What software Y'all using?

[ny_racer_xxx]

OK, i don't have a $1000 to throw at software. I've been using emachineshop for 2D drawings that are good enough for the waterjet guy. What I have are some 3D pieces that need to be turned, and I can create them on emachine, but the output file is not good enough for them to look at.

Thanks,
CR

[txcncman]

For turning, you still only need 2D to draw the profile of the part.

[ny_racer_xxx]

Drawing isn't the problem, it's the machine shop looking at the part and getting dimensions from it. The 2D DXF file I sent them didn't look so hot, and they couldn't import a IGS file either.

[txcncman]

While 3D and solid models make the designer's job easier, they do not replace 2D orthographic projection drawings. To get a tool path for a lathe on all the CAM software I know of, all one needs is the 2D profile. If your shop is having trouble visualizing the finished part, sending a graphic, just like you did here is an acceptable way to relate that information. You already indicated your lack of funds to purchase software. The cheapest software I could recommend is free for 2D and minimum of over $2000 for 3D. So, there you have it. See if someone else can offer a better cheaper software. Or, come up with more money.

Take a look at some of these:

http://www.freebyte.com/cad/cad.htm

[patriqq]

You can rent Ashlar Vellum programs by the month. Thats what I did until I could afford a purchase (and I did NOT purchase Ashlar Vellum).

[dertsap]

dirt cheap and works well
ViaCAD 2D/3D | Consumer CAD Software | PunchCAD


.

[ny_racer_xxx]

dirt cheap and works well
ViaCAD 2D/3D | Consumer CAD Software | PunchCAD


.

Dude, I just watched the video, that's the stuff!!! Looks like I could even import the 2D's that I have and export them to ACAD files...

CR

[dertsap]

Dude, I just watched the video, that's the stuff!!! Looks like I could even import the 2D's that I have and export them to ACAD files...

CR

you can download a demo to give it a try , its very functional for what its worth and its worked great for anything that I've used it for so far .
as it is with anything it takes some time to get used to it



.

[ny_racer_xxx]

I didn't see any direct link to a download or demo area on their site so I googled it and found it. You have to fill out a questioner, and they email you the link. It took the better part of an hour to download!!!

It's the V7 version, I guess close enough...

CR

[dertsap]

an hour and a stupid questionnaire sounds like a pita
i don't think there is much difference between versions other than the odd bug fix or what not , i still use version 6 which seems fine ,

[BurrMan]

Punch makes a very capable product...

Questionare??? Name-email address and a comment.

PunchCad Labs

The download is something like 500+ mb... I guess that speed will vary for different users.

The download links to demos, does only include the 2d/3d version 7 and the pro version 7.

The 2d/3d has been updated to version 8 and has some enhancments... It's only "$99.00"... It will do good solid modeling.. The pro version, $249 will add more advanced surfacing tools and rendering stuff and a multiple viewport.

[ny_racer_xxx]

I tried it last night after it finished the download.... The import export features seem pretty good and that might be worth the price of admission right there...
I saw upgrades from older to newer versions, I didn't see upgrade from 2d/3d to pro, that would be nice...

CR