Need Help!- Selecting 3d upgrade

[dandy7200]

I am hoping to get a little advice on options for a new 3d CAD program. I have been using 2.5d CAD/CAM for a few years and have been able to create just about every part I have needed this way using some creative milling strategies. Lately though I have been designing truly 3d parts in my head and on paper and I think I am ready to step into true 3d CAD/CAM.

Currently I use V-carve pro for almost everything and if I need a little more CAD design tools I use BobCADCAM for the extra CAD features then pull it into v-carve for the CAM. I would however like to learn the 3d on a more universal platform than the BobCAD provides so I am not even considering using it, even to learn on.

Now, I have absolutely zero experience using 3d software so well documented manuals/tutorials/dvd's etc would be a absolute requirement for me. Right now I am thinking separate CAD and CAM would be the way to go. I would think a fairly robust CAD would be where most of my money would go right now. I know there will be a long learning curve so being able to draw for a while and get proficient at the CAD end of things seems like the first step. A very basic CAM package would be needed from time to time but I don't mind upgrading that part down the road when I am ready to take the next step.

I have been considering adding a 4th axis to my router so having an upgradable CAM package would be great. Another option that I am good with would be to get a inexpensive (disposable) 3d CAM package to learn on and then pony up when the time comes to get a real CAM package.

I would also like to be able to model all of the products I currently build to use as photo realistic models on my website (figure this will be good practice). The assemblies that move in real life would be nice to have animated as flash objects if that is possible, I have seen interactive viewers embedded on sites to, that would be nice...... I have no idea if that is part of some CAD packages or if it a separate plug-in or standalone software component so advice there would be appreciated as well. I do own Adobe CS4 so I am thinking that will come in handy when the time comes.

I have $1000 to spend right now. I realize that rules out some of the better CAD programs but I am hoping it will buy into something that is workable for a year or so, then, when I outgrow it I will likely move to Solidworks. I have been leaning towards Alibre for the CAD and it looks like their top level also includes a basic CAM package, if anyone is using that combo I would love to hear about it, from what I have read the skills learned in Alibre would transfer nicely to Solidworks.

I know there are some other options but as I look through the many choices at my price point I find a lot of CAD/CAM packages rather than stand alone. I am cool with a combo as a starter package but I do want to make sure it is capable of handling the CAD requirements I have. I am pretty much open to any advice at this point and time about other options that would fit into what I am trying to do here.

TIA

[fabconv]

solidworks (there's a free edition) and visualmill are a good choice

[Tom Siler]

I use Cut3D far more than I use Vcarve Pro. The interfaces are similar enough but the capabilities are different. There are things that Cut3D won't do automatically but for most stuff it's quite sufficient.

I do all of my 3d drawing in Rhino and export to .3ds.

There are lots of good choices.

[mcphill]

If you have BobCAD v23, don't look further for the CAM side - it can and WILL do all that you need it to.

For the CAD side, I love SolidWorks, and find it very easy to use. I design solely in 3D. It is pricey (I don't think there are any true "free" versions, but student versions with a 1-year use are available at lower cost). If you can afford a true seat of it, it is fantastic software. Also BobCAD just came out with a CAM package that is an add-in to SolidWorks, and is a remarkable addition. It makes going from CAD to CAM within the SolidWorks environment a breeze! You can get BobCAM for ~$750 as a current customer (it is a $2500 package - JUST for the CAM addin - normally). If you are not happy with BobCAM, may I ask why? It does take a learning curve, but is great software once you understand it. I do admit I don't use or care for the CAD side, but the CAM side is very good....