Re: CAD/CAM programs (Was: Dolphin December Offers)

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Harko Schwartz <ncmeinc@...> wrote:

>
> You should have looked at t-flex cad cam a great product.
>
> Harko
>
> Harko Schwartz

Harko,

Can you tell us some of the details of why it is a great product?

As the old timers on the list know and the new ones will learn, CAD and CAM packaged are very complex to learn. In my career, I am consultant and do programing, which basically means learning new software is part of my job. Learning 3D CAD and CAM is by far the hardest software I have ever had to learn. Over the years I have used probably 7 different CAD packages and 5 - 6 CAM systems. Costs have ranged from free to $8K CAD and $15K CAM. I have also talked in person and over the web with hundreds of hobbyist about the subject. I am not saying all this to make myself sound great and feel good or claim to be the ultimate expert, but merely to point out why I feel I am in a good place to express opinions based on real usage and comparision and not just hearsay. What I have found is because of the steep learning curve on these packages and the costs involved, they recommend and defend their choice without any real foundation or experience with other products. Basic human nature, but it is the way it is.

Now with all that said, I think it could be valuable for many of the new comers to CNC machining to understand some of the real world differences in these softwares and why people that use them and honestly compared them feel one is superior to another. With some quality input a person would be in a much better place to compare the value of one program to another.

In my mind there are many elements that need to go into the evaluation of CAD & CAM software and I don't feel that the various comparison charts I have seen can really express the distinctions. The reality is the simplified comparision chart is really a lowest common denomination approach and misses all the nuance that really matters. So, I am not suggesting that is what we try to accomplish. I would more like to see some conversation along the lines of, here is what I have used and what it costs and this is what I like and dislike about the program based on my experience.

So to maybe help start this conversation, here are some of the points that I feel are most pertinent to making a decision:
What does the package cost?
What training is available for it and is it of high enough quality that I can learn on my own?
What is the support on the product if I am stuck and cannot figure out how to do something?
Is there anyone I know (locally or on the web) that I can ask question. The reality is a popular program with a large userbase will likely give you a better chance at being successful with the program.
What features does the program have?

Should be enough to start. Let's see if this discussion has any legs and goes anywhere.

Tim Goldstein
A2Z Corp
A2Z CNC division
3955 S Mariposa St
Englewood CO 80110
720 833-9300
Toll Free 877 754-7465

www.A2ZCorp.us/store
USA made accessories for desktop mills & lathes.