Is any one really happy with Dolphin CAD/CAM

[foxsquirrel]

I hope it is just my ignorance, I have yet to do anything productive with the CAD or CAM. It seems rather hard to use and poorly documented. Has any one had good luck with this package??

[r.r.mccoy]

I just got it and though I haven't put it on my machine (it is still a work in progress) I like it. I spent a weekend viewing these videos.

http://www.zen11777.zen.co.uk/Download/movies/

After that I was able to simulate with mach3 and cncsimulator a part of my own design. I like the cut and past aspect of the path tree a lot. For 2-1/2d this is a good program.

I will admit that I had to push through a few functions to for me to understand how they worked or why I hadn't set something up correctly, but overall it suits my needs.

I must say that I have not used the cad module except to define the contours or parts before using the milling module. (this was one of the understandings I learned)

I have use another program which I am already familiar with to generate the dxf files.

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by foxsquirrel I hope it is just my ignorance, I have yet to do anything productive with the CAD or CAM. It seems rather hard to use and poorly documented. Has any one had good luck with this package??

Have you looked at BobCAD V21 or V2007 yet? There is a lot of help for those here, on CAD/CAM Trainer and the BCC Support Forum.

[MIKE JEFFERS]

used it for 5 years
dont use the cad side tho as i have autocad
but as cam software its very good real easy to use and figure out when it
doesent work (usually cad related)
i also have edgecam ......now for surfaces its fine but 2d/2.5d stuff its more
hassle than its worth
stick with it you'll grow to love it
mike

[ImanCarrot]

Same as Mike here- i use the Dolphin CAM, but not the CAD cos I got ACAD. I tried the Dolphin CAD but found it counter intuitive (proly cos I've been using ACAD since forever and I guess it's what you're used to).

The Dolphin CAM I found very easy to use and was cutting metal within 1 hour of trying it- bear in mind this was the first time I'd ever even hit the big green button on a turret mill.

I had to export the ACAD file and import it into Dolphin then Post Process, but it was extremely easy- I found the manual for the CAM simplicity itself and would recommend the CAM thingy without reservation- though can't coment on the CAD since I'm an old git and and "know what I like and like what I know" lol.

Now I only need to figure out how to hold down the big bits of aluminium that seem to want to stick to the end mill thingy and whizz off the bed at a tangent, but precisely at right angles to my rib- cage... anyone got body armour for sale hehe?

[wwendorf]

I like it a lot. I have a few other CAD applications, but Dolphin is very easy to use. The CAM is also very fast and powerful.

Wade

[Chad_Clark]

Originally Posted by tobyaxis Have you looked at BobCAD V21 or V2007 yet? There is a lot of help for those here, on CAD/CAM Trainer and the BCC Support Forum.

Toby,

This is a Dolphin CAD/CAM forum, please do not advertise on here. This is for Dolphin CAD/CAM users and help with the program. We don't go on the BobCAD forum where people complain and push dolphin, please have the same respect.

Thank You,
Chad

[tobyaxis]

Originally Posted by Chad_Clark Toby, This is a Dolphin CAD/CAM forum, please do not advertise on here. This is for Dolphin CAD/CAM users and help with the program. We don't go on the BobCAD forum where people complain and push dolphin, please have the same respect. Thank You, Chad

Nice to see you here again Chad.

Sorry about that. I hope you accept my humble apologies. Sometimes I forget where I'm posting.

You have a good weekend.

Cheers!!!!!!

[Chad_Clark]

Originally Posted by foxsquirrel I hope it is just my ignorance, I have yet to do anything productive with the CAD or CAM. It seems rather hard to use and poorly documented. Has any one had good luck with this package??

What is it that you are having trouble with exactly. I would be glad to help you out. I am sorry that you seem to be having trouble at this time, but I am sure I can help you get pass that. Just let me know what I can do for you.

[foxsquirrel]

Originally Posted by Chad_Clark What is it that you are having trouble with exactly. I would be glad to help you out. I am sorry that you seem to be having trouble at this time, but I am sure I can help you get pass that. Just let me know what I can do for you.

Chad,

Part of the problem was your former employee Rodney that went back to BCC. He promised us posts for our machines and only did one for the Anilam 1400 and it does not work! I did get the spindle to turn after working on the post, the cutter comp does not work because it needs a XY move immediately following the G41 or G42. The post outputs G4* preceding GO3 and this will not work.

FYI, we have BCC and the only good version was the old DOS version.

[Chad_Clark]

OK, I will get that fixed for you. What I also need is a list of the other posts that you need and sample programs that you have already run on the machines and I will get them for you. I am sorry that you have been having trouble, but I will get everything ironed out for you. My email is chad@dolphincadcamusa.com. Just send that stuff over to me along with you email and I will get that updated Anilam 1400 over along with the other posts that you need.

[foxsquirrel]

Originally Posted by Chad_Clark OK, I will get that fixed for you. What I also need is a list of the other posts that you need and sample programs that you have already run on the machines and I will get them for you. I am sorry that you have been having trouble, but I will get everything ironed out for you. My email is chad@dolphincadcamusa.com. Just send that stuff over to me along with you email and I will get that updated Anilam 1400 over along with the other posts that you need.

Chad,

Do you have a FAX number, I will have the information faxed to you, it might be easier for you that way.