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3. I found the 3D modelling a bit more accommodating in BOBCAD compared to other packages.
i have never read a statement like this about bobcads drawing tools
ask some questions here and maybe someone may can help you work
through them
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I am very new to CNC machining. My first exposure to CNC was with a plasma cutter, but I had to use it too far in between to call it any serious experience. However, I got my own CNC hobby router 2 1/2 weeks ago and now I can play my heart out.
Before getting the router, I did a lot of reading up on the subject of software but I was a on my own since there are not many people in my town with CNC experience. I downloaded a couple of CAM packages - mostly things that could offer me 3D modelling. The only 2 packages I found that I could at least make a start with the 3D modelling, was Alibre Design and BOBCAD.
Shortly after that I got a call from BOBCAD and they are great with sales, so I bought BOBCAD with 2 licenses only to find out later that nesting is another add-on. I do need nesting and had to buy that again and all together, it became a fairly costly exercise.
In my case, I do all my 2D drawings in another CAD and I only use BOBCAD for generating G-Code. First of all, BOBCAD does not import a DXF file in the correct units. My DXF files are in metric but with BOBCAD adjusted to metric, it by default assumes the file that is imported, is in inches and then it applies the 25.4 conversion factor. So much for keeping to well documented DXF standards. So now I have to use BOBCAD in Imperial mode and import my files in order not ot have the conversion applied, which means when generating G-code the default BOBCAD values for all the little parameters have to be edited manually each time, which is a little time consuming.
Nesting however, in some ways works OK compared to other nesting packages I used although it is very slow with calculations.
As a summary, my opinions of BOBCAD.
Pros:
1. For a commercial package, it is fairly affordable, but not close to cheap.
2. Nesting works reasonably well
3. I found the 3D modelling a bit more accommodating in BOBCAD compared to other packages.
4. Sales oaks are enthusiastic.
5. They do have many post processors and it is pretty easy to get a machine running on that.
Cons:
1. Without nesting, BOBCAD is a pretty dumb tool to generate toolpaths, but on the other hand, that is a good thing to learn a newbie how to think through the machining process.
2. V24 has one or two way too obvious bugs to be considered acceptable for a commercial package. If they would fix that with the same enthusiasm as making sales, that would be a good start.
3. After sales support is slow and it i hard to convince them that something is a bug and not your own stupidity.
Overall, I would say that BOBCAD could be considered a good "training package" for new CNC users - analogue to training aircraft. It has enough features to get one one long way but that is it.
From my experience in many other fields, once one start to really dig into the theory of the subject, one soon have to wipe the eye candy from the table and get to know the raw backbone. Once you are there, it is very difficult to go back to they eye candy as it often becomes a hurdle to work through.
I doubt that I will see a next version of BOBCAD on my table and I will not be surprised if I soon end up with more raw packages where I have more deliberate control and understanding of the output.
Last edited by koosjr; 06-14-2011 at 12:24 AM.
quote
3. I found the 3D modelling a bit more accommodating in BOBCAD compared to other packages.
i have never read a statement like this about bobcads drawing tools
ask some questions here and maybe someone may can help you work
through them
It certainly depends on what you compare it with. I have yet to find a 3D modelling package that makes it really easy to create shapes.
As said, for 2D I don't even bother with BOBCAD.
This is what I use:
Qcad from RibbonSoft
It served me well for many years now and is simply the easiest and quickest 2D package I ever used. However, we are waiting for Version 3 for a looooong time now. It is not a highly commercial package.
.. i think one couldn't summarize the experience with BobCad better than koosjr.
It simply is a prime example of brilliant sales tactics promoting something incredibly below average.
Recently i read an article about a guy who built a replica of Bugatti Veyron using a Mercury Cougar body.
I feel that is exactly what i got.
After years of ongoing relationship with BobCad ( starting with v 17 all the way through v23 when i finally said enough is enough) and most likely close to $ 5,000.00 in investment, i still can't open a simple drawing created IN BOBCAD few minutes earlier.
Please don't tell me it is Microsoft Window's 7 issue.
Shame on you BobCad... and shame on your customer relations practices.
ap-machine
"i still can't open a simple drawing created IN BOBCAD few minutes earlier."
I apologize you feel so upset by "customer relations practices".
I'm sure we can fix this for you if you care to.
If this was an issue with the software, no one would be able to use it ever. So lets assume this a fixable issue.
This does not occur on my computer, I unfortunately would like to assume this a windows or hardware issue. But this could be something else.
We can look at it and work with you to fix the problem and would be more than happy to.
If this happens to you I'm sure we can solve the problem, please call me directly and we can review the problem in depth.
Sean Owen
727-489-0003
You can also PM me or email me Sowen@bobcad.com
Sean,Originally Posted by Sowen
The attempts have been made by BobCad to resolve it in the past.
While I have to admit that I did misstate the details slightly - after all the problem appeared after installing Win 7 - the fact is that after those attempts I felt that the only solution BobCad was able to offer is for me to upgrade to the new version.
In our experience, every new release we purchased - while certainly improved in the "user interface" aspect - did not deliver what was promised.
Peter
If the only thing that would fix the issue is to upgrade you, I can assure you we will handle that free of charge.
If you would like to resolve the issue I would be happy to help.
I absolutely would love to resolve the issue and will be calling you tomorrow.
Peter
Great ! Make sure you ask for Sean, and let reception know that I am expecting your call.
727-489-0003
"i still can't open a simple drawing created IN BOBCAD few minutes earlier."
Just an observation,you only have twenty or so posts on the forum.If this is what you been doing for all those versions you have owned,and it sucks,you need to reach out a little more.People here can help.
You are correct JR, i should.
Perhaps CAD / CAM isn't sufficiently important for our operation,
Perhaps that is why I went with the budget software,
Perhaps my limited notes here will help those who really relay on the CAD / CAM to make their decision,
BobCad appears to be an option for startups / beginers - its just that in my experience the old versions worked well and then it all went down hill when i was sold on the idea of upgrades for this reason or another.
I belive their developement team bit more than they could handle.
Without specifics and going through history - i remember key features (milling) we were sold on ( and purchased the upgrades for) not working as advertised.
We are a job shob, and don't required complex profiling.
We still - to this day - use a very very old version of MasterCam to generate profiles, while use bobcad to draw / make sketches.
But ....... you might be correct - perhaps I should've reached out more to the forum - instead - i got angry at BobCad since - after all - we purchased extended support . :-)
Jip,
And Months after I bought my V24, we are still only on update 208 - the same I have.
I thought they would fix have fixed a few bugs by now.
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