accomplish your own 3D parts.

Best Regards, Fred Smith- IMService

Listserve Special discounts and offers are at:
http://www.imsrv.com/grp.html