RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CAD/CAM questions

I have been comparing several cad/cam programs recently. I am currently
an owner of Bobcad ver 16 and the support that I have received from them
is awfull. I would not recommend BobCad to anyone. I also have Vector
and have struggled to use it. I think there are easier programs
available but the capabilites of Vector and the support that is given by
Fred Smith is outstanding. I just need to make the commitment to learn
Vector. I have also looked at Dolphin, Capsmill, Virtual Mill, Surfcame
free, TurboCadCam, and Spurtcam. Since I use TurboCad for my cad and
have since version 2 I was very excited by the Release of TCC.
Unfortunatley is was very buggy and I did not receive answers to my
questions that I left on the support site. I think it has some
possibilities in the future but I could not recommend it at this time.
For a full 3D system with 4th axis capabilities Vitrual mill is a clear
winner in my book. Unfortunatley I don't have the $1450 for it at this
time and if it goes back up to its regular price then it would be
competing with other high end programs. Capsmill is very interesting
and seems to be quite capable for a 21/2D cam package. It has one of
the more impressive simulations I have seen. It has been realatively
easy to learn. ( Maybe working with all of these different systems has
made the learning curve easier.) The main thing I think it is lacking
is the ability to do a pocket with a Z axis profile. Capsmill and
Dolphin have the same price for hobbiest. Dolphin does have the
capability to pocket using a z axis profile and the lathe cam is an
added bonus. Capsmill also has a lathe package but it is separate and I
have not had a chance to look at it yet. Currently I am trying to
decide between Dolphin and Capsmill or commiting to learning Vector.
Hope this helps.
Larry