Curious why BobCAD get upset about constructive criticism?

It is not a case of rubbishing BobCAD software, more to the point of finding out information regarding all the wiz bang things you say your doing.

The moment you start asking 'too many questions' you boys come back to the same old, "how great you all are!"

I am more interested in finding out when and in what decade BobCAD will be on par/ if not better than the likes of OneCNC?

This i would like to see!

BPT

Originally posted by BPT
Curious why BobCAD get upset about constructive criticism?

It is not a case of rubbishing BobCAD software, more to the point of finding out information regarding all the wiz bang things you say your doing.

The moment you start asking 'too many questions' you boys come back to the same old, "how great you all are!"

I am more interested in finding out when and in what decade BobCAD will be on par/ if not better than the likes of OneCNC?

This i would like to see!

BPT

BPT,

The thread was removed because of the poor judgement you used when posting replies.

The offensive posts have been edited/removed and the thread restored and re-opened.

Please refrain from making personal attacks. If you have a valid gripe about software, that's fine; speak your mind but keep it respectful to all parties involved.

We will not tolerate abuse in any form.

Thanks for understanding.

Rekd,

Nothing poor about it...

NEXT!!!

BPT

(Quote):
I am more interested in finding out when and in what decade BobCAD will be on par/ if not better than the likes of OneCNC?

I use BobCad Ver. 17 and couldn't be happier with it. It's made me money and didn't cost a lot. My point being: If you like something else then buy it, if you have then why berate BobCad?[

It's not about berating. The software hasn't changed in 12 years. I am wondering if it will take another 12 years before any great changes, kind of like where exactly are they are pouring all there huge amounts of money!

BPT

Just 'Ban' me!!! You seem to do this kind of thing on a regular basis!!!

Play nice now, BPT :)

There's room for all kinds in all fields. If I understand the rumours correctly, version 19 is going to be new in the sense that they have taken control of the development, instead of just translating another program into English, so we'll just have to wait and see what they come out with.

HU,

You legend you... Grow!

- - - - - -

I'll drop you an email, i have some thanks for some scriptage you sent some time back.

Cheers,

BPT

BPT, I am wondering if you really are not happy with what you have been using for so many years and keep buying the updates, why don't you buy a diffrent software.

I look at this way as much anger and time you have put here on the board could be spent doing allot more thinks.

I know allot of people that use bobcad with good results and don't expect it to be just like UG in power.

But for what they do it works great and as stated by other folks they are making money and a living..

I say for me if any software was such a pain and it was causing so much anger I would see if I could find some thing that change my thought.

Part of my problem right here is I don't need to come here and try and get you to change software.
But if it does not work For YOU then once in while we have to some thing about it.

Good luck I hope some were down the road you find what makes you happier...

JM2C

Well said Cadcam

PEACE:D

To BPT, Rekd, CADCAM and any other doubters.

First of all we all know that you can help a million people and never make the newspaper. But, a few people disagree with you and you are on the frontpage. If the THOUSANDS of people took time out of there day to get on this forum and thank Bobcad for giving them an affordable Cad-Cam software that actually does about 90% of what most other systems do for 90% LESS, well then this thread would be a mile long. Many Bobcad customers have other systems and still use bobcad as well, and I am sure many of you critical guys out there are even CLOSET Bobcad users. I am sure you can see that there is plenty of room for Bobcad. I am also sure over time you will see Bobcad rise up and level the playing field so everyone can have the kind of functionality that cost $5,000 to $15,000 today. Not everyone can afford to buy Mastercam. So be careful where you walk in your glass house you might cut your foot. If it did not work for you well then we are sorry, now move on Quietly.

Your Friends at Bobcad.

I haven't used Bobcad in years. When I did use it, it was there with another little peice of software called Cimitron. The only reason I used Bobcad was to try it out. It worked, even then. I thought at first that it was seriously lacking in many departments, but when I found out the price, I was convinced it would succeed, which it seems it has.

Why you labeled me as a 'doubter' I'm not quite sure yet, I'll have to go back thru my posts and see if I can find it. I use Mastercam, and do not expect Bobcad to compete. It's 2 different worlds, apples to oranges etc.

I think my biggest 'doubt' as far as Bobcad goes, is the seemingly lack of support users get until, like you said, it's brought to the 'front page' and gets your attention. Then it is taken care of quickly and everyone's happy.

I still think Bobcad has it's place in the market, and always will provided they keep updating and keep their users in the big picture, (support, etc). I do not think, however, that you will ever be able to provide what the big guns provide without a substantial increase in staff, support and cost for the software. Being a computer programmer, I know what it takes to make good software, and CAM software is not an easy task.

Again, I respect Bobcad and hope that this forum can provide both the users and the creators of Bobcad a medium with which to communicate and openly discuss issues, likes, dislikes, suggestions or what have you.

Bottom line; You can't expect to sell this type of software and expect everyone to be happy if they can't get support for it.

'Rekd

Man, I turn my back for 5 seconds and miss out on all the action! Here's the deal. Someone asked about BobCAD and something like OneCNC. As a manufacturer, you want to find the right system that meets your requirements. One that you feel comfortable using that allows you to accomplish your goal of part making.

Look, the One CNC product is great. In fact I do know a lot about it. So is MasterCAM and SurfCAM too! These systems prove to handle even the most complex toolpath requirements. BobCAD-CAM fits into the shop by providing functions that are needed every day. It's easy, it's not sold to anyone on the basis that it is more powerful than those systems! However, even BobCAD offers unique functions and features that those programs may not have.

BTP, "In what decade" you ask?? I don't even feel like responding to that but I will. Version 19 looks great but there are still a few things being changed. YOU, need to be patient my friend. It's worth the wait. Now if you feel like you need to continue badgering me, why don't you do it on the phone with me.
CNC dude:D

CNCdude, I was wondering where you dissapeared to. Glad to see you back. :D

NEO,

I just looked thru my posts in the Bobcad forum and can't find anything that would give the impression I am a 'doubter'.

I have only tried to keep things on a level playing field and keep people from getting too emotional, and now I'm being 'lableld' by what seems to be a member of the Bobcad staff...

If I missed something, please let me know..

Originally posted by BPT
...
I am more interested in finding out when and in what decade BobCAD will be on par/ if not better than the likes of OneCNC?

BPT

Although I personally haven't used BobCAD, I'm sure there are many who would be interested to hear your problems with it. Luckily though, there are many, many other options out there than BobCAD, so you're not stuck with only one choice for CAD/CAM software.

I personally use AutoCAD most of the time 'cuz most of my work is 2D and I'm very proficient with it, plus it's already payed for. :)

I have played around with SolidWorks, which I like a lot and will likely be my next big software purchase.

Are you having more problems on the CAD side or the CAM side of the software?

Dear Matt,

Over the years bobcad has taken a black eye for poor support. however, since my envolvement with bobcad we have worked hard to repair that and it is working fine now and people are standing by to help you at 727-489-0003 between 8am and 6pm eastern standard time. We have also added a forum for our customers to help each other out ( over a year ago now).
Our staff have created a set of 4 training CDs for v18 that offer over 11 hours of training that can teach you almost everthing about Bobcad and you can watch over and over to help speed up learning and are a good reference for times when support is closed. These CDs go out with about every package sold to help people learn faster and train others easier. No one offers the amount of customer support and training Bobcad does.
I have also added training seminars around the country every week for 3 days to allow you to get training with a professional machinist using bobcad. as a matter of fact we are coming to San Diego soon you should check it out. No support program is perfect, Check microsoft. Anyone needing support or service just call and the Customer service/Support staff will be ready to help you.

Your friends at Bobcad.
support # 727-489-0003
sales # 877-262-2231

All the moderators have done in here is keep peace.
I have personally used Bobcad and have always stated
What a great product it is, FOR THE PRICE.
You get what you pay for.

[QUOTE]If it did not work for you well then we are sorry, now move on Quietly.

Your Friends at Bobcad.QUOTE]

These guys are here to help. And in no way have attacked
anyone.
If anyone wants to move on... well you know the rest.

PEACE:D

Ya, I really dig this forum. Good stuff. If you need some hair on your chest, just stop on by! Everyone in this forum is cool. No worries. Ya know, I'll just say that BobCAD Support has improved greatly, even in the last 12 months. This is really good for customer success and it's only getting better. We make a huge effort to service our customers and try to make it better and more effective all the time. Soon we will even offer videos on the web! We won't stop working on this. SERVICE is the watch word. It is very important. There you have it.

Got to run....just received a new update V19 for testing!

CNCdude

Quote: "What is understood, need not be discussed"

Originally posted by NEO
Dear Matt,

Over the years bobcad has taken a black eye for poor support. however, since my envolvement with bobcad we have worked hard to repair that and it is working fine now and people are standing by to help you at 727-489-0003 between 8am and 6pm eastern standard time. We have also added a forum for our customers to help each other out ( over a year ago now).
Our staff have created a set of 4 training CDs for v18 that offer over 11 hours of training that can teach you almost everthing about Bobcad and you can watch over and over to help speed up learning and are a good reference for times when support is closed. These CDs go out with about every package sold to help people learn faster and train others easier. No one offers the amount of customer support and training Bobcad does.
I have also added training seminars around the country every week for 3 days to allow you to get training with a professional machinist using bobcad. as a matter of fact we are coming to San Diego soon you should check it out. No support program is perfect, Check microsoft. Anyone needing support or service just call and the Customer service/Support staff will be ready to help you.

Your friends at Bobcad.
support # 727-489-0003
sales # 877-262-2231

To begin with, I clearly stated that the support was seemingly lacking. I said this because of the complaints some of the users have posted here. I think it's great that you're taking the support side seriously now. It's a big step in loyalty and the end result is an end user that doesn't feel like they've been hung out to dry.

No one offers the amount of customer support and training Bobcad does.

How you can say this and expect people to believe it is beyond me. Did you do a study? Do you have inside information on every other peice of software that has support? I doubt it.

I STILL don't know why you've labled me as a 'doubter' when all I've done is try to help your company AND your users to get along. Please explain yourself, I still seem to be missing something. :rolleyes:

'Rekd

btw, NEO, If my schedule will permit, I would love to come and see how Bobcad has changed since I saw it last.

Please use the Trade Shows and Events section to post time/date/location info. Mayhaps some others would like to go as well.

'Rekd

Everything is good buddy. Let's get back to basics. Support is an ongoing, never ending, constant topic of major interest for all software companies that intend on being around very long. Yep, this includes BobCAD. All studies aside, BobCAD support and Training is 10 times what it used to be and it's only getting better.

CNC dude

Dear Matt,

as for labeling you a "doubter". Based on the flavor of your statements. I feel you were a bit critical. Like a Loyal animal
I protect my Kids. I apologize if I offended you and will
withdraw myself for now. we both have much better things
we can spend our time on don't you agree? I was not "labeling" you.

Thanks.

Thats why were here .
If anyone ever feels we(moderators) are out of line feel free
to speak up. PM the boss (cncadmin) if need be.

PEACE:D

Guys,
As you know i'm a BobWire user. I'm actually very happy with it....
As for support, well i'm in South Africa and i got pretty well supported since i bought the software.
I have lots of sympathy for all you guys that have problems with your BobCad & the support. I know that it it sometimes hard to refrein from saying things that would not normally be said, BUT frustration is normally just the trigger.......
Before we go on a shooting spree & kill each other (litterally!) why don't we rather go target shooting.....
Yes BobCad is NOT perfect, Yes there are more powerfull softwareb - I don't have a more "powerfull bank account".....so i'm staying with my BobCad untill ican afford the "perfect" software, and maybe it would be BobCAD version 50?

Guys keep on posting, most of the CNC members are from the USA. You live & work in a real democracy! Well use the power of speech to make the world of CNC programming a place to enjoy!!!!

If any of you guys differ with me, please tell me! ...i was a strong baby i even breastfeeded me myself....

Klox

Wow klox you were a strong baby! I just don't get off color much but I got to ask, did you just pick a woman and feed or what?:D

BTW I enjoy your posts. You know the odd thing. I didn't know Bobcad was not good enough till I came here. I will have to say though that I am needing a good 3d cam program and have been waiting to try the new version of 19, I do hope there is a trial version, there is a trial version isn't there?

I understand the small budget. I am a small company with an even smaller budget that hs made do so far. The problem is I won't be able to compete very much longer if I don't go all cnc and take much of my hand work out.

hey sorin any news on 19 yet?

turmite

Turmite, I was only joking about the breast feeding! I am REALLY shy when it comes to the opposite gender!!! LOL!! I always were and is still, short, skinny and UGLY. My wife will gladly confirm, wondered why she married me in the first place?

I have sympathy for the small budget issue. I am myself practically a one man show. The day i bought Bobwire i made a deal with my agent in RSA to pay him in 4 payments. Today the software earned back it's original capital outlay manyfold.....

You bet! I can't wait for V19 to be released!!!
CNCdude, Sorin & Kookaburra are the ghurus & i'm sure they will break the news when the time is ripe, meanwhile i'm going to drink my prozac syrup and chill!

May the force be with you! ....got to go ask Luke what he did to my lifesaver.....

Klox

Hello all.......We will have a demo version of V19 I'm sure. This way you all can have a look at what we did. Termite...You "didn't know BobCAD wasn't good until you came here"?" You read a couple of posts on the internet and ............ Alright. OK. I see. I could show you some parts that were done with BobCAD that would amaze you against what it costs for the software. In fact it would change the "you get what you pay for" syndrome. Even though I do agree to a large degree, there are still very good deals out there. And it's always nice to land one!

Believe me, I can't wait to show you the version 19! I've been a part of BobCAD for years now and it is really good to see the software heading in this direction. Anyways, no offense termite. It's just that a couple of posts on the internet wouldn't effect me. I would have to have some first hand experience with a product as well as understand it and how to operate it before I would be able to critique it.
CNCdude

CNCdude wrote:
I could show you some parts ...
and the picture(s) is(are) at ... ? :)

robotic regards,

Tom

Toy Maker,
Currently we have a gallery on our website at www.bobcad.com. We add new pictures all the time. Keep checking back for more.
CNC dude

WOW were did I go..
Oh Ya had some work to do software to support..

I am not going to get into the doubter fight here except I was trying to let someone that instead of bashing it all day and saying it's no good ,Get up and do some thing about it and move on.

(I know allot of people that use bobcad with good results and don't expect it to be just like UG in power.) I did not know this was a negative thought sorry if it was taken this way..

As I am a Cad-Cam instructor Bobcad talk does come up in my classes some times , I to say like Reked that it is a good software for it's price..

And that it for sure has it's it place.

I even took my sig off trying not show any biased towards what I use and try to stay focused on the issues here.

So I say we get on with what's coming and hope to here about some the new toy's that coming soon.

I say toy's because Cad-Cam is my to it's how I have some of my fun..

By the Way CNCDude & Neo to nice guys work the the Westec Show or are you going to the tool & mold show comeing up.

I Usally work the shows and would take time for sure to come by and shack your hands with a beer in it.(being a beer for you)

Thanks for my time to ramble...



PLAY BALL

Ok, It looks as thow I have not seen some the new features after going to the bobcad site.

I would like to get a closer look..
What show will you be at?

Or tell me a locall customer in my area that I can vist running the lattest.

Thanks Jay

Okay guys here is something that was completely drawn and machined with Bobcad 17. All radii on the neck were skinned and machined with a 5/32 ball mill.
The hub was sitting level in Z making this a hogout in 3d. Not bad for Bobcad huh? Cut out of a block of material 11.5" X 7.5" X3"

other side

Looks ok, but I think that leg is off by a couple degrees :eek:

Seriously, great job. :D Nice looking part.

Not bad for a so-called 'you get what you pay for' peice of software.

'Rekd

Good stuff Mortek! Does anyone else here have anything to share too? Jay, I would be happy to send you a demo CD. Call me at 877-262-2231 x12 and I will ship one out to you.

I have an idea...........The one with the coolest part gets a free Version 19. What do you think? Just an idea. I would like to see what you guys are making out there with BobCAD software.
Thanks,
CNC dude

Thanks CNCDude . I will be looking for the disc.

Good job, Mortek. You do handle some really complex parts, don't you? :)

That is more of a tribute to your skills, than to Bobcad's features. Just thought I'd throw that in so CNCDude keeps his head screwed on the right way ;)

What was the purpose of your last post? It's like the guy that farts in a flower shop! Just can't handle a good thing when you see it or what? Maybe you should think before you speak or before you write once in a while....
CNC dude

CNCdude, Notice the smilies, I think he was just yankin' yer chain. It's obvious that to make a part like that on ANY system takes talent.

'Rekd

I appreciate the compliment HFD. I posted the pics to show that Bobcad is capable of doing some great things. Sometimes it takes longer to get there than on some of the more advanced programs. There was a lot of thought that went into programming this part to avoid gougeing. All in all if you are on a limited budget, have time on your side and need to do work like this, Bobcad can do it.

If you want to give me the data for the trip to SD, I'll post it in the calendar here for everyone to see.

'Rekd

I probubly should have mentioned that. Mortek's talent is obvious. Hey, have yet to machine a part myself. Well, some small stuff but nothing compared to that type of part. Maybe one day, I'll pick up a machine and learn how to make parts...hobby stuff. It's on the list down the road. Good job Mortek.

Here's one that I did. Any others?

CNC dude

Are you talking about the San Diego Seminar? It's set for the 15th, 16th and 17th of December.

CNC dude

Yes, CNCdude.

Gimme all the data if you want me to post it to the calendar here.

'Rekd

Originally posted by CNCdude
What was the purpose of your last post? It's like the guy that farts in a flower shop! Just can't handle a good thing when you see it or what? Maybe you should think before you speak or before you write once in a while....
CNC dude

Here is your answer:

Originally posted by Mortek
I appreciate the compliment HFD. I posted the pics to show that Bobcad is capable of doing some great things. Sometimes it takes longer to get there than on some of the more advanced programs. There was a lot of thought that went into programming this part to avoid gougeing. All in all if you are on a limited budget, have time on your side and need to do work like this, Bobcad can do it. [/B]

CNCDude,
I do think, and this is what I think: FYI, machining is seldom about "Is this possible?" It is about "What cost is it possible at?"

Sure, lots can be done in Bobcad, but at what cost in time? Mortek's high level of experience is not something you sell with your Bobcad package. It is important that prospective users who might gape at that part and say, "Heck, that is all I'll ever need, why buy better" realize it is going to take one hell of a lot of work to get that result.

Cncdude, why are you bothering with Version 19? Obviously, you think what you have already is "practically good enough" for a lot of shops. So, who will buy your version 19? What exactly is the appeal of version 19 going to be? ;)

Dung, you have a good point but the last part of your post is absolutely rediculous. That's all the attention I'll give it. As far as the first part, yes BobCAD is a highly useful tool on the shop floor. Yes, we do take experience into the picture. This is also why we offer so much training with our systems.

Due to our price structure, a lot of beginners start with BobCAD. They become familiar with the basics and then as they progress they have questions. We assist them. There are jobs BobCAD V18 would have trouble with. This is why there is such a thing as development.

Have a good day.

CNC Dude

play nice. :D

'Rekd

Okay, Dad. :D

Edit:
Dad, why don't we have a "popcorn smilie" like other forums? This thread deserves one or two. :D

+1 rekd

PEACE:D

CNCdude I don't know exactly what your reply to me meant, but I have so far been a user of Bobcad/cam since 1991. While I have neither the talent or ability of the folks here on the Zone I have made thousands of parts all with Bobcad. I was trying to be maybe a bit cynical with the comment I made about "coming here"
but I assure you I meant no disrespect to the team at Bobcad. BTW which one are you anyway? I know sorin, I have spoken with Jennifer many times and I have spoken with Glen at least once. Was just wondering if I had ever spoken with you.

As far as entering the contest I am on a dialup and would never be able to complete a file upload as large as I have. I can however show you what I am attempting to do and the reason I need to know that 19 is going to work right the first time. I simply don't have the time to do everything I have to do in my business and try to figure out something that's wrong with a program. I will include one pic here and if you want more I'll post two more.

BTW it's turmite not termite :D ;)

If i am understanding BPT correctly, i am seeing that he has been using BobCAD as also the original AusCAD thus being the framework for todays BobCAD.

To be frank, i kind of agree with BPT. BobCAD really hasn't changed much from the old AusCAD, and AusCAD goes back 10+ years from memory.

BPT has a valid point!

Regards,

Paul

BPT come back man...

As far as CAD/ CAM software is concerned. In regards to BobCAD, this comes relatively inexpensive. The point being at what cost does this have to the consumer.

If you have to spend hours and hours creating scripts to do the more complex, why not save your pennies a bit longer and buy a package that does the more complex at a single/ or double click etc.

You add up all the hours you spend scripting, calculate this to dollars. I recon it makes sense to purchase more high end. Might take you a bit longer to get there, but once your there, you won't look back.

Paul

Originally posted by eigp
If i am understanding BPT correctly, i am seeing that he has been using BobCAD as also the original AusCAD thus being the framework for todays BobCAD.

To be frank, i kind of agree with BPT. BobCAD really hasn't changed much from the old AusCAD, and AusCAD goes back 10+ years from memory.

BPT has a valid point!

Regards,

Paul

Paul,

I'm not arguing BPT's points, I'm arguing his delivery. Personal attacks are not necessary here, and WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Compare your last post to the other post and you'll see what I mean. You made your point without bashing anyone.

We're (almost) all adults and should behave as such. If someone has a gripe about something, feel free to speak about it, just do it respectfully. That's all I ask.

'Rekd

Maybe BPT is just sick and tired of people like CNCdude ramming BobCAD's greatness down his throat, i can understand his frustration.

CNCdude offered his help for training, BPT never asked for it.

As far as BPT calling CNCdude CNCboy, i don't think this is a personal attack, that's a little harsh.

Paul

sorry eigp, I nuked the threads I told you to look at. It was more than just a name calling, and I'll leave it at that.

Do you work/live/ with BPT? Are you BPT?

'Rekd

Know BPT via purchasing one of his businesses a few years back.

Just had an email off him, i believe he has given BobCAD the flick.

Oh well, these things happen.

Paul.

I have not been into BobCAD all that long and I am also familiar with a lot of the CAD/CAM programs out there. I have found BobCAD one of the easiest programs to start working with. It is simple straight forward and to the point. One can constantly complain about a product, "it doesn't do this", "why does this happen?" and etc.. I find that is not so much the product, alot of the time, as it is the user. One must learn how to make their software work for them. Again, I have not been using BobCAD for long but I know it works. And it does not take as long to do some thing in BobCAD as one might think.

Thank You
The One, or was it Two

I am staying with BobCAD!

I know where they are going with their software and I also know that it will not cost me a lot of money to get A grade software down the track. Sure you can go and spend lots of thousands of dollars if you want it right now, that is up to you, but in reality I do lots of 3-D stuff with BobCad right now, and quickly. I am happy to wait for BobCad's upgrades and low costs. I will be the winner at the end of the day. Keep it up BobCad, don't let the above posts get you down keep focused on the good stuff, only listen to the constructive critics and let those who are obviously using this site as a vent for their arrogant attitudes go, you don't want customers like these any way, either sort them out via a telephone conversation or let another software company put up with them.

I would like to personally say to all of the wingers on this thread to get out of here, go away, happy Bobcad customers don't want you here, we want to use this thread as a tool to better our knowledge in the software we use and don't want to put up with your idiotic comments.

BPT,
The software has most certainly changed a lot in 12 years. I don't know where you are coming from on that.
CNC Dude

I have had BOBCAD since version 14, even though I have never made apart with it!
I finaly figured out the reason I was having trouble by buying or trying a dozen other programs.
I was trying to buy a solution to the problem of thinking through my work, and I had no experience.
Bocad takes a different thinking than some other programs that "do it all for you" IT expects you to have a general idea how you want to make the part, it doesn't take an idea I might have about a part and figure out how to make it for me. IT records toolpaths, based on what I put in and then generates machine code.
Bobcad has the most extensive post processor library of any opf the stuff Ihave tried, Even a multi thousand dollar package.
So the answer is always the same Garbage in Garbage out.

I've been in the machine shops for 35 years. One thing I can say is that if you think somethings good, someone will think it's bad. If you think it's bad, someone will think it's good. If we all liked the same thing, what a boring world it would be..
Everyones different and most of the time when someone likes a certain software, it's because thats the one they used the most and got used to. i started on mastercam and for years thought it was the only program worth using. That was untill I took the time to learn others. Now i think I could use almost any program with good results if i take enough time to learn it.
I think bobcams version 20 is dollar for dollar the best thing out there right now. Like any program, take the time to configure it in the begining to get it the way your used to working. It's very configurable...
I really think it has advantages over mastercam in a lot of ways, as mastercan has it's.
A lot of people say Bobcads support is slow. Sure is, but if they got the money others get for their software, they could hire lots more people and have a great tech support. Me.....I'll wait a few hours for an answer cause I know they'll spend the time to get my problem solved.
Hey but that's me..

Lively group....so who is flicking BobCAD....I need something to start on....well focus on....well gnaw at.

well, just to let you know how much I like bobcad.... well I spent about a total of 8hrs programming... reprogramming.. fixing programming from bobcad for a part for nasa, I bet the part could have been programed in half hr on a decent cam system and machined in half the time.(took 8hrs to machine)
This is bobcad 19. Also, the sales people drive everyone nuts, I downloaded the demo a while back and practically before I got it downloaded they were calling me and hounding me to buy it. I havent had any experience like that before.
They hounded my boss at work so much to buy it he gave in because he had a hard part to program, it probably could have been done by hand in the same amount of time it took to do in bobcad.

For some stuff, bobcad is partially decent, but I wouldnt choose it over ANYTHING else.

Jon

BobCAD is for some and not for others. Did you contact tech support with your problems or, if it was a bug, did you let the staff at BobCAD know so they can rectify it. The only way software developers can keep their customers happy, is from customer feed back.

One of the 'bugs' is that it puts a G42 in everywhere for a tool offset that should not be there, its basicly the way it opperates, you dont have 'opperations' then post the code, it posts the code and if you want something changed you have to redo it.

Kookaburra, have you used bobcad before?

Jon

Yes I have used BobCAD before and I still use it. You can choose to use G41, G42 or not. If you choose to use it BobCAD should only put it in the program where needed. If you are getting it on every line then check that you have your g-code modal or non modal option set correctly or if you don't want it at all, then simply turn compensation off in the NCCam.

As far as operations are concerned, yes, that is a thing that BobCAD lacks, however there is a possibily that it will be included in the next version so I hear.

Dung, you have a good point but the last part of your post is absolutely rediculous. That's all the attention I'll give it. As far as the first part, yes BobCAD is a highly useful tool on the shop floor. Yes, we do take experience into the picture. This is also why we offer so much training with our systems.

Due to our price structure, a lot of beginners start with BobCAD. They become familiar with the basics and then as they progress they have questions. We assist them. There are jobs BobCAD V18 would have trouble with. This is why there is such a thing as development.

Have a good day.

CNC Dude


Chris,

In looking through posts and scripts it's my opinion that HuFlungDung knew exactly what he was talking about when it came to BOBCAD-CAM and was a very highly skilled BOBCAD-CAM user who IMO, BOBCAD-CAM should have worked with to improve the product.

This is especially obvious to me because I don't feel I'm anywhere near as productive as I should be with BobCAD-CAM because I don't feel I have a full understanding of how BOBCAD-CAM makes it's decisions. Our shop upgraded to V20 and while it's better I still have a lot of issues with getting the control I really want in BOBCAD-CAM.

I always seem to have to edit my G code and I don't wish to do this. I wish to have BOBCAD-CAM generate the code I want... not close.... exactly what I want.

My programming times on simple parts, while getting better, are still to high when compared to what I can do in other CAD-CAM systems.

HuFlungDung may never return but understand that I think BobCAD-CAM lost a very valuable resource when he decided to change to OneCNC. The shop that I work at will not be changing so I need to find away to be much more productive with BOBCADCAM than I currently am. Scripts definitely help but I am experiencing way too many problems with the basic tools and making these tools react in a reliable and repeatable manner. I constantly get G code I don't want that I have to edit and I find this to be objectionable as well as a massive time waster.

I certainly could use your help in getting much more productive much quicker.

jon

Jon,

Your boss can afford to pay you to troubleshoot and edit programs but cannot buy you some software that posts out correctly? Does he like it when you have to prove out every program in single step mode on the machine, too? There is some kind of a lesson in economics to be learned there, methinks ;)

For as much fun as I had at the time when I was heavy into the Bobcad scripting scene, looking back on it now, it was a colossal waste of my time. Every time you turn around to do something, you have to invest more hours writing scripts to do it.

For the modern shop with a typical variety of work, work from which you must make a profit, there is simply not enough time to reinvent the wheel with scripts, hand editing, etc. I cannot fathom saving pennies on software, while handing out pounds in wages to my programmer/machinist.

Jon,

Your boss can afford to pay you to troubleshoot and edit programs but cannot buy you some software that posts out correctly? Does he like it when you have to prove out every program in single step mode on the machine, too? There is some kind of a lesson in economics to be learned there, methinks ;)

For as much fun as I had at the time when I was heavy into the Bobcad scripting scene, looking back on it now, it was a colossal waste of my time. Every time you turn around to do something, you have to invest more hours writing scripts to do it.

For the modern shop with a typical variety of work, work from which you must make a profit, there is simply not enough time to reinvent the wheel with scripts, hand editing, etc. I cannot fathom saving pennies on software, while handing out pounds in wages to my programmer/machinist.


Murray,

I believe I completely understand what you are saying.

Here is the difference. I work for a shop I really like. You believe you own your shop. There are things you can change that I can't.

If I wish to stay employed at the shop I work for, I have to accept their choice of BOBCADCAM. I learn a tremendous amount from my boss and I very much like working for him. I won't leave based on their choice of a CAD/CAM system. Further, the owner of the shop I work for is a very nice man in a business filled with jerks.

If you have *any* tips on how to make some of BOBCADCAM tools predictable I would very much appreciate an e-mail or whatever. I have to find someway to cut programming time even if it's still not competitive with OneCNC, MasterCAM, etc.

IOW, I have to make the best of BOBCADCAM for now.

Again, I would appreciate any notes or help you may still have on how to be semi productive with BOBCADCAM. BOBCADCAM blew it big time for not finding away to work with such a skilled user like you. I'm sure OneCNC won't make that mistake. I always found Bob Francis to be very likable as well as a straight shooter. He deserves to be very successful.

jon

I understand your position, Jon and that its not your place to buy the software that you have to use. What kind of machining operations are typical at your shop?

Yup, Onecnc appreciates the heck out of Hu and so do all of the users on the Onecnc forum, myself included. Let's face it the guy has a huge brain full of machining information, is willing to share it, and is a genuinely nice guy. You'd have to be crazy to ever turn a guy like that away, it isn't like guys like Hu are standing on every street corner waiting to help you improve your product.

Yup, Onecnc appreciates the heck out of Hu and so do all of the users on the Onecnc forum, myself included. Let's face it the guy has a huge brain full of machining information, is willing to share it, and is a genuinely nice guy. You'd have to be crazy to ever turn a guy like that away, it isn't like guys like Hu are standing on every street corner waiting to help you improve your product.


Excellent post.

The word crazy never occurred to me. Other words did. None of them can be typed here with the exception of two:

Incredibly stupid.


jon

Hu,

Lots of semi conductor type work, Lots of fiber optic work, RF type enclosures from a chunk of aluminum with lots of detail, walls, etc. All long time customers.

Parts used in custom machines for the semi conductor industry.

There are lots of fab plants in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

jon