I wanted to post a new heading for this post. I had posted this as I was having some difficulties with the people at Bobcad - basically a misunderstanding........

Things are A- OK NOW !!

all's well that ends well.

I'll offer my opinion....for free!
My opinion in one word- "Buggy"
BobCad is Ok for the price. I first started using it because of its low price. I have learned that you get what you pay for. BobCAD allowed me to make things I could not make by hand programming. It does have its limitations (and bugs). Although they give you a thick manual (over 500+ pages), the documentation detail is underwhelming. I did a lot of script writing and found MANY commands were not documented, some didn't work. Although they have basic tech support, they have added also a pay for support system, in order to have a better service for their customers. I would much rather have seen them improve their product so that tech support was not needed.
Every time I have installed a patch, I had to call them up to unlock the software again. I will add that this has not been a problem, rather a nusance. Just make sure apply any patch during business hours, otherwise you will need wait to till the next business day.
I do most all my work now in OneCNC's software. The transisition to their program was a SO easy.
-JamesBond

Alls well that ends well =)

I have called Bobcad and got a person everytime, who are you calling?

Ok

Another edit -------

Everything is A- OK !!

no more complaints about Bobcad

Sounds like a good reason to pay with a credit card. At least the card company will go to bat for you if you have refund issues.

Geeee.........

I had a lot of posts !

Thank you.

We will contact Bobcad and see if they can address these issues. Let the power of the CNCzone help you. In all fairness there is always two sides to a story. They can have a opportitity to clearify and or correct the issues that have be brought up here.
Let's see how this plays out.


Please do remember to keep this constructive by not resorting to company bashing.

Paul

Please feel free to contact Bobcad on my behalf ! . The company salesman should not have told me I was getting an, "Extensive Introductory manual, an advanced manual, and an advanced CD set". It was the main reason I placed my order because being well versed in CAD use I know first hand that good manuals, and tutorials can be a huge benefit to a new user....I also placed the order because they told me version 19 would be released in 2 weeks from my purchase date - and i would get it upon release..... I was much more interested in 19 because of the companies advertising it as having direct import and machining of solids - my main use, but I still do not have it -
I have called them and emailed them. I have not recieved an answer to my questions I asked them , and i asked more than one person..... I did talk to Chris in the FLorida office who seemed as though he was sincere in helping me, and said he would relay my message to the California office... he did he told me, but still no answer to the direct question I asked....They had more than ample time to address the issue and the differance here is I'm not going to sit idle and get stepped on.
There are truth in advertising laws. Solicitation laws, fraud laws... You do not sell anything to someone via email, mail order, and only deliver part of what you sold......thats the truth, period.

Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with BobCAD. It was always easy and painless for me to get an unlock code. I would just call them up during business hours, and they would take care of it right then. I have seen some issues with the West Coast office and East Coast office. It seems like they don't fully cooperate with each other. They even have their own websites!
'www.bobcad.com' and 'www.bobcadcam.com'
I personally think this is too small of a company to have two different websites, but I guess each side wants to make their mark. I thought they were all the same until I needed support and called their number. Then they said, oh, we don't have a record of you, where did you buy it? They said I needed to call they office where I bought it.
I have spoken to sales where they would say, well we developed the training manual, and the west coast office won't be selling it for a while, but we have it in stock and will sell it to you right now!

So be aware that there are two different offices and they don't share everything between them.
-JamesBond

"It was always easy and painless for me to get an unlock code. "

I did not ask for an unlock code - I didnt want it after what happened and knew if I didnt have it they could not say I had already 'accepted' the software...... That way I can return it now - no questions. I dont want anyone to think Im trying to get something for free......
I have seen the 'seperation' you mentioned also. I was surprised after buying it that they operate that way......

Hello all,
I thought that this would be a good time to get up here with everyone else and respond to some of the things that have been said about BobCAD-CAM recently on this forum. As strange as it may sound, I am just as interested in seeing the negative aspect of things that have been posted as I am in hearing positive feedback. This allows us to measure our customer service as well as plan for developing future releases that include what you tell us to include in terms of software functionality.

All I will say is that we do have a real interest in providing better service that continues to help our customer base use our CNC programming software to manufacture. Our prices are low so that all shops both large and small can take advantage of CAD-CAM technology. The Version 19 upgrade is currently in develoment and is not that far away. We will be setting up a select number of manufacturers as beta test sites to review and test this upgrade before it is released. Once this is completed and ALL issues resolved, we will have a true upgrade that will offer surface and solids technology never before provided through BobCAD-CAM software. And I guaranty that you will be just as shocked as I was when you see the direction in which we are going with this. And at prices that are going to rock you...Not your wallet!

Please feel free to contact me directly at 877-262-2231 x12 if you have any questions or simply have an issue that you would like help with.
Sincerely,
Chris Corbell
BobCAD-CAM;)

Dear Tooler,
Feel free to contact me at 877-262-2231 x12.
Sincerely,
Chris

Just a positive note in support of Bobcad. I use it daily in our woodworking business with good results. Is it the best software? Maybe not, but given a chance, for the cost, it is actually quite powerful, and through their support forum (primarily Hu) and referencing to the manual I have got through most sticky situations and never once not got through a project. I don't like the sales pitches either, and after already buying the software I was flooded with special deals for the software I already bought, but so what. Have you not bought a TV or similiar just to see it on sale the next weekend!

We use cnc daily in our business and to be quite honest, a program with a fraction of Bobcads capability would be more than sufficient for day to day programming. 3D engraving or 100,000 line codes of a crest engraved in wood are interesting, but they don't I believe, fit into the normal operation of most business' whether wood or metal, and if they do, you should know better than to buy an $800.00 program. Not to offend, but if these post are from disgruntled home machinist, or cnc hobbyist hoping to do over the top programming, and do it for only $800, no wonder your disapointed.

I have been using BobWIRE v16.1 for nearly 3 years now. I did not have the funds to buy MasterCAM or PEPS or one of the other more powerfull CAD-CAM software packages. Sometimes i'm a bit frustrated when i have to do things the "long" way, but then again BobWIRE cost about 5 times less than what i would have payd for the more powerfull software.
During this 3 years as a BobWIRE user i formatted my PC a couple of times. Everytime when i phoned them i got my password within minutes and an e-mail the next day confirming everything. Not even once did they query me why i want a new password .
I bought BobCAD v18 about 3-4 months ago. I must admit that i'm using it as a vehicle to import and export DXF files mainly. As i understand there is some problems and the new patch supposedly should fix it.
I have sympathy for you guys having problems, but as CNCadmin said maybe we could get the concerned parties together and resolve the differences.....

Keep well

Klox

Yes, BobCAD/CAM would never suffice for what I want to do with my CNC business.

BoBWIRE !! I have not heard of that one. :)

Yes it's the wire erosion version from BobCAD.

Klox

BobWire is another name for BobCAD-CAM Version 16.1-2 & 4 Axis Wire EDM software. This system is used for programming 2 or 4 axis wire EDM parts including G-Gode generation RS232 Communications. This system is seperate to the mill & lathe software.;)

Well,I have just got off the phone with Chris from the Florida office of BobCAD,and he is working on solving my problems.I'll update you all on my progress,and thanks for clearing things up for me,Chris.

The version 18 software will communicate with the Cruisader M controllers out there. Some success is enroute!:)

Everyone....

I too, as tooler are one of the guys awaiting to see how Bobcad responds. I am the one that started this post. Bob from Bobcad wrote me as did my salesman, and Chris (who posted above) and said my problem will be resolved. I too will post the results here and should know today whats going on ( Thursday 6/19)

glad to see things are at the very least getting
looked at. Thanks for everyones patience.

PEACE:D

I received my software as promised yesterday,Thank You,Chris.Now I just have to get it to talk....I think it's a problem with windowsXP??
I'll tell you one thing....when CNCdude says he'll do something,you can take that to the bank.
Thanks again.
Andy Schuler

Yes - its nice to see tooler and I getting response, perhaps I'll be posting on here tomorrow that I jumped the gun making negative remarks in regards to Bobcad....we will see today...

There's one thing that I can't stand. When someone promises something and then doesn't deliver, it always crashes the party! Now we need to get that Cruisader M controller crankin out some parts with BobCAD. Tooler, I will be contacting you this afternoon to finish the rest.
Sincerely,
Chris Corbell
BobCAD-CAM
877-262-2231 x12:D

Working on it now,CNCdude......give me a few to get the config right...I'm kinda new to XP,and I think that's where the problem lies.

Hi all,
Just a quicky in support of BobCad V.17 Been using it for awhile for a Hardinge turning center and once the post was setup it runs great. Little nervous about V.18 (with patches failing and all) but waiting for V.19 and who knows?

Howdy Boss...Have you ever used BobCAD for milling?
Chris:cool:

Happy campers:p :p
I'm glad we're getting the issues setled.
Thank you Chris, good speaking w/ you today.
And thanks for allowing us to intervene.

See how happy we all are:D

PEACE:D

Hardmill,
You hit right in the bullseye to picture "happy campers"!!!
Thanx to everyone!!

Klox

Hi Chris,
Haven't used it for milling yet,(waiting for my VMC, Cinn. Sabre)but will keep you informed.

Man, I've got to find some cool animation too! Those happy dudes and a cup of coffee helped kick off my day!
Thanks,
Chris:cool:

CNCdude,
Could you enlighten me as to when Ver19 will be available and what the upgrade price will be?

ok,we're having fun now...after working with Glen at Tech Support,the way to get this stuff running is to run a 100 millisecond line delay in the send screen.Thanks to CNCdude at Bobcad for jumping right in to set this right,and thanks to hardmill and the CNC forum for all their help.I think it's Miller time!!!

Happy to help,
Thats why were here.
PEACE:D

V19 for SRT: Developement is ongoing and should provide us with something in between 1-2 weeks. That is not a promise but an estimate as things may come up, new additions may be made and I will be writing the manual for it. As far as cost...all I will say is that we intend on smashing this "you get what you pay for" stuff. I agree, in most cases you do get what you pay for. I'm a consumer too! However, we are all agreeing to disagree this time!!! Look for a low price tag. Look for a very good upgrade! Remember, we would like all of our customers to be able to take advantage of the software.
Sincerely,
Chris Corbell
BobCAD-CAM, Inc.
877-262-2231 x12
:D

CNCdude,
I was hoping for a little more exact information, because I'm trying to decide if your envolvement in this forum is really a whole hearted attempt to correct problems at Bobcad, or whether this is just a first class attempt at damage control.

Would you be able to say that your 99.9% sure that V19 will be available in 30 days?
Or would you be able to say that your 99.9% sure that V19 will be available in 60 days?

Would you be able to say that the upgrade price for V18 users would be in the 0-$200 range,
or more like the $200-$400 range, or more than $400 price tag.

I've been waiting to see what is going on at Bobcad for some time now, and I'm starting to believe I may be wasting time, so I'm looking for other software, and then I (and probably others also) won't be comming back. I've also been hearing negative rumors about occurances at Bobcad that I don't intend to repeat, but cause me concern as far as expecting Bobcad to improve.

I'm glad to hear that a couple of the users on this forum are starting to be helped, but let me say this that it is going to take more than just some kissy huggy talk or cheery smiley approach to convince me, and others I would assume, to see a real dedicated difference occuring.

I'm trying to hope positive but I keep remembering negative. Now is the time for more exact answers to the questions that I am asking.

Thank you.

OK SRT....Let me be a little more specific for you. 2 weeks to beta. 1 week for complete documentation. Possibly another 2 weeks for the video training professor. That is as good as it is going to get right now. Cost as an upgrade...$100-$300 as a new upgrade release. Are you starting to feel cheery-smilly or huggy-kissy yet? How about some positive input regarding some features that you might like to see? Maybe some constructive ideas regarding training? If you have had some difficulty with the software, just contact me at the number below so that I can work with you.

Damn those spot fires, eh Chris ? ;)

Murray,
Do you feel haunted by cats with short tails?

CNCDUD ,
That's better than the vague answers in your first response. A more sober approach to answering questions would be a welcome change for someone who has grown weary of the recent B.C.-B.S.

I'll mention my feelings on the video training professor that I bought the last time. It appeared someone was practically reading portions from the 400 page training manual word for word. Hardly any new material other than what was already in the main manual was mentioned. Maybe you can use this information and make some constructive changes the next time.

Remember, your customers present and future, are paying attention to the "kind of helpful answers" that you provide.

Thank you.

Haunted by cats with short tails? Picture of Bobcat? Oh I get it now.Ha,Ha,Ha.

I am very happy to say that Bobcad stepped up to the plate and batted a homerun for me.......
I want to take the time to say thank you to Chris in the Florida Office at Bobcad..... known here as CNCDUDE THanks for all your help, your getting involved definately put a positive note on a situation and I am sorry I may have jumped the gun somewhat with my remarks regarding Bobcad support..... Support now gets an A, and you completely changed the way I was feeling, and I can say I am a happy guy now

Thanks again !!!

Tom M

I'm happy for you both Ninewgt, and Tooler.

I hope you have good success using Bobcad.

DANCE!!!

I appreciate your input SRT. Anything positive to say?

Thanks Tom. ;)

Positive input would be:
(1) B.C. has an independent forum which is making specialized questions easier to address than a forum shared in a multi topic forum which can sometimes lead to a shotgun effect when looking for answers that have been covered at an earlier date.
(2) B.C. has Sorin & Glen working hard to help find answers to questions. I hope that the more frequent responses in your forum is something that is going to continue, as it was getting rather in-frequent until lately.
(3) More to come as corrections at B.C. occur. I only hope that you have different developers working on V19 than you did on V18. Or at least that they have received more training by now.

SRT, Thanks for the good stuff. We are making progress on our customer support forum. Indeed, we are working to provide good service. Yep, we changed programmers. We have a group of them now that know what they are doing. However, it is you, the customer that will be the judge of this when you get a V19 in your hands.

Originally posted by SRT
Positive input would be:
(
(2) B.C. has Sorin & Glen working hard to help find answers to questions. I hope that the more frequent responses in your forum is something that is going to continue, as it was getting rather in-frequent until lately.
(.

Thank you for the kind words. Glen and I have taken some slack here lately. We are trying our best to help you guys as much as we can. It sure makes us feel good to know that you guys appreciate our work.
Regards,
Sorin - Bobcad Tech Support

Sorin,
I read on the B.C. site that you are going on vacation. I sincerely hope you and your family have a good vacation together. I guess Glen will need one as soon as you get back, especially if he is all alone in support when you are gone. I'm not up to date as to how many are working in support now at B.C.?

Thank you for the happy wishes... Glen is going to have Chris (not cnc dude) working with him. Chris is our new tech support guy that got hire to help Glen while I am out on my training trips as well as a full support guy. We will no longer have only one guy in tech support because that it is way too much of a load for that person and not enough too keep up with all the work load. In all due respect, we listen to you guys and do wahtever we can to improve our services.
Regards,
Sorin

I got that package in the mail today. I'll put it through
the wringer and i'll post in the review section:p .
Thanks for all your help resolving the issues w/ our
members, it is much appreciated. I'll be in touch.

PEACE:D

Good deal Hardmill.

:cheers:

CNCDUDE,
Back on 6-20-03 you mentioned that it would possibly be 5 weeks until V19 would be ready for release. That was 3 weeks ago, so I wanted to check in to see how things were progressing. Any changes in the expected V19 release date, or a more definite cost for the new upgrade release?
Thank you.

Hi SRT,
Progress is excellent. I had a new look at the V19 yesterday and am very impressed. BobCAD software is making a major turn in a very needed direction. We are adding STEP import and possibly DWG. This is being reviewed and looked at. The thing is that you have to stop at some point and release the darn thing! The new toolpath wizards are really cool. Easy to use and FAST 100% accurate. The cost is going to be low for customers as well as for the new customer. I am greatly improving the training materials and there will be a new scripting section with more information. The scripting functions are more for customers that know how to write them. However, we are going to make it easier to learn. I will continue to keep you posted.
Best,
Chris:D

Excellent Chris! Hey, I just want to thank all you guys down in Florida. Chris,Glen,Sorin, keep up the good work! Jim

Chris, from what i've read in your post it sounds exellent! Please elaborate on that "cam wizard" and the DWG import will be much appreciated by me!!
As you know you guys must type a little bit slower.....i am a slow reader!

Klox

Klox,

I spoke to CNCdude yesterday and he told me that there has been an inclusion of a cam wizard on the 3-D side of the software but not the 2.5D just yet. They are under so much pressure to get this software released by everyone that some things will just have to be left out until the next version. They are looking into DWG, do you know how expensive the filters are to purchase? It is the customer who will have to foot the bill as well. This may be better as an option at an extra cost so BCC can still keep the cost of their software down. I for one wouldn't use it so why should I pay for it, if someone wants to send me a dwg, I just tell them if you have autocad then save it as a DXF simple!!! DWG is not the be all and end all as the originators claim, why the huge price tag, who knows.

Nice but , necessary? I would rather see STL and other 3-D import filters than an over rated DWG format.

Maybe that is just me, I might be the only one in the world that thinks this way. You baggings and comments are welcome "BOBCAD USERS"

IMHO dxf is good but does not always get the whole drawing, depends on the software sometimes splines and dimensioning can get lost in a converion this may or may not be a big deal. A dwg converter is not a complete solution as not everyone in the world uses Autocad. I think if I had a choice it would be Iges converters does the best job from my experience.

Ray

Kookaburra, I don't know about the STL and 3-D stuff, to be honest i don't have a clue what it is (maybe when i see it) the DWG import function is handy to me as a few of my clients uses either AutoCad or Cadkey and to explain to these guys the difference between a DXF and DWG is sometimes difficult......The truth is that both these companies are BIG and they have the attitude that if i want there work it's my problem to open the DWG's.

I know i'm maybe one out of a thousand that would like the DWG import function....if it's not to be for now i'm not going to throw all my toys out of my cot......

At this stage i'm importing DWG's into CorelDRAW (what a handy piece of software!) save it as a DXF, export it to V18, save it as a DXF and then open it in BobWIRE 16.1....Yes it's a bit of a schlepp but at least i can do it.....

So "NO PROBLEMO!" as the muscleman from Hollywood would say!

PS! What if i install BobCAD twice, then i'll have 2.5 axis x2= 5D import! Just kidding.....!!!

See you guys,

Klox

Klox, Why not buy AutoCad LT? That's how I've handled the .dwg .dxf,iges problem,and I believe it can be had for about $ 500.00. It's also easy to purge all of the garbage you don't need.I had a lot of problems with crap like dimensioning defaults not carrying over properly into a dxf until i started purging files before sending them to wire.

Hey fella's,

It seems like I maybe 1 out of 1000, I agree it would be a handy feature, here is hoping for all of us that BCC can work out a way to add it in without a huge price increase, I know that the price to the user is important to BCC and they really go out of their way to keep it down.

Klox, Damn those big arrogant companies who refuse to use the dropdown list of save as file type, dxf, iges, etc.! But they put food on your table and I agree you have to just cop it on the chin and go with it. Those other file import extensions I was talking about are more for the 3-d stuff, not something you would generally use with BCC wire.

I guess you know, that just because a DWG capability may be included as part of any software if may not be able to import a DWG file completely as it was sent to you. I evaluated one that had DWG advertised as included with the software. Oh yes it was there, but it was "OLD VINTAGE DWG CAPABILITY". I believe it was capable of doing DWG 12? or 14?, anyway it would not correctly import the DWG files sent to me, because the sender was using Autocad 2002 or 2003 DWG's and it came in to me with features, etc., etc. not being shown correctly. The sender didn't want to change it back to a OLDER version because they said that then I would not receive everything as they had intended for me to receive on the file. (I understand their concern, big company or not!). So if it is not the latest and greatest DWG version that is included with the software you may be disapointed, and may be paying for something that may not do you much good. Ask what version DWG files, etc., etc., the software will support, you may want them to email you their answer, so if you decide to return it to them, you can include that document to the credit card company (that hopefully) you bought it through!

I do know that whatever the latest version of DWG filter is, that will be the one that BCC purchases, if they go ahead with it.

Tooler, i presume the LT is for lite? SRT, what you have said is true, i sometimes battle with the new/old DWG's. If you sometimes battle ask for a AutoCAD 2000 Iges, THAT works well with BoBCAD!!!!
Kookaburra i always say to myself when things does go exactly the way i wan't "life wasn't meant to be fair, life is not kind but for sure everyday a challenge we have to conquer!"

See you guys, may you all have a wonderfull day & week....

Klox

My apologies i sound like a morals teacher.....LOL

Klox

Klox,

I love the Morals!! :)

Keep on teaching!!! :violin:

We all need some kind of postitive outlook adjustment from time to time!! :D

Yes,LT stands for lite.It's not a full functioning version of AutoCad but it's just fine for a little operation like mine,and my customers also tell me when to upgrade.

I work with AutoCad Lite (LT) every day - its a great program and if you didnt know better you wont know the differance between it and the full version.
For DXF file work, and conversions to and from DWG - you wont go wrong... I use it all day long.......

I'm really digging this thread! :banana: I can see that there are many different flavors of DWG as well. We are seriously considering it but as Klox mentioned, we need to stop somewhere and release the version! I don't think that DWG will be in Version 19 though. As far as cost for customers, you know that we will always keep the prices affordable and well worth the purchase. Thanks you guys and keep talking!
Sincerely,
Chris

:cheers:

If DWG is out, (it was hard for me to believe that the latest & greatest DWG would ever make it into Bobcad anyway), then in reference to what Klox said about Autocad 2000 Iges, Bobcad should stay up to date with the latest and greatest Autocad Iges, or just IGES in general, that is available (surfaces & solids), and not only be able to just import something, that was available almost 4 years ago. That shouldn't bump the price up to much, and many shops would benefit from that kind of "up to date improvement" what good is it, if it is outdated. You've got to get current sometime, don't you?

Guys what if we have a poll on what type of file import capabilities we would to have? Also for interest sake what type of files we currently import the most.

It's easy for me to say "poll" and i don't have a cooking clue how to set up a poll! LOL!!! Any volunteer to set it up?

Klox

Kookaburra, the other day when a nice job was handed to me on a plate it was to good to be true.... It turned out that if i was prepared to slip money underneath the table i would receive a continous stream of work. (man it was tempting!!) I turned it down, the guys said to me "morals doesn't put food on the table" - makes you think doesn't it?

Klox

Klox-

When you start a new thread you have the option of putting a poll in with it...I never import drawings so I don't know what you'd want put in it...I'll leave that up to you.

Jen

Thanx Jen!
I'll start the poll....

Klox

Klox,
Keep up the good decision making, no matter what line of work you are in, there are robbers and thieves, and then there are the rest of us who are not robbers and thieves.

Iges and .dxf are just fine for my uses.

SRT,
DWG isn't "out" is simply may not be in V19. The new IGES translators work excellent. Yes, "up to date" is a must! By all means, expect this in BobCAD's future software development!
Chris

Klox,

There are two type of people in the world. There are those who think the world owes "them" something and there are those who are prepared to give their own input to make the world a better place. I bet the guy's who made you the offer are the same type of guy's that would be arrogant enough to park in a disabled parking zone, and watch someone in a wheel chair trying to find a park half a mile away, and not care a hoot. Keep up the morals, good work, you will be the winner at the end of the day, you will make more friends in businness that way, and you will get more work coming into your workshop down the track because of it. We have a large steel making company over here who's employee's were doing the same thing, and the employee's who were linked to the scandal, no longer have a job, and the guy's who did hand out under the table payments, no longer have the work. Food for thought!!!

:idea: I think the idea of a poll is a great one. This is exactly what software companies need, to identify what the majority of their customers are calling for. There is no use jacking up the price for 100% of their customers when only 2% want something added.

:cheers:

Kookaburra (Mr. Burra?),

Here's my idea:

How about a software package that just does what I meant to program, not what I necessarily what I actually DID program???

I can dream, can't I?

In what part of Australia do you reside?

My wife and I were frunate enough to visit many parts of Australia and the north island of New Zealand back in 1996.

We really loved it!

Mark Linder

Mark,

You have every right to dream. There is not a software package alive, when somewhere, sometime, you look at what is displayed on the screen and think "WHAT THE ****", in time I guess it will come as the software companies strive to better their products. We are lucky enough to live in a developing world, that is what emerging technology is all about. I still remember when I got my first PC, it was a 486/266 and it was the fastest thing alive, now I use it as a boat anchor.

I live in Wollongong about 80km south of Sydney. The area is called the Illawarra and is situated on the east coast of Australia. The band of coastline we are on, is known as the New South Wales, south coast and houses some of the best beaches in the world, GREAT PLACE TO LIVE!!! Thank's for the interest. Hope you had a great time over here.

I would like to put my 2 cents in here also about bobwire
i have ran it for about 6 years
20 months ago a flyer came in about ver 18 so i called about it
and the sales guy told me it was totally awsome as to what i needed for my large files that i work with everyday
but the wire version 18 was not yet ready for bata but in a couple
of months it would be out
and if i was to upgrade to it i could use it to import my files and make 2 dimensional cuts for my wire ,but for the time being i would still have to use version 16.1 for my 4 axis cuts but i would be able to use ver 18 to import and just save them off as a dxf
no biggy so i talked ny boss into and went ahead and bought
it
my problem is its now 20 months later and i keep getting the run around about when its coming
then i get a email about there maint. program they are putting in
and i would like them to tell me how i can explain that to my boss
that he needs to do this and not have him tell me that he thinks im getting ripped off because he upgraded 20 months ago and still no version 18 for his wire machine
I called the callifornia office and the guy there pretty much told me
he didnt have to listen to me bad mouth bobcad and he just hung up the phone
One of the questions was what sales guy told me this
Well as if im going to remember a guys name 20 months ago
Now does anyone have any suggestions
what can be done legally
scott atkins
kelly.atkins@sympatico.ca

Do you have it in writing that you're supposed to get the upgrade?

Getting your money back is going to be a challenge. If they haven't released the new version, you're also SOL there.

Repeated phone calls to bobcad, (civil if you can), emails, letters, maybe even the BBB.

I would think that with all the bad 'press' they've been getting from un-happy users, they would really try to do something to keep their customers happy.

My brother in Penn is considering bobcad, I have asked him to look here before he makes a decision.

BTW, welcome to the forum, and thanks for keep a level head. :D

'Rekd

My suggestion after working through some problems.....don't deal with the Calif.office....contact CNCdude in the florida office..from my experience,he will get things done,And I mean pronto....I suffered for months until he got involved.Then it was as easy as a phone call...problem fixed,happy BobCad customer.

Originally posted by Tooler
My suggestion after working through some problems.....don't deal with the Calif.office....contact CNCdude in the florida office..from my experience,he will get things done,And I mean pronto....I suffered for months until he got involved.Then it was as easy as a phone call...problem fixed,happy BobCad customer.

Great advice. CNCdude is very responsive.

You might want to let bobcad know about the problems you're having with the Cal rep. Maybe he will be replaced or 'change' his ways.. :rolleyes:

'Rekd

Dear Scott,
You're right, we have not released a wire upgrade in some time. We do intend on having one in the future. However, at this time I don't know when. If you were promised a future wire upgrade by a sales person, we will deliver it to you as soon as we have one. There is no problem with this.

A good thing to do would be to send me an email message with your information so that I have it through this forum. We appreciate your patience.
Sincerely,
CNC Dude

Hey CNCdude,

Do you know the Ca rep? I've heard from several people (other than at this forum) that he's 'less than professional'

'Rekd

+1 rekd,
Perhaps scott remembers his name:confused:

PEACE:D

We'll fix it. Customer service can be difficult at times but there is always a solution behind a problem. I am sure that there is a way we can assist Scott so that he is a satisfied customer.
CNC Dude:)

I figured you'd be able to help. :cheers:

BTW, who's the rep in Penn? As I said, my brother is considering Bobcad, and I think while there ARE problems with some aspects of it, it might work for him.

'Rekd

No problem, I understand. I emailed Scott and am just waiting. Even though Version 18 is not exclusively set up for wire, it can be used for 2 axis wire programming. There is a section in the software that shows some wire functionality but is incomplete for 4 axis. Version 16.1 is the current system for Wire. I would like to see a wire upgrade before the end of the year. I can't promise anything and won't, but it would be great to see some new functionality to make wire programming easier and more powerful.

Klox has been great on providing ideas for new functionality. When the time comes to start adding to the wire, I will be asking for suggestions for sure.
Thanks,
CNC Dude

CncDude, i don't mind waiting for the new wire version. When time is ripe it will be released. To be honest i'm on the edge of my seat & eager to see a new wire version.
If we can use the postings in this forum in a positive way BobCAD & BobCAD users can benefit & we all can have a win-win situation.....
If any of you guys needs a punching bag, mail / PM me a blow or two... i'll promise i'll do my utmost best to try and help.....

Keep well & may you all have a fruitfull & rewarding day!

Klox

I must say i am vary impressed with all the fast responces
When i called the calif. office and first talked with
a Adam Hathaway
he seemed to be understanding
but the fun began when he put some other guy on the
phone that just proceeded to tell me he doesnt need to hear
me bad mouth bobcad and he has nothing elese to say to me
and that was the end of that phone call
no name was ever mentioned he was pissed from the get go
may be he just got out of bed i dont now
I dont think i'm out of line to tell him that 20 months later
i need the software
and i dont pretend to be mister nice guy but 20 months later
COME ON
anyway i guess its just a waiting game
I guess selling there software for them to other shops in my town
and doing the training for them and installs doesnt mean a thing
anyway thanks again for all the support
Scott Atkins

Originally posted by scott555
I must say i am vary impressed with all the fast responces
When i called the calif. office and first talked with
a Adam Hathaway
he seemed to be understanding
but the fun began when he put some other guy on the
phone that just proceeded to tell me he doesnt need to hear
me bad mouth bobcad and he has nothing elese to say to me
and that was the end of that phone call
no name was ever mentioned he was pissed from the get go
may be he just got out of bed i dont now
I dont think i'm out of line to tell him that 20 months later
i need the software
and i dont pretend to be mister nice guy but 20 months later
COME ON
anyway i guess its just a waiting game
I guess selling there software for them to other shops in my town
and doing the training for them and installs doesnt mean a thing
anyway thanks again for all the support
Scott Atkins

Ouch!

I always like to ask who I'm talking to right at the beginning..

'Rekd

Yes i have learned from this
You can bet that this will be one mistake
that will not happen again
i will be writing down everthing from them people
name sex age and what ever elese it takes
scott

Dear Scott,
Why don't you call us at the Florida office and ask for customer service. So far you are just trashing BobCAD here.
CNC Dude:violin:

It seems there's a lot of animosity as far as the service for Bobcad in the west. I've seen nothing but complaints, rants, slammings and generally un-happy poeple posting about the 'Cal Rep' and 'un-fulfilled' promises by the Bobcad sales/tech staff. This is very frustrating for everyone involved.

I can't imagine that the entire Bobcad user base is unhappy about the service, but that seems to be the only posts we get on the subject these days. I'm sure the folks at Bobcad are aware of this as well. I also can't imagine that the fault lies directly and exclusively with Bobcad. I'm sure they have some 'problem' customers, just like every business. Unfortunately, the 'problem' customers are seldom exposed because it's not in the best interested of Bobcad to exploit that here.

While I don't think that users should only post their problems with service, I do think it's healthy for both the customer AND Bobcad if people are allowed to vent. Also, venting publically has an advantage over doing it over the fone in that it provides a sense of urgency in getting the matter taken care of. Public opinion can make or break a company.

I would love to see the issues that CAN be taken care of GET taken care of ASAP. I'm sure the customers would as well.

There are going to be problems that CANNOT be taken care of right away, but customers should be made aware of WHY. For them to know that it is being 'worked' on will provide temporary satisfaction.

Bottom line; If you're un-happy about the service of Bobcad, you have every right to voice it. (Provided it's in a civil manner). I understand your positions, both as a software developer AND as a customer, (not of Bobcad), but something to consider is that Bobcad is, IMNSHO, at least trying to get this stuff taken care of, even if the 'Cal rep' is not. They cannot control how their reps react, but they can replace these reps if they get enough complaints about them. (Civil complaints, that is). Calling Bobcad and starting the conversation off with an attitude will likley get you an attitude in return..

I guess what I'd like to see is more positive posts, more civil complaints if you're going to complain, and more effort on both parties to at least try to understand the issues involved with each others' problems.

It's been my experience that CNCdude will break his back to help an un-happy customer. If you're not satisfied with the cal rep, do as CNCdude suggested. Just remember to be understanding in the fact that they can't control what their reps do and how they treat their customers.

One more thing, 20 months is a long time to wait for a promise to be fulfilled. I hope this is on the front burner at Bobcad.. ;)

'Rekd teh I think my keyboard needs a rest..

Thanks Rekd,
You are absolutely on the money and I appreciate the acknowledgment as well. You have to know that when I saw that a salesperson promised something that they didn't have any control over, they were probably operating off of data they received from above. This reflects badly on the salesperson, executives and the company. The salesperson that promised this wire upgrade to Scott555 is in fact no longer employed by the company. Now what is left is an upset customer that I have to work with.

We take what we do seriously, just as Scott555 does and the others. I will assure anyone that happens to read this stuff that is not yet a BobCAD customer, but looking....WE HAVE SATISFIED CUSTOMERS TOO! Ones that are blown away by what they got for the money. Ones that cut lots of parts...Call me directly as needed. I am honest and I will tell you if BobCAD will help you or not. We provide much information on our website as well as free demo software.

As far as Scott555, I personally appologize for any rude phone situations that you had to deal with and the fact that we have not released a wire upgrade. We will work on this.
Sincerely,
CNC Dude

Thanks, CNCdude.. I knew I could count on you.. :cheers:

Originally posted by scott555
Yes i have learned from this
You can bet that this will be one mistake
that will not happen again
i will be writing down everthing from them people
name sex age and what ever elese it takes
scott

Scott, another thing to get, is anything promised to you should be IN WRITING.

'Rekd

As far as Scott555, I personally appologize for any rude phone situations that you had to deal with and the fact that we have not released a wire upgrade. We will work on this.

Perhaps a refund on the version that was promised, paid for, and hasn't shown up would make him happy.

Eric

Nicely put Rekd. If we could put away the "war axes" and rather use this forum to positively exchange opinions, ideas & frustrations about BobCAD software it could help us all (BobCAD as well as BobCAD users)......

Guys keep on posting.....

Klox

I am a happy BobCad user. I have used it since version 17. I do both 2D and 3D work. I have not needed to use support for anything other than passwords which they handled very promptly.

With Ver. 18 I have been able to write script to program Okuma lathes from input boxes and a drawing of the part, using Okuma canned cycles. That is a very powerful tool for the cost of the software. I also use software that cost thousands of dollars more than BobCad. It does not do everything either. Even the highest end systems have problems with certain things and I never expected BodCad to perform the same as those systems. But I will say I was very suprised to find it does many things just as well.

BobCad CAN NOT be beat for the price. My ONLY complaint is that I do not like the "geometry is toolpath" style of programming, so I have to draw offset cutter paths.

I am awaiting the release of Ver 19. I can't wait to try it.

My ONLY complaint is that I do not like the "geometry is toolpath" style of programming, so I have to draw offset cutter paths.

I didn't know that. So you have to offset your geometry by the cutter radius eh? Does it handle cutter comp? (I haven't used it in eons :D ) How 'bout entry lines/arcs??

Mayhaps I should try the demo..

'Rekd

Rekd,

I only use cutter comp. to adjust for size, so I do have to draw an offset cutter path equal to 1/2 the cutter I am using. There is no type of automatic selection for G41 / G42 but you can enter it thru a custom script or by adding it to the post.
I think it has a good approach / depart feature. First you draw a point, then you select approach / depart. A box opens asking you for the radius and any overlap you want in the approach. Then you pick the start point you drew in. Next you pick the chain. It will break the entity in the chain you selected and draw in the approach/ depart. It will connect the radius you asked for to the point at whatever angle it needs to. This area of the approach is a perfect area to activate cutter comp. This gives the user alot of control over how and where approches are made.

hi everybody
I would like to put some input into this discission if i may
bobcad software version 17
as i used to support and train this software in the uk
this product is a cracking 2d and some 3d software admitting you cannot machine igs files but only extract wireframe from its importation
its format (the way it works)
it talk to you like an engineer, you want a line?it gives you a line
not a longatudinal or lateral
see what i meen a line
this application was pointed at customers that had not a lot of money to invest in full blown cad-cam but still wanted to get
quicker and faster at what they where producing (lets face it guys it down to the people on the shop floor how quick it goes
out of the shop floor)
it as a easy interface to opperate with
its posting was easy to manipulate and edit
you could create almost any 2d shape including approach and depart toolpath
its 3d toolpaths where strong if you understand its method of how its paths and sections work
its dimensioning and the way it works is brilliant
remember only 13 icons on the screen to work with
there are a lot of customers in the uk are happy with bobcad
it does what it says on the can
i'am not sure what the support is like at the moment for bobcad
in the uk
but when i get calls i help if its passwords i direct back to bobcad
but we are talking about software
version 18 did not have to much time with to many bugs at the time? it may have changed since not sure?
but they are rumered to have version 19
which seems a bit quick 18 only been out a year may be the answer to version 18 bugs
anyway things have moved on since v17 that is why i no longer
use this software, industry is looking for more for there money
something that will import full models and surfaces and machine complete with verable toolpath stratagies
thats why i chose other software
regards
peter

CNC DUDE i hear you one hundred percent
do not get me wrong i am a firm user of bobcad
and i do not want to learn another software
all as i am asking for is to keep up with the times
i have given all kinds of great posts on there site
one time i even had a guy call from there thanking
me for my post and the great words i used to
settle down a user that wanted to to tool path
like the big guys powermill work nc
and sort, but didnt want to pay the money
but again i didnt take down his name cause he said he was going to send me a set of training cd's for this post
and i didnt even ask for them but they didnt show up
lolol
but anyway i dont need them anyway but this is the kind of stuff
that they need to take care of stop talking to much to early
and i always have been a guy who doesnt get names because i
put trust into people when im talking to them
maybe that is my fault but that is the way i am
i have always had great respect for the guys in support
because they have to put up with guys like me
they have ALWAYS helped me out and fast
never any complaints on this matter
and i do no the are not the programmers
but they always seem to get the **** on the phones
any way thanks
scott555

:cheers: