Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Vector Cam

Garry & Maxine Foster wrote:

>Tim
>
>It seems to be more than a hobby to you and most of the people that
>use the high bucks stuff. You have more than one business that may
>or may not pay its way. But I know that you cut balsa wood on at
>least a semi commercial basis as well as have a sales of software and
>hardware that I assume you don't want to run at a loss.
>
>There is hobby and then there is side line business. All are good but
>to many the idea of sending 2-3 k just to watch motors spin is out of
>the range fro starting.
>

Garry,
I look back at what I spent 5 years ago.
Cad/Cam Software ? My first was limited to a 20x30 inch work area and
was just CAM... $800. Because I was foolish and didn't spend more up
front, It costed a slick $2500 of which the first $800 would have went a
long way. Now you have Vector for like waaaay cheap and it works very
well. I bought it just because it was a bargain. Vector isn't alone...
Dolphin, DesKam, DeskNC, Millwizzard...... pfffffff. Unbelievable.

Control software ? Cheapest thing that ran on a PC with continuous
motion then was Indexer LPT. Something like $800 and only ran hpgl. Now
I run Flashcut @ $1100 and I never want to work with hpgl except for the
most basic of machinery. Now, look at TurboCNC and the popular Mach1.
These products are selling for peanuts really!

Electronics. The least expensive off the shelf drivers were from MicroK.
$199 a pop. Now you have Gecko, Xylotex and a pile of Kits to choose
from not to mention those occasional bargains that turn up. Wish I had
that available back then.

Machine hardware ? Bend Over ! Linear Rails and bearings were only
possible if your uncle bob was a salesman for the company. Somehow,
certain people always got "samples" to check out... Not me. Very
expensive part of the build, even today. However, Now you have a
phenomenal gaggle of options right off of E-bay where you can save 90%
over retail if you are patient. There are also plenty of non-ball type
slides that are half the cost they used to be because of increased
competition.

Maybe you want to wait a year or two. This market has literally exploded
for the hobbiest in the last two. 3 years ago, there was no Vector, no
Dolphin, no Gecko, no Xylotex, hobbycnc, etc.etc.etc....... Things have
changed and I can only imagine it will change more for the better. The
only tough nuts I see to crack yet are the linear rail and bearing
components. China ? are you listening ? Hobbiests need an option that is
better than drawer slides ! All in all, I'll never regret the
expendatures, its just too fun. Oh, and after fun, it can be profitable.
I have charge a very nice fee when outside work is done though I really
consider myself a hobbiest because I work a full 40 elsewhere. I really
look to when I can retire and have this fun stuff to play with if a
cardiac arrest doesn't get me first.

My tax guy told me if your going to have a hobby, make sure you start a
business. After all, it is the only legal way you can take payment for
any work you do. The benefit there is you have deductions. Keep it
legit,... enjoy the benefits the law provides for. As others have
indicated, their only regret is not spending a little more up front. I
feel the same. I'd bet most didn't plan on filling out itemized tax
forms either, they just found out it is a good way to be "Able" to
afford this hobby.

I REALLY want to get into another hobby too like experimental aircraft !
But, now thats what I call "too expensive" !! Help Mr. tax man ! Until
it comes down in price, I wont be hanging around their newsgroups much.
My keyboard just gets sloppy from drooling about it. I think even RC
cars and Airplanes are more expensive than CNC stuff these days.

Chris L