Re: Re: CADCAM software

Jarrett & Heidi Johnson <hjjohnson@...> wrote:
Subject: Re: CADCAM software

First Time poster..

I to am looking at various software possibilites. I currently design in
SolidWorks and would like the cap. to do some composite molds and bucks. I'd
like to start w/ a full 3 axis [gantry] set up and then move up to at least
a 5 axis unit in the future once I have a handle on the 3 axis.

[At least? Few software programs even have the capacity to do 5-axis
programming. I don't know any that handle more axes of motion, that mere
mortals can buy...]

I'm
wondering if anyone has experiance w/ a window's [ DOS is beyond me ...]
based CAM software package which will import my files and creat code?

[Don't worry, just about all CAM software is Windows-based at this point;
it's the control programs that sometimes want DOS.]

I'm
thinking that if I'm going to move to 5 axis code I might as well spend the
money now to get to that level, learn 1 program and be done w/ it. Instead
of purchasing a $700 program now getting comfortable and then having to
spend the full amount anyway and have to re-learn later...I've been pointed
to FeatureCam and wondering if others have used it or..?

Jarrett Johnson

[I've heard good things about FeatureCAM, but never tried it. The product
was recently acquired by DelCam of the UK, which also sells PowerMill,
another highly-regarded high-end program. If you get either, please let us
know what you think. A more affordable option would be VisualMill 5.0, which
offers 5-axis positioning (they've also developed a post for full five-axis
machining, but it may not work on all machines). There's special
introductory pricing available on RhinoCAM Pro (the full VisualMill 5.0
program plugged into Rhino) until the end of October; it's $1000 off the
normal ($4000) price. Resellers (like me) can often do a little better...]

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

----- Original Message -----
From: <fortyfingers@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2005 10:24 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] CADCAM software


> Please indulge me if I am not spot on topic with this post. I have been
> following this group for 4 months and have learned a great deal.
> Do any of you have recommendations for intuitive, affordable(under $1000),
> tech supported CadCam software. I have been using BobCAD since April of
> this
> year and find it to be very much a love/hate relationship. The 2 1/2 D is
> satisfactory for my needs in cutting out chair profiles from baltic birch
> plywood
> but the transition to simple 3D (I am attempting to carve elliptical
> wooden
> bowls) seems to become a hate/hate relation. The training manuals and CDs
> never
> seem to give a rationale for how the software can be made to perform to
> potential. Often times by meticulously following an example my results are
> different. Support on demand has been Support at their convenience,
> Have I spent
> $625 unwisely, Should I give it more time? Are there alternatives? If I
> choose,
> what is a good way to get a refund, I paid by platinum Credit card. On
> one
> hand I constantly still experience the GEEWHIZ thrill
> but this is ALWAYS followed by 'There has got to be a better way"
> Meanwhile, I am faced with several commitments I need to follow through
> on. TurboCad
> 9.1 and Mach 2 can probably make the bridge until a better CADCAM system
> is
> found. Those two I have come to love, even with their limitations
>
> Thank you, If any one can offer suggestions I will feel the oblication to
> return the favor.
>
> Sam Gregerson
> fortyfingers@...
>