cam software what to choose

[eloid]

looking for some advice, looking to buy cam software for 2d- and 3d gcode
generation. I need some thing that can handle 4 axis for a lathe option down the road. looKing for demo software that i learn with then expand the licence when need or freeware. meshcam? artcam? cut3d how do they compair?

[jsheerin]

Look at visual cam - definitely not freeware but you can add 4th axis capability later. I found cut3d, for example, would not let me do some specific 3d things I needed to do while visual cam would, but there's obviously a price you pay for that.

[sld4121]

Most of the major CAM systems these days have the capability for you to learn without buying. Unfortunately, you will not be able to post any code. Additionally, you did not say what your budget will be. "Adding on as you go" tends to be more expensive as most sellers will offer a package deal. Lastly, are you going to need things like solids imports and which version(s)?

[eloid]

Originally Posted by sld4121 Most of the major CAM systems these days have the capability for you to learn without buying. Unfortunately, you will not be able to post any code. Additionally, you did not say what your budget will be. "Adding on as you go" tends to be more expensive as most sellers will offer a package deal. Lastly, are you going to need things like solids imports and which version(s)?

budget is low at this time being untill i feel that i have master the basic concepts and willing to spend more money into the hobby.Not sure i understand solids imports ie 3d scanning? would like one good program to do
2d and 3d cam work... was impress with art cam how it quicly gen code and how it embosse carving into wood profiles and arches.. not sure if it can do 4axis or 5-6 axis down the road if i ready want to spend big buck
upgrading my z axis to handle 5-6 pivit arms.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by eloid budget is low at this time being

Well, then wouldn't that rule out ArtCAM and it's $7000+ price tag??

One way to start would be to get V-Carve Pro, and possibly upgrade to Aspire later. The upgrade price plus V-Carves price is only slightly more than Aspire's full price, so you don't lose much. However, Vectric's products don't have 4th axis support. If you read their forums, though, you'll find some workarounds that people are using to do 4th axis work with their products.

Cheapest way to do 4 axis carving is MeshCAM, but it has no 2D tools. You might also want to look at DeskProto.

[rlwoodjr]

Originally Posted by eloid looking for some advice, looking to buy cam software for 2d- and 3d gcode generation. I need some thing that can handle 4 axis for a lathe option down the road. looKing for demo software that i learn with then expand the licence when need or freeware. meshcam? artcam? cut3d how do they compair?

I am learning to use Gmax with the script to make g-code. Looks promising. It has a learning curve (I use ProE at work) but I think it offers what a person needs to make quality g-code and it is free.
http://www.cnc-toolkit.com/
http://cnc4free.org/index.html


I do have Meshcam. Works great for XYZ, I cant seem to make it work very well with a rotary axis, but I think you can download it and try it out.

[eloid]

Originally Posted by ger21 Well, then wouldn't that rule out ArtCAM and it's $7000+ price tag?? One way to start would be to get V-Carve Pro, and possibly upgrade to Aspire later. The upgrade price plus V-Carves price is only slightly more than Aspire's full price, so you don't lose much. However, Vectric's products don't have 4th axis support. If you read their forums, though, you'll find some workarounds that people are using to do 4th axis work with their products. Cheapest way to do 4 axis carving is MeshCAM, but it has no 2D tools. You might also want to look at DeskProto.

like i said Im still in a learn curve mode, the wood working I currently is consider to be high end, custom furniture one of a kind. If i get good results
and find it easy to master. Then moving up to a higher end software would only make logical sence where the return on intial investment is paid for itself
and more complex jobs can be easly mastered. At which time i would consider artcam or some thing better.

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by ger21 Well, then wouldn't that rule out ArtCAM and it's $7000+ price tag?? One way to start would be to get V-Carve Pro, and possibly upgrade to Aspire later. The upgrade price plus V-Carves price is only slightly more than Aspire's full price, so you don't lose much. However, Vectric's products don't have 4th axis support. If you read their forums, though, you'll find some workarounds that people are using to do 4th axis work with their products. Cheapest way to do 4 axis carving is MeshCAM, but it has no 2D tools. You might also want to look at DeskProto.

Man you are like a walking cncapeadia!

[dertsap]

If you want to do 4 axis work then gmax with the cnc toolkit is the best free alternative http://www.cnc-toolkit.com/cnc_toolkit.html , its a bit of a learning curve but is a very powerful combo once you get the hang of it

[rlwoodjr]

Originally Posted by dertsap If you want to do 4 axis work then gmax with the cnc toolkit is the best free alternative http://www.cnc-toolkit.com/cnc_toolkit.html , its a bit of a learning curve but is a very powerful combo once you get the hang of it

Works well with 2D dxf stuff too...

[dertsap]

Originally Posted by rlwoodjr Works well with 2D dxf stuff too...

oops over looked that you had already posted the gmax

its a great piece of software , ive had points of time when i had to pull the keyboard keys from my forehead from smashing my head on my desk top out of frustration but other than that i like it

[FandZ]

Originally Posted by dertsap oops over looked that you had already posted the gmax its a great piece of software , ive had points of time when i had to pull the keyboard keys from my forehead from smashing my head on my desk top out of frustration but other than that i like it

I've seen Gmax and the link to the cnctool kit before but kinda brushed it off. I've just downloaded it and was able to load some of my dxf files. Looks like I've found some software to keep me frustrated for the next couple of weeks. I wonder how long will it take me to generate some useful gcode.

I know it's not my thread but thanks for the links.