2D Cam software

[flash319]

What does everyone use for their 2D toolpaths? I have edgecam and inventor but they are not very good at doing simple stuff because they are for solid models. I would like to be able to cut single point signs or emboss lettering into stuff but have yet to find an easy (free or cheap) solution.

[dblox]

I looked at a bunch of different 2d CAM software before I bought Dolphin CAM, ask them about hobby pricing, I also have 3D cam but I only ever use it for the true 3D stuff.
Dolphin is just so simple to use, and to tweak, it always does what I want it to.
I use it for a milling machine, but I know if I had a router I would use the same software.
Although it does engraving fairly well, you have to click the inside and outside of each letter to generate the paths required. It won't do any of that fancy V-carve stuff - just traces the toolpaths at a set depth.
You can repeat toolpaths along a grid if you want to make multiple parts out of a single sheet of material too.

[analogman]

This comes up every once in a while so try the search.

I did evaluations of SheetCAM, Cut2D and CamBam. Cut2D was the clear winner for ease of use and getting the job done quick. The have a great forum too, however it is so easy to use I have probably only posted there a couple of times.

SheetCAM and CamBam have a few more features, but not enough to make them better than Cut2D.

[Kingjamez]

I went through the many many 2D CAM packages out there. I ended up buying V-Carve Pro. For a wood router it is absolutely fantastic. It can't be beat for wooden signs period.

After I built my wood router, I went on to build an X3 metal mill. V-Carve pro is also nearly perfect for those types of projects as well. I highly highly recommend it. The price was hard for me to swallow, but now that I have it, I'd pay double.

-Jim

[TheBigJW]

Originally Posted by flash319 What does everyone use for their 2D toolpaths? I have edgecam and inventor but they are not very good at doing simple stuff because they are for solid models. I would like to be able to cut single point signs or emboss lettering into stuff but have yet to find an easy (free or cheap) solution.

You should contact Ambo technologies. They have a great little 2d application for edgecam.

John

[lumberjack_jeff]

I think Sheetcam is a really fantastic package. Fast, simple and I find it really easy to use.

[crane550]

Originally Posted by Kingjamez I went through the many many 2D CAM packages out there. I ended up buying V-Carve Pro. For a wood router it is absolutely fantastic. It can't be beat for wooden signs period. After I built my wood router, I went on to build an X3 metal mill. V-Carve pro is also nearly perfect for those types of projects as well. I highly highly recommend it. The price was hard for me to swallow, but now that I have it, I'd pay double. -Jim

Diddo everything he just said.

[Jack000]

I'm gonna throw in a plug for my cam program, partkam

it obviously doesn't compare to the commercial offerings, but it's free and easy to use.