What is the best software out on the market today for doing signage?

that all depends on what type of sign you are doing simple 2d or emboss and profile. I have bobart(just for fun when no one is looking at work) and have used mastercams artwork software when I went with Bobcad after comparing the two and took a look a cost
mastercam was twice the price

did you look at the software section of the forums? try vcarve for one of the cheaper alternatives, and works really well. they have video tutorials and may samples. and you can download a trial version to test.

I'm looking for 3d software, currently have Alphacam;however, Alphacam and Corel do not play nice importing and exporting dxf. I would like to know everyone thoughts on Enroute or Artcam.

Thanks

Take a look at prices of Enroute or Artcam and Bobcad no one does any more than the other with software if your buying it support can be the issue I'm very happy with Bobcad

Take a look at prices of Enroute or Artcam and Bobcad no one does any more than the other with software

If your saying that BobCAD can do everything ArtCAM can, I believe your mistaken. ArtCAM can do some amazing things that I haven't seen in any other package, except maybe MasterCAM ART.

BobCAD/CAM and ARTCAM are completely different programs, with very different intended uses, so it's tough to compare the two/

the only real difernce between MasterCAM ART. and bobart is that MasterCAM ART.has some better carving tools than bobart but look at the cost of a mastercam package to bobcad so if you are doing 3d work art work what the real difernce other than price out of the three bobcad was the best for my money

ger21 I did go to the artcam site and view the photo gallery and saw nothing on the site that I could not do with Bobcad what I viewed was some 3d tool path and some real good painting

Watch the Decorative Celtic Archway video here and tell me if BobCAD has tools like these.

http://www.artcam.com/artcam/videos/woodworking.htm

Bobart has the raise to vector and can also import color photo, profile, emboss what art cam did was the nest of the pieces on the sheet. Bobcad is not art software that the Bobart. Artcam is delcam art software what is the cost of the delcam package compared to Bobcad package I have Bobcad for machine tool programming I have the Bobart for fun

The files that i have tried to mill using the Bobart turned out fairly poor. Art cam Looks like it had much better machining. I have also been using VCarve which is a great easy to use program for the money. It is much more pratical for quick setup for making signs. If price is a big factor try Vcarve first

[QUOTE=markm]The files that i have tried to mill using the Bobart turned out fairly poor.


Don't take this personal, but it not the software or the machine. Bobart assume that the person who is doing the cad/cam work has a good deal of skill. If you just want to do simple work than it not the software for you. 3d work is not something that an average machinist can do even the good one go crazy trying to make 3d shapes. People tend to think that if the software can draw it then it can be made. Sometimes that true and sometimes it not. Bobcad and Bobart are for the user that need that level of programming, it not for everyone

Just a quick note to say if you really want to route 3D Signs I would recommend ArtCAM Pro. This software is great for building raised relief models but it's worth remembering that it will often take many hours to design the sign on the PC + many more to cut this type of work, especially if the sign includes fine detail.

Most 3D modelling programs are renowned for being 'tricky' to learn and use, especially if you don't use them on a daily basis.

Although VCarve Wizard doesn't include 3d modelling tools it does allow very interesting signs and carvings to be routed in a fraction of the time needed to cut real 3d jobs.

http://www.vectric.com/vectric/images/pmachinist/Carving.jpg

Tony

but it's worth remembering that it will often take many hours to design the sign on the PC + many more to cut this type of work, especially if the sign includes fine detail.

Most 3D modelling programs are renowned for being 'tricky' to learn and use, especially if you don't use them on a daily basis.
Tony

Tony that is not only a piece of Art work, but some outstanding programming. Whether you use artcam v-carve bobart or masterart the trick is to spend the time that it takes to learn the software. That can take many tries and a few scrape pieces When buying software you should always try as many demos and know what you need the software to do I have the Bobart for fun it's an add on to Bobcad that I have for machine tool programming We all have or like and dislike with software I always look for soft wares that can do all of my needs and for the price Bobcad gave me the most for the buck

Something else to remember when looking for software is that the results will only ever be as good as the users creative mind and artistic eye + plenty of practice.

I can't take any credit for these designs because they have been created by a customer. The software does make it very easy to program and preview the results. All I have to do is select the vectors, pick a tool and the software instantly does the hard bit.

http://www.vectric.com/vectric/images/pmachinist/Carving_2.jpg

Tony

pretty hard to compare professional to mediocre software , other than the price , delcam who makes artcam is designed for the professional enviroment and is broadly used around the world , bobcad is nearly the cheapest thing on the market and is designed to work for the professional who needs cad/cam but can t afford the higher end softwares , both will work , but it is the same old story you get what you pay for

Mastercam Also Has A Very Good Art Package That Why It More Important That You Buy Software For Your Needs And Look At All Of The Demos You Can The Bobart Pro X Was A $200 Cost To Me So In My Case Where It Was Just For Fun It Was The Best Buy For Me Also Rember That There Is A Huge Mark Up In Software So A Little Crying To The Salesman Might Save You A Lot I Nerver Seen A Software Be Sold For The List Price Unless The Person Who Bought It Was A Fool