Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Cad software

apaulsalerno wrote:

>Ive asked this before, some comments would be appreciated. What is a
>decent CAD program for hobby or small shop use. Something not to
>expensive, but capable and well written? What do most people use?
>What should I stay away from?
>
>

I have tried CadMax, and just bought it. (from http://www.cadmax.com )
It's a parametric solid modeler, so it may not be very good for doing
sheet metal designs. The interface is pretty similar to SolidWorks -
there's a "feature tree" which you can use to suppress, delete, modify,
or add "features". I did a motor mount deisgn for my Bridgeport in just
a few hours while learning how to use the software. It was easy to make
a design where I had a parameter that controlled the size of the
adjustment range for the motor (ie, the slot length for the 4 bolt holes
and the shaft hole). Need an inch of adjustment? Enter 1 and rebuild
the model - fast and easy.

I had recommended it to someone else, who said it crashed before even
starting, so you may not have the same experience I did.

The cost is $295. Add to that STLWorks from IMService ($75 sometimes),
and you have a system that can go pretty quickly from idea to G-code,
for under $400.

- Steve