View Full Version : Is any one really happy with Dolphin CAD/CAM


foxsquirrel
07-21-2007, 09:59 PM
I hope it is just my ignorance, I have yet to do anything productive with the CAD or CAM. It seems rather hard to use and poorly documented. Has any one had good luck with this package??

r.r.mccoy
07-23-2007, 12:40 AM
I just got it and though I haven't put it on my machine (it is still a work in progress) I like it. I spent a weekend viewing these videos.

http://www.zen11777.zen.co.uk/Download/movies/

After that I was able to simulate with mach3 and cncsimulator a part of my own design. I like the cut and past aspect of the path tree a lot. For 2-1/2d this is a good program.

I will admit that I had to push through a few functions to for me to understand how they worked or why I hadn't set something up correctly, but overall it suits my needs.

I must say that I have not used the cad module except to define the contours or parts before using the milling module. (this was one of the understandings I learned)

I have use another program which I am already familiar with to generate the dxf files.

tobyaxis
07-23-2007, 02:16 AM
I hope it is just my ignorance, I have yet to do anything productive with the CAD or CAM. It seems rather hard to use and poorly documented. Has any one had good luck with this package??

Have you looked at BobCAD V21 or V2007 yet?:) There is a lot of help for those here, on CAD/CAM Trainer and the BCC Support Forum.

MIKE JEFFERS
07-23-2007, 07:53 AM
used it for 5 years
dont use the cad side tho as i have autocad
but as cam software its very good real easy to use and figure out when it
doesent work (usually cad related)
i also have edgecam ......now for surfaces its fine but 2d/2.5d stuff its more
hassle than its worth
stick with it you'll grow to love it
mike

ImanCarrot
07-23-2007, 11:29 AM
Same as Mike here- i use the Dolphin CAM, but not the CAD cos I got ACAD. I tried the Dolphin CAD but found it counter intuitive (proly cos I've been using ACAD since forever and I guess it's what you're used to).

The Dolphin CAM I found very easy to use and was cutting metal within 1 hour of trying it- bear in mind this was the first time I'd ever even hit the big green button on a turret mill.

I had to export the ACAD file and import it into Dolphin then Post Process, but it was extremely easy- I found the manual for the CAM simplicity itself and would recommend the CAM thingy without reservation- though can't coment on the CAD since I'm an old git and and "know what I like and like what I know" lol.

Now I only need to figure out how to hold down the big bits of aluminium that seem to want to stick to the end mill thingy and whizz off the bed at a tangent, but precisely at right angles to my rib- cage... anyone got body armour for sale hehe?

wwendorf
07-23-2007, 11:39 AM
I like it a lot. I have a few other CAD applications, but Dolphin is very easy to use. The CAM is also very fast and powerful.

Wade

Chad_Clark
07-26-2007, 10:40 PM
Have you looked at BobCAD V21 or V2007 yet?:) There is a lot of help for those here, on CAD/CAM Trainer and the BCC Support Forum.

Toby,

This is a Dolphin CAD/CAM forum, please do not advertise on here. This is for Dolphin CAD/CAM users and help with the program. We don't go on the BobCAD forum where people complain and push dolphin, please have the same respect.

Thank You,
Chad

tobyaxis
07-27-2007, 01:30 AM
Toby,

This is a Dolphin CAD/CAM forum, please do not advertise on here. This is for Dolphin CAD/CAM users and help with the program. We don't go on the BobCAD forum where people complain and push dolphin, please have the same respect.

Thank You,
Chad

Nice to see you here again Chad.

Sorry about that. I hope you accept my humble apologies. Sometimes I forget where I'm posting.

You have a good weekend.

Cheers!!!!!!:)

Chad_Clark
07-27-2007, 09:14 AM
I hope it is just my ignorance, I have yet to do anything productive with the CAD or CAM. It seems rather hard to use and poorly documented. Has any one had good luck with this package??

What is it that you are having trouble with exactly. I would be glad to help you out. I am sorry that you seem to be having trouble at this time, but I am sure I can help you get pass that. Just let me know what I can do for you.

foxsquirrel
07-29-2007, 02:11 AM
What is it that you are having trouble with exactly. I would be glad to help you out. I am sorry that you seem to be having trouble at this time, but I am sure I can help you get pass that. Just let me know what I can do for you.

Chad,

Part of the problem was your former employee Rodney that went back to BCC. He promised us posts for our machines and only did one for the Anilam 1400 and it does not work! I did get the spindle to turn after working on the post, the cutter comp does not work because it needs a XY move immediately following the G41 or G42. The post outputs G4* preceding GO3 and this will not work.

FYI, we have BCC and the only good version was the old DOS version.

Chad_Clark
07-29-2007, 09:15 AM
OK, I will get that fixed for you. What I also need is a list of the other posts that you need and sample programs that you have already run on the machines and I will get them for you. I am sorry that you have been having trouble, but I will get everything ironed out for you. My email is chad@dolphincadcamusa.com. Just send that stuff over to me along with you email and I will get that updated Anilam 1400 over along with the other posts that you need. :)

foxsquirrel
07-30-2007, 01:15 AM
OK, I will get that fixed for you. What I also need is a list of the other posts that you need and sample programs that you have already run on the machines and I will get them for you. I am sorry that you have been having trouble, but I will get everything ironed out for you. My email is chad@dolphincadcamusa.com. Just send that stuff over to me along with you email and I will get that updated Anilam 1400 over along with the other posts that you need. :)

Chad,

Do you have a FAX number, I will have the information faxed to you, it might be easier for you that way.

Chad_Clark
08-01-2007, 05:37 PM
Chad,

Do you have a FAX number, I will have the information faxed to you, it might be easier for you that way.


Sorry I was in a shop doing training the last couple days. Here is my fax number. 412-658-2398.

FBJR
08-05-2007, 01:31 AM
Hmm, small world and this explains alot.

I was asking about Dolphin in another thread and Rodnee really tried hard to sell me BCC. ( I did just get the free Cad though)

Chad, I just got Partmaster 3 and am now waiting for the Vista fix :rolleyes: I have another PC running XP, but it is not happy right now.

I am playing with what I can until then, and setting my machines up.

FB

rodneydeeeee
08-06-2007, 01:43 PM
Not exactly to sure what you mean or who this is?

FBJR
08-06-2007, 03:44 PM
Not exactly to sure what you mean or who this is?

Err, you :rolleyes:

foxsquirrel
08-06-2007, 10:13 PM
Chad,

I would like a refund if possible. We have decided to buy real software from GibbsCam that actually works. They guaranteed their posts to work 100%, the $200 per post is not bad considering the frustration involved with low end software. The rep did a demo today and WOW!!, it makes BobCAD and Dolphin look like, well, fill in the blanks respectively.

You may call my office regarding the refund since this would show your commitment to the industry regarding your product and customer satisfaction. FYI, Gibbs has a 60 day moneyback guarantee!!!
260-723-4946
Regards,
Fred

MIKE JEFFERS
08-07-2007, 05:47 AM
:rolleyes:

Chad_Clark
08-07-2007, 05:58 AM
Chad,

I would like a refund if possible. We have decided to buy real software from GibbsCam that actually works. They guaranteed their posts to work 100%, the $200 per post is not bad considering the frustration involved with low end software. The rep did a demo today and WOW!!, it makes BobCAD and Dolphin look like, well, fill in the blanks respectively.

You may call my office regarding the refund since this would show your commitment to the industry regarding your product and customer satisfaction. FYI, Gibbs has a 60 day moneyback guarantee!!!
260-723-4946
Regards,
Fred

Fred,

We offer a quarentee as well with the post configuration. Our Money Back Quarentee is that

"If we can not customize a post that will will work with your machine then you are able to request a refund at that time."

Problem is that I never received a fax from you and there for we have not had a chance to even work on a post for you, therefore I can not grant you a refund until I have gotten word from our support that we can not customize your post. This is commitment to the industry and I do everything in my power to make sure the customer is satisfied and it is why we do have a lot of customers who are happy with the software and using it on a daily basis.

Thanks,
Chad

BulleTxMagneT
08-17-2007, 11:40 AM
my pop has it (metalworkz) and we been fooling around with it and i actually like it now. everything is working good for me so far. the only thing i dont like is when it posts G28's when drilling.

Chad_Clark
08-20-2007, 03:22 PM
my pop has it (metalworkz) and we been fooling around with it and i actually like it now. everything is working good for me so far. the only thing i dont like is when it posts G28's when drilling.

This can be fixed with the customization of the post processor. I just need to know what post he is using and what you need the code to be.

FBJR
08-20-2007, 04:08 PM
This is the other Fred, Chad.

Is the fix for Vista close?