Has anyone used MasterCAM art, and if so, what do you think of the program?

I suppose the first question to ask is, "is it a plugin to MasterCAM or is it a standalone program? (i.e. do I have to buy MasterCAM to make MasterCAM art work or is it sufficient just t buy MasterCAM Art?

The second question is, if you only had the budget for one program, which is the more versatile. VCarve Pro, Picture-VCarve or MC Art?

The first few applications I can see myself using if for is little fresco's in guitar heads. Floral patterns, Celtic knot work, etc... decorative stuff like that. I may even start carving my own logo instead of inlaying it in mother of pearl. I would also want to use it to carve little fiddleybits in furniture (the frilly little carvings in Queen Ann style stuff).

Thanks for your suggestions.

What i gather by looking here...http://www.mastercam.com/Products/Art/ArtX2-lowres.pdf is that you have a choice...

If you want the full package you'll have to buy MILL or ROUTER with the art add-on OR if you want art design only (no toolpaths) you could add ART LT onto Mastercam Design.

I am sure somebody else will be along to correct me if necessary and hopefully answer the rest of your question...

Thanks. I think it's those options that is causing some of my confusion. In my case I already have Rhino and RhinoCAM (virtual mill) can that be used in conjunction with MC Art to generate tool paths if I use art to generate the drawings. We'll probably have to wait for one of the Rhino or MC experts to stumble across the thread.

you can get Mastercam Art LT has to be bundled with the design package then you can export out the files to use in yours, but Art bundled with are Mill1 would give you more power and control.

HI cadcam,

I have been doing the reading that I sould have done before I started this thread and I think I have a handle on what I need. Unfortunately (for me) It looks like I have to start the process of saving up for the next 6 months or so (barring any unforseen disasters) and then probably make the investment in the whole package (X2 and X2 art).

I assume MasterCAM itself posts to a format that Mach3 can read without any editing? When I post, does Mach(?) come up as a choice to post to? If not, what post processor would you recomend that most closely emulates Mach3 (or 2).

Thanks.

Well if Mach supports getting gcode say in fanuc format then it should work, I do not know much about Mach3 software.