1 man shop CAD/CAM 4 axis package

[Art Ransom]

I run a 1 man shop and need to get a CAD/CAM package for wood products. I have built a 4 axis mill,lathe,indexer or what ever you want to call it runing Mach3 it that will handle 24" by 10' spindles and 22" by 128" flat work. See my site www.turningaround.org.. Looking for sugestions for package to do splindles and possibly 3D carving of moldings/freize work. I have written the G code to mill/turn blank into column and do fluting. I have looked at a lot of packages and none are aimed at the wood worker so before I invest several hundred hours on learning a package I want to get some advice.

[joecnc2006]

Tho i have not done 4 axis, have you looked at CNC_ToolKit?

let us know what you finally descide, because for use tho want a simple 4th axis indexer.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CNC_Toolkit/

Look at their 4axis section.

also visualmill, and their are others.

http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Products/visualturn.htm

Joe

[RdHawg]

At work we use Alphacam - not too well known in the u.s. and their 3 axis leaves a lot to be desired. I think their 2.5 rocks and is fairly easy to learn they do support up to 5 axis and was designed as a woodworking pkg.

[dfurlano]

Hey Art I liked your video's and powerpoint presentations!!!

Dan.

[Art Ransom]

Talked with Alphacam. At 12K a seat way out of my price league.

[Switcher]

I think this is what your trying to do (column in photo) only on a much larger scale:
http://www.cnczone.com/gallery/showp...00/ppuser/1498

Whiteriver, said he used Desk Proto 4.
http://www.deskproto.com/download/trialversion.htm

Free trial version DESKPROTO V 4 DeskProto is completely up-to-date 3D CAM software package, taking advantage of all recent improvements in Windows programming tools. For instance full 32 bits calculations for a very high speed, Open GL graphics for perfect renderings, Tab screens for an easy to understand user interface, and many more. The trial-versions available here is a completely functional version: no limitations in functionality. You can load geometry files from your own 3D CAD system, calculate toolpaths and output NC program files suitable for your CNC milling machine. You can even configure a new postprocessor in case you have a machine that is not present in the list of standard machines. The trial period is limited to a maximum of 30 days after setup. So do take care: only install when you have the time to try the software ! Once your 30 days are expired there is no possibility for a second trial period on the same computer !! As two versions of DeskProto are available (Full and Lite), two different trial versions can be downloaded as well: DP41Trial.zip and DP41Lite.zip. PS: Do not tamper with your system date as this may shorten your trial period.

.

[yohudi]

Part 1 and 2 of a brand new detailed user guide for CNC_Toolkit are out TODAY.. available as a free download from the yahoo group in my sig.. I made the guide..

Rab Gordon, the creator of CNC_Toolkit has contributed suggestions and has approved the distribution. Part 3 covering the deployment and use of multi-axis rotary configurations is currently being developed and tested...

If you have any interest in CNC_Toolkit then it's worth a read. Feel free to pick up copy...

ttfn

Danny (aka Yohudi)

[belli]

Hi Art,

Have a look at www.deskcnc.com for a fully featured 4 axis CAM package. It can accept most any popular file format, dxf, stl, jpeg, bmp etc and is really quite easy to use. Trial version runs for 30 days and is not crippled.

Cheers,
Greg

www.cncdirect.co.za