Hi all,

I was browsing Syil America web site, and saw they mention three different softwares for the S X3:

MACH
KCAM4
Bob Cad Cam V21

All of them with different prices.

I am sure there is substantial differences among the three of them.

In order to make a budget to acquiring the S X3, I would like to know you opinions on what software should I consider to buy and the approximate price. I will mostly use it to engrave and to mill small pieces in wood.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Cheers!

Sorojchi.

P.S. Sorry if this is too basic for this forum.

Sorojchi,

Nothing is too basic. This is where most of us get our start and get on the path of learning.

Mach is a "controller" software. Controller types of software produce the pulses that drive the CNC machines steppers or servos. It takes G-Code and converts it to movement.

KCAM4 is another "controller" type.

BobCAD/CAM is a drafting (computer aided design) software and a CAM (computer aided manufacturing) software. You draft your ideas in CAD, show the machine what you want and how you want it in CAM and the CAM side produces the G-Code needed for the controller.

Mach 3 also does a great deal of G-Code generation itself. Simple tasks like pocketing, drill cycles, holes, engraving.... are all done conversationaly inside Mach.

I appologize if that was unclear. It is kind of a loaded question. You will find tons of posts throughout this forum on getting you started.

Good luck.

Thanks SyilAmerica,

Much clearer now.

Could you please mention other software that could do the same job as BobCAD/CAM? I am just trying to find out of any other brand I might have heard of before.

Best regards, and good luck with new endeavors.

Sorojchi.

I have a maxnc. I use Alibre for drafting (CAD) $500 and OneCNC (CAM) for designing the toolpath $2500. This is for 3 axis 3D. for 2D you can get other sw for cheaper.
Do not use bobcad
Alibre and OneCNC both have it's own file format. To export and import between the two programs I use STEP file format. it works well.

My personal choice for doing work on my mill is:
Acad for the cad drawing and dxf export (because I have it available to me)
Sheetcam to do the cam and generate the G-code (www.sheetcam.com)
TurboCnc as the controler.

Works for me:})

The choices out there are just as vast as what type of word processor to use.

I will say this: I am of the opinion that the best VALUE out there is BobCAD. That is why we are a dealer. Does it have quirks. Yes. That is why we include the training series with it. You can spend just about any figure when it comes to CAD/CAM software. They all have their strengths and weaknesses. In the end, it's all about what you are trained in and what your application is. It also has a great deal to do with return on investment. If you are going to be using this for light manufacturing, it may take some time to pay off the $15k in software. Not to mention the "maintence" fees, upgrades........

For high end manufacturing, I like Gibbs CAM
Manufacturing / Serious professional, I like SprutCAM
For light manufacturing and smaller shops, I like BobCAD

I have tried:
SurfCAM
PowerMill
MasterCAM
SheetCAM
EdgeCAM
FeatureCAM
Esprit
SoildCAM
GibbsCAM
SprutCAM
BobCAD/CAM