how good is EdgeCam designer

[scudzuki]

I have a new opportunity that comes with a bit of a learning curve included. I will have available SolidWorks 2005 and EdgeCam 12.5. My design experience has been limited to traditional CAD (TurboCAD and AutoCAD) and my CNC programming has always been done manually, but I want to take advantage of the tools that I'm offered. EdgeCAM boasts powerful drawing and modeling tools but it seem like SolidWorks is the gold standard. I want to hit the ground running as much as possible so learning 2 new packages will be less productive in the short term than just having to familiarize myself with EdgCAM if the design tools are as good as they would have you believe. OTOH I don't want to waste valuable time learning EdgeCam designer if SolidWorks is that much better. I've already tried and it appears that I can import SolidWorks models into EdgeCam. Anybody with experience with EdgeCAM (or both) care to weigh in?
Joe

[Mike Mattera]

If your going to learn a Cad package, Learn Solidworks.

There is no advantage to learning Edgecam Modeler/Design package. It wont give you any kind of a "head start" with Edgecam. The interface in the Modeler and the Machining packages are completely different.

So if you have a chance to learn the "gold standard", do it!.

Mike Mattera

[scudzuki]

That seems to be the consensus. Thanks for the input.
Joe