Quick questions for anyone using v21

[cnczoner]

Looking for some basic info before purchasing...
(1) Will v21 do separate roughing and finishing passes easily?
(2) For circles, does v21 generate code that uses G02/G03, or does it try to interpolate circles itself as a series of straight lines?
(3) Will it let me use a drill-mill to chamfer (rather then trying to interpolate the angled edge with multiple passes at different levels)?

Thanks,
-Neil.

[tobyaxis]

If you want to see what BCC V21 can do log into this Forum http://cadcamtrainer.com/forums/index.php

Download the Free Video Tutorials created by Sorin Nenu the Official BobCAD/CAM Trainer.

BCC can do what your asking but it will take some work on your part. You may want to see what is involved before making your purchase.

Also you may want to check out the Capabilities of V2007. It is a totally different interface than V21 with a lot more power and control of 2D-3D CNC Programming.

Cheers!!!!

[cnczoner]

Grrrrrrr... Bobcad's been annoying today. Was offered v21 for $400 a few weeks ago, but that salesrep moved to another dept. Today I decided to stop agonizing over this and just get it, and a new salesrep agreed with v21 for $400, but was adamant that I needed 2007 and said could I get it "for less than v21". After a 1.5hr demo he irately said $2000 was the best he'd do, so I'm sticking with v21 (at a good price from a reseller).

I'll realistically use this for about 1 part per month, and in testing/learning so far I've been able to write the g-code manually in about 30 mins each, so it's not worth $2000 to me. I'm more looking for the quick visualization and simplicity over writing code.

Other option is Alibre with MeshCAM (or other cam), but I like that Bobcad is integrated so should expectedly work better/easier together.

[tobyaxis]

Yea that can be annoying at times. Stick with V21 and login on CAD/CAM Trainer.com. There is a lot of great help for you there, here and on the BobCAD Support Forum.

Cheers!!!!!

[neilw20]

Originally Posted by cnczoner Looking for some basic info before purchasing... (1) Will v21 do separate roughing and finishing passes easily? (2) For circles, does v21 generate code that uses G02/G03, or does it try to interpolate circles itself as a series of straight lines? (3) Will it let me use a drill-mill to chamfer (rather then trying to interpolate the angled edge with multiple passes at different levels)? Thanks, -Neil.

1. Nothing is easy. The user interface is weird. BobCAD 2007 much better.
2. I believe g2 g3 ok.
3. In tool setup in BobCAD 2007. Dunno about v21.
4. BobCAD 2007 interface much more sane. BobCAD support is good.
5. I might give up trying to learn it. Mastercam is much nicer.
Note: I am not interested in creating things with the CAM package. Already created by ACAD or SOLIDWORKS or some other package,
usually at the whim of the customer, by the customer.

Look here:
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41277

[cnczoner]

I actually did discover cadcamtrainer a week ago, but I cannot find these videos of which you speak. Links/pointers?
Thanks.

[cnczoner]

BTW, a few weeks ago, I was able to run the 2007 demo but not the v21 demo. ...got a "not authorized" message, and clicking "register later" would not run the app. I expect if I call bobcad I'll get the same salesrep, so anyone know how to get the v21 demo running?
Thanks.

[tjones]

Originally Posted by cnczoner I actually did discover cadcamtrainer a week ago, but I cannot find these videos of which you speak. Links/pointers? Thanks.

If you are registered on the cadcam trainer sight then log in and look near the top of the fourm list. There is one there called Sorin's Videos. In that post has all the info needed to get to his videos. If you are not logged in on the forum you can not see this link.

http://www.cadcamtrainer.com/forums/...read.php?t=239

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by cnczoner BTW, a few weeks ago, I was able to run the 2007 demo but not the v21 demo. ...got a "not authorized" message, and clicking "register later" would not run the app. I expect if I call bobcad I'll get the same salesrep, so anyone know how to get the v21 demo running? Thanks.

You may want to call BCC Tech Support if you just want to run the Demo without purchasing. I never ran any Demo's from the website, but I think you have to give some basic information for it to run in Demo mode.

[cnczoner]

Actually BCC called me back yesterday and i now have v21 operational. Got a chance to try it for a few minutes and I found it quite easy to use -- I was able to generate a typical (to me) part quite quickly. Compared to 2007, it did not have the solid 3D view while sketching, but I was quite comfortable with the wireframe view and the render function is still there when I need to see what the finished part would look like. Most everything I'm doing involves solids with boolean ops.

BUT... it did crash on me once and started beeping continuously, so I had to shut it down forcibly. On another occassion the wire-frame drawing disappeared so I closed out and it restored the drawing on re-starting the app. Also, I can't see what sort of G-code it would give me, so I'll see if BCC tech will generate some test g-code for me. I worry that this will cost me another 1.5 mid-day hours since I can't save my test part in the demo version to send it to them.

[tobyaxis]

The problems your having with BCC V21 sound like the Graphics Card doesn't have enough memory.

What Graphics Card do you have?

The way to find out is to......

Open BobCAD >Main Menu> Help> System Information.


If you need to buy a New Graphics Card I suggest this Website.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/

Look for WorkStation Graphics Cards. These are way different than Video Game Cards and a lot more expensive.

Nvidia and ATI make some of the Better Mid-Range to High End Cards


Cheers!!!!

[kenrik]

Originally Posted by cnczoner Looking for some basic info before purchasing... (1) Will v21 do separate roughing and finishing passes easily? (2) For circles, does v21 generate code that uses G02/G03, or does it try to interpolate circles itself as a series of straight lines? (3) Will it let me use a drill-mill to chamfer (rather then trying to interpolate the angled edge with multiple passes at different levels)? Thanks, -Neil.

Neil, Have you looked into the Dolphin Cad/Cam software??. It might be worth a look .



Cheers !!!!!