Newbie- CAM PROGRAM

[WATERJET71]

Hi,

I'm about to get a CNC mill, I dont know much a bout programing I program NC turrets,laser, waterjet etc. But I have never been exposed to a cnc mill or lathe. I have a machinist background (manual) My question is what cam program should I get or what's the most affordable or easiest to learn. or who offers me more for my money.

Thank you for your help.

[harley4ever]

I've used Featurecam in the past, and while it's nice, it's very expensive. Take a look at Dolphin cad cam. Very nice package while being in most of our range pricing wise.

[andywarwick]

If your a new CAM user, FeatureCAM is ideal as it already has alot of the "knowledge" built in, including automatic selection of feeds and speeds and tools selection, its very easy to learn and you can easily be up and cutting parts very quickly.
Take a look at Welcome to FeatureCAM for more information (you can also download a Free of charge Demo version from the site)

[WATERJET71]

I Dont have a big budget to start, I know there is alot of programs out there right now But beve expensive I just want to keep as low as possible since this is new to me.

[andywarwick]

To be honest, with CAM software you really do get what you pay for. May I suggest you download a free demo copy of FeatureCAM and have a go at some of the examples, maybe also contact your local DELCAM sales partner and they will be able to tell you if there are any training courses being offered by community colleges nearby,

That's how LC fabrications started out using FeatureCAM:

LC Fabrications

[WATERJET71]

Originally Posted by andywarwick To be honest, with CAM software you really do get what you pay for. May I suggest you download a free demo copy of FeatureCAM and have a go at some of the examples, maybe also contact your local DELCAM sales partner and they will be able to tell you if there are any training courses being offered by community colleges nearby, That's how LC fabrications started out using FeatureCAM: LC Fabrications

I understand the line" you get what you paid for" But sometimes Budget its a big problem. I only have $1000 to spend on my cam program How much can I get..??? I dont know.

[andywarwick]

The best advice I can give you is to contact your local Delcam Sales Partner, from what you have said it sounds as though FeatureCAM is ideal for your needs.

[WATERJET71]

Originally Posted by andywarwick The best advice I can give you is to contact your local Delcam Sales Partner, from what you have said it sounds as though FeatureCAM is ideal for your needs.

Ok I went to their website but when I pick Northamerica they show a lot of resellers. but they offer different "modules" or programs I live in northern ca so I dont know who is the local reseller.

[andywarwick]

If you go-to the following link, it should take you to a form you can fill in for more information, this will then automatically be forwarded to the relevant reseller. It also gives you the opportunity to tick a box at the bottom of the form to download a free demo version.

Hope this helps!

Delcam Contact Form