BobCad and turning?

[Excel Tool]

I am currently using MasterCam v7 (I know it's really old) and I'm looking for a newer software. I now have multiple cnc machines I would like to run with it. I would like to run my Hwcheon lathe w/Fanuc 18T, Milltronics RH-30 w/Centurion 6, Nardini w/Fanuc 20T, Acra knee mill w/Anilam Crusader 2, Victor Vmc w/Fanuc OM-A, Koike Plasma/Oxy torch w/Linatrol, and a ShopBot router. Are any of you using this software to run this many machines? Are you happy with it? The only things I see that are a problem from searching here and other cnc sites are, a lack of help files for V21, and in milling there seem to be some unnecessary movments? Any other info would be great. Also what was your start up cost with the software? I'm looking around $2100 for V21, 7 extra seats, training videos, Bobart X Pro, and Bobnest. I just can't belive the price compared to MasterCam.

Thanks for the help,

Chris

[CNCdude]

Hi Chris,
The V21 Help Files are finished and are now included with the software. For those that do not have them, you can do a live update to 21.4 and they will be in the revision.
Sincerely,
CNC Dude

[lakeside]

Almost all of version 20 help file and training cd are the same as 21 if you don't use solidwork files you could pick up 20 for less money and upgrade to 22 when it come out

[Excel Tool]

Originally Posted by lakeside Almost all of version 20 help file and training cd are the same as 21 if you don't use solidwork files you could pick up 20 for less money and upgrade to 22 when it come out

At this time I'm mostly dealing in 2 and 2 1/2 D parts, but I would like to venture out into new and more complex parts. Do you think this program will work well for me? I was really almost ready to purchase this product, but after looking over several sites and speaking with some users I'm just not sure this is for me. I need it to work well in a job shop situation, meaning it must be reliable, fast and easy to teach others to use as well as cost effective. Now alot of the info I have gotten is for older versions (17-19) but it's starting to seem like this is more of a hobbist's software. Also can you guys give me any info on how well it works for turning. Most of the posts I've read deal with milling/routing.

Thanks again,
Chris

[lakeside]

I've used Bobcad in Job shop. Bobcad had a bad rep. and I did not buy untill version 19 Personal for the money it worth the cost. If you buy the trainning cd they will help with learning curve.I find most people how have trouble with bobcad or any software is becuase the never took the time to learn the basic.Bobcad runs sales on version 20 $500. How can you beat that.Also I find the drawing package very easy to learn the cam side is also easy to learn.You can see there are a lot of user on this site to help you.Bobcad tech. support is very helpful.

[Excel Tool]

Originally Posted by lakeside I've used Bobcad in Job shop. Bobcad had a bad rep. and I did not buy untill version 19 Personal for the money it worth the cost. If you buy the trainning cd they will help with learning curve.I find most people how have trouble with bobcad or any software is becuase the never took the time to learn the basic.Bobcad runs sales on version 20 $500. How can you beat that.Also I find the drawing package very easy to learn the cam side is also easy to learn.You can see there are a lot of user on this site to help you.Bobcad tech. support is very helpful.

How well does it work for importing AUTOCAD DXF files? I usually do my drawings in AC 2005. I have asked the sales team these questions, I'm just wondering what other users have to say about the product.

[lakeside]

without a problem here a jpeg from a file a few threads down http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showth...570#post183570

[CNCdude]

Chris,
BobCAD-CAM is far more than just for Hobby work. Why don't you call BobCAD-CAM and actually get a demonstration of the product so that you can see for yourself what it can do. This way you can ask questions from a sales tech and get the data you need to make an accurate question. Not sure which post here gave you the idea about hobby software. Check it out.
CNC Dude

[CNCdude]

The new Version 21 training CD series is far from the "same" as V20 training CD's. There are over 50 more videos covering more functions and in greater detail. It is a 10 CD set rather than a 6 CD set. Yes...a lot of the functions are the same, however, there is much more to be learned from the V21 series.
After all...I'm the one that created them.
CNC Dude

[lakeside]

The cd set are well worth the money for both the new and old custorm.But I will say that because the help file were missing it forced me to open the manual for the first time.I have one of those second shift jobs that newspaper can't be seen in shop before 6PM so the book is job related.I found a lot of little thing that I missed in the pasted

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by Excel Tool I am currently using MasterCam v7 (I know it's really old) and I'm looking for a newer software. I now have multiple cnc machines I would like to run with it. I would like to run my Hwcheon lathe w/Fanuc 18T, Milltronics RH-30 w/Centurion 6, Nardini w/Fanuc 20T, Acra knee mill w/Anilam Crusader 2, Victor Vmc w/Fanuc OM-A, Koike Plasma/Oxy torch w/Linatrol, and a ShopBot router. Are any of you using this software to run this many machines? Are you happy with it? The only things I see that are a problem from searching here and other cnc sites are, a lack of help files for V21, and in milling there seem to be some unnecessary movments? Any other info would be great. Also what was your start up cost with the software? I'm looking around $2100 for V21, 7 extra seats, training videos, Bobart X Pro, and Bobnest. I just can't belive the price compared to MasterCam. Thanks for the help, Chris

BCC is the best software on the market for the price. You can do a lot of custom work in a snap. As for the unwanted machine movements you can fix this in your post processor very easily. If you need help with a post processor BCC Tech Support will work with you to design one FOR FREE. Like all software you will need to spend a little time to learn about it. BCC is a great bang for the BUCK.

Here is a list of Post Processors and they are all FREE. Mastercam and a lot of the others won't give you anything for Free. Not to mention if you don't have the right Graphics Card for your Computers Mastercam Won't Work at All.

http://www.bobcad.com/index.php?select_page=posts_index

[lakeside]

Originally Posted by tobyaxis . Mastercam and a lot of the others won't give you anything for Free. Not to mention if you don't have the right Graphics Card for your Computers Mastercam Won't Work at All.

Mastercam does have a disk and downloads for all coomon controller as far as cards you can have the same issue with bobcad