How do you like FlashCut?

[fivaxis]

I love it, works great for what I do. Very solid easy to use software. I have a Taig and steppers and cut titanium.

I added 3 zero switches (a must have) and they repeat within tenths.

Accuracy is great, speed with the steppers is pretty slow though I couldn't get them to go very fast no matter what the settings.

The error checking is great and so is the graphing.

[Stepper Monkey]

After using it in a production environment for several years, I have to say that it is indeed very reliable and completely transparent to set up and use. That said, I think the many downsides to it more than offset the initial convenience, and the cost is exceptionally high for the rather lackadaisical performance. It has a lot of room for improvement. I no longer use Flashcut systems, and would likely not choose them again unless major design improvements happen that bring the performance up to par with the alternatives.

[corrie]

Could someone please tell me the cost for flashcut,can,t seem to find the price.Thankyou.

[Dr Pete]

You have to call them or send an e-mail.

One thing I did notice if you buy, be careful of the upgrade policy.
Had version 1.4 ~ 15 years old, when they finally upgraded to V2 they wanted to charge me more $$ and never got an upgrade (their fault they said upgrade was a few months turned into years)
Had to pay for a new chip to run the software.
Then 13 months later they come out with V3 and want to charge me again (upgrade policy is 12 months)
If they make an upgrade they won't notify you.

As previously stated, for the price you can find better software.

Mach 3 ? is only $295.00 I believe and you get better support and more features.

Hope this is helpful.

P.S. I have used flashcut for at least 15 years and the program is easy to use and I am happy with it.

[corrie]

Thanks for the reply and the heads up Dr.Pete

[DonFrambach]

I have used the FlashCut servo system with NEMA 23 motors for almost 2 years. I started with version 2.X on a modified Sherline mill with A2ZCNC "X" and "Y" extended axes and upgraded ACME screws. I moved the whole system to a MiniTech 4 mill about 6 weeks ago. I've upgraded the FlashCut software twice. I'm currently running version 3.0.15.

I found FlashCut technical support to be very helpful when I did the two upgrades. (No need for technical support at any other time.) FlashCut even "lent" a board to me so that I could continue working as the upgrade from version 2 to 3 was going on.

There was a small bug in version 3.0.12 that bothered me that was fixed in version 3.0.15.

Never had a crash. Never lost communication with my motors. Everything just works.

[mp-]

I'm also quite satisfied with FC. I've been running it on a converted Dyna 2800 since 2003. The tech support has been on time, and on point. The software just works.

mp-

[Wolahopper]

Originally Posted by c-fex if you had to choose between flashcut and microkinectics stepper machines which would you choose?

I would chose Flashcut. I just bought a Pro series flashcut control. We retroed our Boss 5 Bridgeport in 3 hrs. This beats for the money, Fanuc, Bridgeport, Centroid controls, which I have ran for 25 yrs. like a dirty dog. The support was outrageous, was very good! My steel cutting machine back in business for $3070.00 with all the bells & whistles! I like it so much, we are ordering another complete system this week. The dirty Bridgeport & Fanuc crooks will never get another dime from me. I love flashcut.