Re: Vector vs Bob

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Jerry Jankura <toolznglue@...>
wrote:

>
>
> >My applications will be in 2 fields.
>
> >1. making wooden ultralight propellers from raws with max. sizes of
> >55" x 7" x 3 ". Given that a propeller has 2 symetrical halves, the X
> >axis may be reduced to about 32", needing some more handling though.
>
> >2. make some aluminum parts for small 2 and 4 stroke engines.
> >Eventually also some made out of steel.
>
> I'd recommend that you consider two or three machines - a router to

build your propellers and a mill (and possibly a lathe) to build your
metal parts.

>
> >I have downloaded the demo versions of the 2 a.m. softwares. However
> >having no experience yet, I am not quiet sure which one is the best
> >CAD application in my case. Can someone give me some advise on which
> >direction to go.
>
> I bought a full copy of Vector after I'd purchased their cheap CAD

only version and am quite happy with it. I've not worked with BobCad
at all, so I cannot provide a good comparison. But, if you read
through messages on this list and also on the DIY_CNC list, you'll
find a lot of good comments about Vector and few, if any about BobCad.
You might also want to try a program called Dolphin - which some folks
seem to like. In the end, just make sure that what ever program you
ultimately purchase is able to generate the G-Code that your DeskCNC
will accept. While the basic G-Codes are pretty much standardized,
each of the software programs that interpret these codes to provide
step and direction signals to the motor drives has its own quirks.

>
> -- Jerry Jankura
> Strongsville, Ohio
> So many toys.... So little time....
>

First off, Dolphin whilst being one of the easiest program to learn it
is limited in 3D cutting, it's sold as 2-1/2D and that is what it
excels at.

Bobcad and Vector are very close to one another at the moment, both
write code on the fly as you select entities to machine which makes
editing very hard and prone to mistakes.
Change a tool and you have to redo the toolpath.

Bobcad currently has V22 in the wings awaiting release, from some
screen shots I have seen it's now developed into a more upmarket
product with operations manager, tool tables and simulation licensed
from Predator.

Just how developed this is only Bobcad know at present but at least
it's a step in the right direction.
From the original three outlaws, Bobcad, Vector and Auscad, the good
the bad and the ugly, [ in no order <g> ] it looks as if Auscad has
developed into the much respected OneCNC, maybe Bobcad is next if they
get the teeth pulled from the sales team and just leaves Vector to
hope fully follow ?

So unless anything is dire as regards buying it may pay to wait.

John S.