It's getting close to choosing software for this novice. I've played a bit with Rhino's demo. I'm also interested in OneCNC Mill Express or Advantage.
Can anyone provide a comparison, ease of learning, capabilitiy, etc. Unfortunately OneCNC has no demo like Rhino to play with. Othe software suggestions are also welcome.
Thanks.

Sweeny to compare the two is not really the way to do it. Rhino will win hands down in the modeling department but it has no cam feature to get gcode from the geometry to your machine. There are a couple of companies making plugins that will do this. I have no idea of the cost of the Onecnc so I can't compare there either.

Mike

Mr. Sweeney,

I beg to differ with my esteemed colleague, but XR2 (which is what you would be getting exposed to if you demo now) is very easy to use, both for modelling and for CAM. That is not to say that there is no learning curve to learn solid modelling, because there is. However, in the two starter packages of OneCNC that you mentioned, you're still going to be out of the surface and solid modelling loop.

Of course, you can create wireframe geometry in OneCNC, but that is pretty basic cad, and there just isn't that much to boast about in wireframe CAD, of any flavour.

The stock toolpaths in Onecnc Mill express are very good for new cnc'er. Us pros :D use the very same ones. Lots of options there, and phenomenally easy to learn and apply. Mill Advantage allows you to do more, to run the two main workhorse toolpaths, Z level and planar, over surface models that you bring in from your other favourite CAD application.

Toolpath preview and simulation is a standard part of all the packages in OneCNC mill so you can see what will happen with the process you have planned out. This is an excellent bargain for the beginner who is not all that sure of what he is doing, but still loves his machine, nevertheless :D

So the decision for you to make is what do you want to do, so we can clarify or advise accordingly. But if CAM is what you are looking for, then take the live demo and see how what you will get, suits your ideas of your current needs.

Turmite you must be out of date with your knowledge or base it on a product we dont know of. We have Onecncxr2 here as well as Rhino and I know what I would rather use. We all feel the same here too. Sure surface modeling is ok in Rhino if you want to create Mickey Mouse stuff but when it comes to solids engineering its lacking badly and not even in the same class. In Rhino you cant even work in a model view. You have to work in checkerboard wireframe style and that is a PITA. Also in Rhino you use this command line caper and hell thats past its use by date. In Onecnc you work in model view where it looks real real-time as well as hot keys and icons and no switching to render is required. The solids in Onecnc is leaps and bounds in front of Rhino. There is no comparison in the filleting of the model either Onecnc is far superior. You can also shell a solid in Onecnc and create automatic solids with draft for patterns and die work also and at least see what you are doing. So your information is different completely to what we know about the products.

Hi Harry,

What version of Rhino are you referring too?

Sure surface modeling is ok in Rhino if you want to create Mickey Mouse stuff but when it comes to solids engineering its lacking badly and not even in the same class.

We do work for major companies like Toyota, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler etc. using Rhino. It's hardly what I (or our customers) would call "Mickey Mouse stuff"

In Rhino you cant even work in a model view. You have to work in checkerboard wireframe style and that is a PITA.

huh? I work in with OpenGL shading on, and have been for 3 years now. Again, what version do you have?

Also in Rhino you use this command line caper and hell thats past its use by date.

That's a matter of opinion.

As for how it compares to OneCnc, I can't comment, since i've never used it. Obviously the nod goes to OneCnc if you are doing cutterpaths, but for strictly modeling, can you buy OneCnc for $695? I didn't think so.

(see www.ob.com if you doubt that figure)

IMO, Rhino excels at freeform nurbs surfaces, organic shaped parts. It's not a solid modeller, although it has some solid support. If your'e works requires non-organic shapes, then Rhino's probably not the best solution.

I recently received e-mail from www.ob.com (they are resellers/dealers for Rhino & AutoCAD). The e-mail stated www.ob.com will no longer be resellers of AutoCAD, stating that Rhino was outselling AutoCAD 10:1.
Is AutoCAD considered more than a “Mickey Mouse” program?

The e-mail stated www.ob.com will no longer be resellers of AutoCAD, stating that Rhino was outselling AutoCAD 10:1.


AutoCAD is more expensive by a factor of 5:1. That might have something to do with it.

Thanks, guys. I know that with Rhino I'd need g-code software... actually, the Taig mill I ordered comes with it. OneCNC Mill Express is $2000, Advantage is $3000. Purchasing Rhino leaves a lot of cash for other software... though, that's not a major concern. I just designed a simple flange in Rhino that my waterjet guy will be cutting. This is an intake flange (6 total) for the BMW engine I'm building.
This is basicly just teaching myself a new trick. It will be predominatly used for hobby but with some application to business.
My "real" job is as the Academic/Research Technician for The Dept of Geosciences at UMass, Amherst. At home I also make (from machinable glass ceramic) high voltage feedthroughs "Electron Guns" for Cameca Instruments in France AND I started a company with a friend designing and producing turbocharger kits for, primarily, '80s vintage BMWs... TurboChargingDynamics.com .... no rest for the wicked ;o)
So, I guess I can say I'm looking for an "easy out" learning curve so I can rapidly produce prototypes, one'ofs and satisfy my curiosities. I just wish OneCNC had a demo version I could play with on my own.

Jack of all trades.... marginally accomplished at some

AutoCAD is more expensive by a factor of 5:1. That might have something to do with it.
More Rhino sold, more Rhino users out there. Which should equate to more 3rd. party add-ons & development (such as CAM software).

Sweeney,

With that information on your background, I would rate your intentions to be a bit more than in the 'fooling around category' :D

If you hobble yourself with cheap cadcam, you won't get the mileage out of your machine. Granted that first machine may not be a workhorse, but a good experience in machining can lead to new avenues, even new businesses, and better machinery later on.

OneCNC is in the midprice range. Actually, the starter packages are priced cheap for the technology you get in them. But having said that, OneCNC is intended for the serious part maker who intends to recapture that cost in parts produced. In that light, it is cheap to own, because it does the job.

I'll concede that some guys don't like how the modelling works in OneCNC. Some of us don't like Autocad. They are two distinctly different methods of working (and thinking), as far as I can tell. So I believe that you will know, just from a live demo, whether you like the style, or not.

Most guys in your situation will want OneCNC XR2 Mill Professional, sooner or later. So I feel if you buy another cad in the interim for x dollars, that's just x dollars total, more than you'd have to spend anyways.

Good luck in your search. :)

More Rhino sold, more Rhino users out there. Which should equate to more 3rd. party add-ons & development (such as CAM software).

Do you have something to back that up? Hard to believe there are more Rhino users than AutoCAD users.

I have used Autocad for over 20 years producing drawings for the construction industry. It did take a little time to get used to the different naming convention of functions and the methodology differences in OneCNC, because they are so different, but in no time I became accustomed to OneCNC's command structure. One big difference is the use of a command line, Autocad has one, and OneCNC doesn't. This was probably the biggest hurdle.

I have to say drawing in 2D is still a little easier in AutoCAD. But heck, that is Autocad's bread and butter.

I believe AutoCad's main market is utilizing the software to produce biddable documents for the construction industry. This is where I spent the last 20 years doing (and continue to spend); designing the Mechanical infrastructure for all types of buildings. They have spent a lot of time and money developing addon modules for that business. I do not believe Autocad has many competitors that have software that can compete in this arena. Only one comes to mind and that is Microstation. Architects like using that software.

So, I am not surprised that an office that sells Autocad and Rhino is actually outselling Autocad with Rhino if the clientele is in the modeling and machining business. Autcad is overkill for those tasks. Really you should be comparing Autocad LT to Rhino, since Autocad LT can do almost everything the full version of Autocad can do with the exception of not having a integrated programmable interface (LISP & VBA) and a few other things. Autocad LT can be had for under a $850.

Sweeney, give OneCNC a call for a demo and give it a good test drive, if you haven't already, I think you will be very impressed.

Chris

Hu said I was steemed, Harry thinks I play with mice. I'm sorry, I'll go back to my corner now! :(


NOT


Guys he as for opinions!

Mike

Do you have something to back that up? Hard to believe there are more Rhino users than AutoCAD users.
I'm not saying that there's more AutoCAD users than Rhino (YET)!
I'm just pointing out the fact that the software with a majority of users attracts 3rd. party developers.
I have catalogs of 3rd. party deveolpers for AutoCAD. A visit to Rhino's web site shows that trend continues. (also, check out Rhinos' user forum).

And while your at Rhinos' 3rd. party developers CAM section, you'll notice OneCNC. OneCNC will import Rhinos' .3dm file because OneCNCs' developers are using a Tool Box from Rhino.
If OneCNC thinks enough of Rhino to add it's import option (and other tools), what does that say about Rhino? What does that say about OneCNC?

Sweeney,

If you hobble yourself with cheap cadcam, you won't get the mileage out of your machine. Granted that first machine may not be a workhorse, but a good experience in machining can lead to new avenues, even new businesses, and better machinery later on.



My thinking also. The Taig is to play/learn on for now. I also have a series 1 Bridgeport and a Rockwell 11" lathe in the basement. I had thought about converting the BPT to cnc and may still down the road. I use the lathe primarily for the electron guns.
I appreciate all the advise!

On a far more important note... how do you get the smilies to stick where you want them? Seems mine keep migrating to the top.