best CAM software for my diy router?

[animus_divinus]

im just curious as to what sort of CAM software i should look into using for my cnc router.. i used to use solidworks for modeling, but ive switched to autodesk inventor and i was looking for a good CAM program to run my machine.. any suggestions?.. open source is OK too if its good

[animus_divinus]

i should mention i have a 10.2 inch netbook with a mini expresscard slot that has a serial port on it... i will be using this to plug the laptop into my CNC controller... i design things in 3D on my desktop PC, generate the G-code on the same PC, then i want to be able to transfer and store that into the laptop and run the cnc router with it....

thats what id like to accomplish, and id like to know the best way of doing this

[louieatienza]

Your CAM software decision should be based on the type of projects you will be doing. For basic 2.5D stuff you can get away with something like Cut2D. For 3D it's not as clear-cut. You can use MeshCAM or Cut3D or such for basic 3D work, but there are limitations as to how you can machine 3D shapes. Since you're using some pretty serious CAD software, you may want to use different machining strategies for different surfaces, and that can only really be accomplished by using decent (i.e. expensive) CAM software, which can cost way wmore than your machine! I had done it with Cut3D, by selecting and exporting separate surfaces from CAD, processing g-code for each, then combining the programs; then again, it's still a bit limiting. MeshCAM does offer more machining strategies for 3D stuff.

You could check out BobCAM, which you could probably wheel and deal for a good price. SprutCAM is another relatively inexpensive choice as well as VisualMill.

[animus_divinus]

i looked into bobcad-cam.. looked nice, also found gibbscam and that looked really nice, anyone used it before?

[louieatienza]

Originally Posted by animus_divinus i looked into bobcad-cam.. looked nice, also found gibbscam and that looked really nice, anyone used it before?

GibbsCAM is excellent; that is of course, if you have about $10,000 to blow. I know SurfCAM (without TrueMILL) is $10,000. OneCNC 3D Mill Advantage costs abut $2700-3000 and Mill Expert about $7000. BobCAD V24 Pro costs about $3000-4000, but I've heard it sold for under $500; their salespersons are relentless just to warn you. VisualMill Basic costs about $1000.

[andyseubert]

Have you considered cambam? CamBam CNC Software
It's affordable at $200 and can do different machining on different surfaces with some effort, but is super quick for 2.5 d stuff

[n24re]

I'll throw my vote in for CUT2D or 3D from Vetric...very easy to use with great results.

Cheers'

Steve

[fixtureman1]

Aspire from Vectric is also a good choice. Like they said Bobcam will pester you to death trying to get you to buy. I requested some info 5 years ago and still get phone calls and emails begging me to buy their software.

[KSky]

I have a DIY router and I use SheetCam. One of the best things about it is the author is very active and never fails to respond to one of my questions even if it's right there in the manual or help files.

[fixtureman1]

The Vectric software has a nice forum and their support is top notch. You can download trial versions of all their software and try it but you can only make cut files om their samples.

[animus_divinus]

yeah.. im going to have to try out some trials, i dont think that i can spend so much on something ive never even tried

[dfmiller]

I own copies of Visual Mill, Meshcam, OneCNC, Cut3D and VCarve Pro.
I do my modeling of most stuff in SW.
I find myself using VCarve Pro all the time since it just works and if you have a problem the support forum answers your question promptly.
Can't give OneCNC glowing reports. I gave up using it when I was unable to get simple things to work.

Vectric products I guess are sort of like Apple products, they are easy to use and they work.

That being said many people seem to get great results from CamBam.
Do lots of demo's and if you can't try out your stuff don't buy it. Otherwise you will have as many pieces of expensive software titles sitting collecting dust as I do.
Dave