Re: CAM questions..........................

>--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "dgmachinist" <scsm@m...> wrote:
>
>
> Hello all,
>
> Could you guys help me? I need some advice.
>
> I am looking at purchasing a CAM program. I'm not sure what I
>should get.

Seth, The general concensus on this group is that there are only two
programs that fall into your requirements. These are Dolphin and
Vector.
Fred can answer better on Vector than I can.
Both programs will fullfill all your requirements but one may be
better than the other in some points.
Dolphins biggest claim to fame is it's easy learning curve and ease
of use.
From what I can see users of both are split about equal on this list
so it's probably down to personal preferance. Tim has gone on record
as having tried Dolphin and gone back to Vector. To my knoweledge
he's the only one. Many have moved from Vector to Dolphin.
Contact both parties for their demo's and try to work thru these.
The Dolphin manual is on the web at http://www.dolphin-systems.co.uk/
Go to downloads and the manual is there in word and pdf format.
Vectors manual is only available on the CD. Fred won't allow it to be
posted as it's copyright material.

John S.

>Here are my requirements:
> 1)Import AutoCAD DXF
> 1.5) Engraving, especially multi-line text
> 2) It can be 2.5d, but I would like to be able to implement 3d work
> at a later date.
> 3) 4th axis support so I can engrave on a diameter
> 4) Runs on XP
> 5) Reasonable learning curve. I don't want to have to read through
> an entire encyclopeadia to learn the darn thing.
> 6) Under $1000, preferably under $500.
> So, what is out there that can fill those requirements? Any
> suggestions? How about some links?
> You can email me off list, scsm@m...
>
> Thanks,
> Seth