Re: Recommended CAM software?

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "Ken Gracey" <kgracey@p...>
wrote:

> With BobCad, pretty poorly. Between the lack of forum support on the
> weekend, paid-only support for phone calls, and frequent crashes I
> think I'm putting BobCad to rest. If you want to own my copy contact
> me off-line.
>
> So at the moment I'm trying to finalize my review. I'm looking at
> Dolphin, DeskCNC, KipWare and ? whatever else this group recommends.
>
> - Ken
>

Ken -

Sorry to hear it, wish I could be of more help. I get to use Mastercam
at work, but being my boss has deeper pockets then I do, I can't
afford it at home.

After being on it for a few years now, of course nothing else really
compares.

I also get to use Artcam (the JewelSmith Version) at my side job. Yet
another person with deeper pockets then me ;) I'm pretty lucky, I get
to use some high end software, and I like them both very much.

But that's all just opinion, and also off topic to your subject...

Piracy isn't an option, so for home use I'm in the same boat as most
everyone else here I guess.

The last one I have to look at is Dolphin, I only just got it
yesterday and haven't had much time with it. How are you liking it? I
read on their forums that they are "freezing" development on their 3D
version, I have to admit that put me off a bit. Although I'd only
actually need 2.5D, I wonder if their other version does that? Again,
I'm not done looking at it.

You can also check out Powerstation, at microcimm.com - I used to use
an old DOS version that was "ok", it did the job. I tried the new one
and it crashed alot on me, maybe that won't be the case for you. The
price seems comparable to the others in our range.

So far I've looked at:
PowerStation
Bobcad
Vector XT
TurboCadCam (yuck!!)
and the Dolphin I'm not finished with yet.

So far I'm liking Vector the best.