Hobby Level CAD Recommendation

[bkdaaa]

Hello,

I am looking for an inexpensive Hobby Level CAD package to use with Mach3 on my CNC Mill. I currently have Vectric VCarve that I am using for VCarving and 2D stuff. I would like an easy to use 3D Cad program that I could generate output in GCode to Mach3 or use a GCode generator to create output. The main focus is cost, the second is ease of use. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Doug

[ger21]

What type of parts or things do you want to make?
In addition to a CAD program, you're also going to need a 3D CAM program.

[bkdaaa]

Well, I am using Mach 3 so I guess I need a new cam program as well? As for the parts I am not sure yet, I want to do architectural molding/sign type stuff. I plan on adding a 4th axis eventually too and hope to make busts/carving roughouts etc. I would also like to be able to make other dimensional parts etc for a myraid of other projects. The immediate one is a rubber band powered rocket for a contest we do at work (I dont currently own a lathe yet).

Thanks,
Doug

[ger21]

Mach3 is not a CAM program.

I've heard good things about ViaCAD
ViaCAD 2D/3D | Consumer CAD Software | PunchCAD

[bkdaaa]

Confusing... lol so my understanding is CAD is drawing and CAM is machine control, is this correct? I have so much to learn! So 3D Bas Relief type carving falls into this area correct? I will take a look at the program you have suggested. Thank you for the input.

[ger21]

No, Mach3 is machine control.
CAM creates g-code that you load into Mach3.

Relief carving isn't usually done with a CAD program. Usually you'd use a 3D modeler like Silo, or something specialized for that application like Aspire.

[bkdaaa]

Ok got it. So I need something to generate the G-Code for Mach3 to run, that is the CAM software I need. And I need something to do 3d parts drawings and modeling, that would be my CAD software. For 3d BAS-relief type projects, that would be something along the Aspire or Silo type of software, 3d Modeling. So much software Being just a hobbyist I like the pricepoint for Silo, 1/10 that of my upgrade path for vectric. I do like working with the VCarve program. Maybe Cut 3D would be a possibility.
To keep focus, right now I am trying to design and cut some limit switch mounting solutions and fan mounts for my motors. I am really having a blast with the CNC Machine and I want to explore the capabilities it has. So not realizing 3d parts and 3d bas relief would be 2 different entities, I need to break those into smaller bites then. I will do some research into the modeling software first and explore bas relief work. Then the next progression would be to full 3d. I think it sounds like a good progression to follow. Thanks for the input it is greatly appreciated.

[ger21]

Cut3D would be the 3D CAM program.

[Mike 1948]

Ok got it. So I need something to generate the G-Code for Mach3 to run, that is the CAM software I need. And I need something to do 3d parts drawings and modeling, that would be my CAD software. For 3d BAS-relief type projects, that would be something along the Aspire or Silo type of software, 3d Modeling. So much software Being just a hobbyist I like the pricepoint for Silo, 1/10 that of my upgrade path for vectric. I do like working with the VCarve program. Maybe Cut 3D would be a possibility.
To keep focus, right now I am trying to design and cut some limit switch mounting solutions and fan mounts for my motors. I am really having a blast with the CNC Machine and I want to explore the capabilities it has. So not realizing 3d parts and 3d bas relief would be 2 different entities, I need to break those into smaller bites then. I will do some research into the modeling software first and explore bas relief work. Then the next progression would be to full 3d. I think it sounds like a good progression to follow. Thanks for the input it is greatly appreciated.

With Cut3D you can only "import" already created 3d models or toolpaths. You cannot "create" a 3d model or 2 1/2 D bas relief model. You would have to upgrade to Aspire or another 2 1/2d or 3d modeler.
I use Aspire (CAD) for designing carving models and Mach3 (Cam) for machine control. They play very nicely together. I "hobby" carve, signs, bas reliefs, cribbage boards etc, etc. Love it!
I also have Cut3d but very very seldom use it, I normally don't need to cut both or all 4 sides of a model.
Download the free trial verson of Aspire and see if it fits your needs

Good Luck
Mike

[br1]

You have Vcarve right ? why not use it to design your parts and generate your code, However you can only import 3d models with it or design 2.5d parts. MeshCam perhaps MeshCAM - CNC Software - CAD/CAM Software as a alternative, sorry Mike I didn't see your post on cut3d, I agree Aspire would be the way to go for creating models with Vectric software. I am looking into this myself, I have Vcarve Pro and I have made a lot of neat projects with the code that I can run using Mach3 to controll the machine.

[lovebugjunkie]

For 3D cad: (Free ones I have tried, and not so free)

Autodesk 123D - Download Free 3D Modeling Software
You can export STL if you create an account and are logged in when you save your work as STL. STL option will not how up if you are not logged into your account.

DAZ 3D - Free 3D Software and 3D Model Providers
Out of all the 3D I have tried I find this one of the easier ones to work with.
There is also a lot of free tutorials you can view on the internet of buy the DVD download. Link below is what I use.
Geekatplay™ Studio, Hexagon tutorials
Geekatplay™ Studio, Hexagon tutorials

Sketchup also, you can get a plugin that lets you export STL.

Google SketchUp
STL plugin
Convert Sketchup SKP files to DXF or STL | guitar-list
I have used this to export DXF file for VcarvePro and it works well.

I have tried the demo of MOI which I liked, but it's not free.
www. MoI, 3D modeling for designers and artists

[salzburg]

Have a look at SolveSpace-parametric 3D CAD. It's free. I came across it recently but I
know nothing about it.