What Software do you use along with the PRO'S and CON'S

[Revtech]

I'm looking to fine out what the most popular programs are and how easy they are to use. Please list the software you use with your CNC router form design to carve, along with your PRO’S and CON'S within reason that is.

I have purchased enough poor software and would like to do it right this time by buying the right software the first time. I have a few I’m leaning to but want to find out what the population is using and why!!! I really feel this information could be good for the beginners like myself.

Thanks for your time! Rev.

[motomitch1]

Onecnc xr2 pro very easy to learn,sorry no CON'S

[lakeside]

the pro-con of software that I use is price-proformance and need, at work surfcam at home bobcad

[ger21]

To control your machine, Mach3.

For CAD/CAM, what's your budget, and what kinds of things are you looking to make?

[Revtech]

I guess I'm looking to see what the DIY is using! I figure that if they make there own machine that they are not going to spend 3 grand on software or am I wrong. If I could find a piece of software that cost less than 500.00 that would be good. Free would be better but if it is the right software then I would spend the money. I'm looking at the Vcarve software now but I some of the things I want to do are not display type pieces. I would like to use it to design and build some parts also. IE... my next CNC machine. Some other wood projects also. I did not mean to open a hornet’s nest. I figured it would be short and sweet. I do have the demo of Mach 3 does any one have a quick setup guide for that software? Thanks again. Rev.

[Bubba]

I have a mill/drill that is cncd, but not a router.

I use TurboCNC for the controler software
Pro: Inexpensive (and I get the source code to play with)
IT WORKS
Runs on older (read cheap or free) computers as it runs under DOS (and I personally don't trust windows)

Con: Like most of our hobby type programs, it is always under development, but the bugs are very minor for my operations.

Cam
I use Sheetcam
Pro: Easy to use
Works
I have the ability to change the post processor and delvelop it to do what I want in a simple manner. Try that with the big priced spread!
Inexpensive compaired to everything else out there.
Con: Same as above, but I went into it knowing it was being developed. Again, cannot complain as it does what I want and Les has been very helpfull with any new features or problems.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Revtech I do have the demo of Mach 3 does any one have a quick setup guide for that software? Thanks again. Rev.

There are a bunch of video tutorials at www.machsupport.com I believe the first one deals with setup.

As Bubba mentioned, checkout Sheetcam. SheetCAM and any cheap or free CAD program will let you make the parts your talking about.

[Phase1]

http://www.cuttingedgecnc.com/programs.htm

The list is not complete, but a good reference.

[js11110]

Revtech,

I have VCarve pro, and have not found one thing that I couldn't do with it yet. In my opinion, the best software one could possibly have. Also, If you get stuck trying to do something, the Vectric forums are second to none!

JAson