Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Software Costs

Keith,

Then you might consider a low cost ($35?) CAD-only version of Vector
CAD/CAM (or a a FREE IntelliCad), and use a FREE ACE converter from
CNCPro (Yeager). The demo of FlashCut can also convert DXF files, as
has been mentioned many times on this list.

A "hobby" mill or lathe will cost $400-500, motors, drivers and a power
supply may be another $500 or so. Therefore, if one wishes to assemble
a "well proportioned" set of "hobby CNC tools", then another $300 for
the software seems reasonable to me.

Sorta like an old adage, don't put $10 speakers on a $1000 stereo!

I go along with Tim's comments!

Alan KM6VV


Keith Sloan wrote:

>
> > Subject: RE: Software Costs
> >
> > This is a discussion that has come up many times. Just because it is for
> > a hobby and no money is being made does not mean that free or low cost
> > software has to be used. From having participated in this list for many
> > years what I see is that when many people start out they want to put
> > together a machine for as close to zero $$ as they can. They frequently
> > use free software and can not see themselves spending the price of even
> > the low cost packages. But as they start using the items they start
> > looking for more feature rich solutions and frequently will buy a
> > package like Vector or Dolphin or even Visual Mill. I think you would be
> > surprised at the number of hobby users that have spent $500 or more to
> > get good CAD CAM software.
> >
> > This is an expensive hobby and good tools (both software and hardware)
> > are not cheap. But they make the user more productive and give a greatly
> > expanded ability. My suggestion from having use the free/low cost
> > solutions and using much more expensive solutions is to buy a good
> > CAD/CAM package right from the beginning. You will be using it a lot and
> > it will determine much of your capabilities.
> >
> > Tim
> > [Denver, CO]
> > Sherline products at Deep Discount
> > Mach1 & DeskCNC with credit card ordering
> > www.KTMarketing.com/Sherline
> > Now selling Visual Mill
> >
>
> Well I am sure there are hobbyists that can afford these prices, but there
> are a LOT who cannot.
> It just annoys that when somebody say they are looking for cheap/free
> software people barge in with
> software that costs 300-500 dollars. I just wish they would state for the
> serious hobbyist
> rather than assume we all have money to burn.
>
> There is a large gap between 0 and 300 dollars, its a shame nobody sees fit
> to fill the gap.
> Software like Eagle for PCB's is much better priced, its free with a lot of
> restrictions, Hobby use means reasonably
> priced for some restrictions and has an expensive option for those who need
> it.
>
> IMHO CAM software providers could learn a lot from their experience.
>