[maxine]

As far as software rules go ... I bought a CAD/CAM package new less than 6 months ago. I wanted to learn CAD/CAM before my new machine came. I bought the expert version even though it was very expensive because I figured I'd use it for a long time to come and grow into it as I learned. My new Haas TM-1 came two weeks before Christmas. The software license said you could load the program on two computers and I did just that ... one copy on my desktop and one on my portable PC. The desktop is used for office work, the portable goes in and out of the shop so I can fine tune tool paths etc at the machine as I learn CNC. My shop is 6 miles from the office so it is really handy to have the laptop copy. Critical for me really once I start producing parts for real. So I get my machine and two weesk later, on Christmas, my laptop takes a dump. So ok, it was old and tired and I needed a new one anyway. I bought a new one from Dell. I got all my different software transferred over no problem at all ... except the CAM software. After loading the CAD and CAM software you have to email the company and get the license code to unlock it. I got the code for the CAD just fine, but they apparently outsource the CAM so that license has to come from another company. So I follow the CAM license unlock request procedure also. The company replied back that I do not own the software, I only own a license to use it and that license only allows me to load the software on two computers in my entire lifetime. Once one of the computers dies that license right is gone according to them. Even if that computer still worked they say I could not transfer the license from it to my new Dell. So the result is that I have only owned the software a few months and only had the CAM working for about two weeks after the machine arrived and now they tell me I will have to buy it all over again at full price if I want to be able to use the CAM on my new computer. Now tell me that makes sense or that it is ethical ... It's like a bought a new car but they only let me fill it up with gas twice, then I have to replace it at full cost.

All this stuff about licensing and personal property taxes etc is bull if you ask me. Sorry to rant but I am definitely not happy at the thought of having to buy another CAM program so soon, but if I do not I can't design and make parts.

OK, I'm done.

Maxi