Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CAD/CAM questions

Larry Ragan wrote:

>(snip) 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.
>

Larry, Are you having trouble with the "drawing" aspect of Vector, or
CAM aspect ?? If it is the drawing aspect, you are not alone......
Vectors Drawing method is not wrong, just very different. I would assume
that there are individuals who can accomplish things as fast as
anything. Myself, I simply use the cad program I like most, in your case
probably TC, and import a DXF file to Vector. Vector seems to do this
very well in a world of constantly changing DXF formats. Once imported,
Vectors "Cut-Copy-Paste" techniques come in real handy and in such a way
that I do not think any other Cad-Cam program I ever tried/used did.

If it is the CAM end that you have problems with, just buckle down and
spend more time with it before clouding the mind with other options. One
has to admit that we have seen some amazing capability from such an
inexpensive program. After I spent more time, I started to like the
rather no-nonsense method of code generation instead of a bunch of extra
dialogs and dingalings, although, I wish it had a little more "oooomph"
in automatically placing what I want in regards feeds and plunge rates.
Even though it is totally liveable in this respect, I hope that gets
enhanced.

Vector gives you the ability to create just about any wierd option you
could ever need thru use of the easy to make macros and scripts. And, of
course you know the support is there when you need it.

I too was not overwhelmed with TCC, and now that you indicate lack of
support issues, well, thats that. Support for a product is as important
as a product itself, maybe more important. TCC used techniques that I
was not thrilled with because of the extra steps involved after seeing
how Vector does it.

I came from quite a few years behind Surfcam on a box, and even there, I
didn't draw in it unless I had too. Way too many steps invloved to draw
things compared to more modern techniques, largely introduced by Ashlar
Vellum. Btw, I also have TC but it's on the shelf. I found that very
difficult for 2d work compared to the inexpensive AutoSketch. When it
comes to 3d drawing, my jury is still out, but, it will be something
more along the lines of solid modeling rather than wireframe and
rendering...

Stick with the Vector until you know it won't fit your needs. After you
give the others your money, you'll find out they have plenty of
shortcomings too.
Chris L