Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Software options

Ken Ferrell wrote:

> Have you considered RhinoCAM ? In a Four Axis flavor it’s still not as
> badly priced as many programs that have been mentioned that won’t do half
> what Rhino CAM will, The only fault I find with Rhino 3D is it isn’t
> parametric, (BIG WOOP) I’ve learned to live with that.
>
> Coupled with Visual Mill 5.0 You have ONE system that will do 3D Modeling,
> Rendering and an excellent CAM program.
>
> Its accuracy is scalable up to 7 decimal places it takes a less inclined
> learning slope compared to say AutoCAD and will export in many formats,
> working with Nurbs is quite easy to learn actually, and the results are
> amazing,

At that price I've got a few options, but I don't see it a 'starter
pack' product. You have to make a major commitment.

> I have no affiliation with Mc Neel or Mechsoft, I own Rhino ,AutoCAD and use
> Mach3 on my very abused Taig milling machine For a CAM system I use MeshCAM
> or if it’s not 3D and tiny I’ll use sheetCAM (not great on lettering under
> .025) fantastic on larger pieces, The gentleman that is the developer for
> MeshCAM is about ready to release a 4 axis version.

MeshCAM is the sort of package I'm looking for, but seems to have
stalled on the development side :(

> I understand your concern about running a windows based time slicing system
> like Mach 2/3. I have several computers one is my Susse box I thought that
> EMC would be cool, I had no faith in Makro$haft and put up with the
> frustration of coding and getting under whelmed, SO I sprung for Mach2 and
> loaded it on my design/net box, AMD Athlon XP2800- 756 MB 2 80 gig HDD’s 128
> ATI radeon card and it has every thing you are worried about, I can cut a
> piece that requires 20 hrs time, and design in Rhino at the same time and
> check my email in Outlook,

Not something I would be bothered about. ( I've never used Outlook
anyway ;) ). I think we have established that at least 1Ghz processor is
essential and more will give better head room.

> But I don’t have Norton, I’ve seen too many systems hosed by it. Cutting a

I'm currently looking for a GOOD equivalent and Kapersky (? spelling) is
the latest trial - but that is for the day job.

> 3D part with MeshCAM requires a lot of time compared to some programs but
> cutting aluminum mold with lettering as small as .030 and finish depths from
> 0 to .07 and using end mills in the .020 on the large end down to .008 and
> multitasking in Windoze at the same time. Mach 2/3 has never let me down in
> the two years I’ve been using it, Not to say it can’t or won’t at some
> future date but I Bank on it Way over EMC.

I've got a couple of weeks to get my act together and start machining a
few demo pieces at that sort of level.

> And besides Linux is no longer hack or virus proof so what’s the advantage,
> I still have it but I don’t use it any more and only keep it for a back up
> computer

I do the major web development stuff on the Linux machine, but I'm still
tied to windows machines for the rest :( And I must find time to wipe
THIS machine and reinstall windows to get it working properly again <VBF>

--
Lester Caine - G8HFL
-----------------------------
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