Question about various CAM packages

[Tom Siler]

So I'm a relative newcomer to this world, having built my Joe's CNC last fall and really getting it tuned and cutting well just after Christmas.

Most of my application for this is 3d carving of male and female model aircraft part molds, though I've found it quite useful for creation of templates, patterns, etc as well.

My machine is 4' by 2' and driven by steppers and ACME rod, using a Hitachi plunge router for a spindle. I have a Gecko 540 controlled by Mach3, and have been using Cut3d and Vcarve Pro from Vectric... mostly Cut3d. I draw all of my solids in Rhino and export as .3ds files to the CAM software. So far, my experience has been good, but the Cut3d software isn't terribly flexible. I would like to be able to do multiple roughing passes, and multiple finishing passes with different tools for different parts of the cut. For example, I'd love to cut the bulk of my wing surfaces with a 1/2 ballnose or larger so that the stepover lines are less pronounced, while using a 1/8 ballnose or a tapered ballnose for the LE and sharper detail portions around the tips. With Cut3d, this doesn't seem to be possible.

What CAM software is available that will allow me to do a toolpath on part of the solid with one tool, and use different speeds, stepovers, etc with a different tool on other parts of the same solid? I'd prefer something that can do this without alot of manual Gcode manipulation as I"m currently doing.

Am I nuts or is there something out there that can help?

Thanks,
Tom

[mcphill]

Look in to BobCAD. You should be able to talk them down to about $800 for a seat of V23. There will be a learning curve, but the software is VERY powerful once you learn how to use it. Ignore the people that say the software sucks - they don't know how to learn new things. The interface IS different from any CAD/CAM package out there, and it likely is not worth it to you to learn the CAD side of it. But, you will be able to import your Rhino solids in to it, and CAM away with as many different machining strategies as you like. If you want me to show you a CAM file off of one of your own models, send me an STL and I can show you what it can do [send to mike(at)mcpii(dot)com].

[Tom Siler]

I will look into it, and thanks for the offer.

I just don't want to fork over $2k for Aspire just to get one feature. I don't even use the Vcarve Pro that I bought!

Tom

[ger21]

MeshCAM allows you to load additional .stl files to "block" areas from being machined. Probably a little more complex than you want, but it will do it, and it's inexpensive.
http://www.grzsoftware.com/news/2008...heck-surfaces/

[CNCRim]

Try Freemill by Mecsoft yet? it's free and claim to do 3d I never try so don't know how good. Check out.
http://www.mecsoft.com/freemill.shtml

[Tom Siler]

Thanks for the replies.

Aspire is supposed to have this feature but it's quite pricy, and when I downloaded the trial version, I couldn't find any function that was different in that regard than Vcarve Pro or Cut3d.

BobCad looks to be $2500 just the same as Aspire. I'm looking to use this functionality a half dozen times a year for personal projects, so it's just not an option.

I have downloaded both MeshCAM and FreeMill to see what they have to offer.

Thanks for the replies again. It's highly appreciated. I didn't even know these three packages existed without your input.

Tom

[ger21]

Aspire is supposed to have this feature but it's quite pricy, and when I downloaded the trial version, I couldn't find any function that was different in that regard than Vcarve Pro or Cut3d.

With Aspire, you machine inside of vectors, so you draw different vectors to enclose area for different tools.

You can also do this.
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectr...Rest-Mach.html

[Tom Siler]

Yeah, I saw that video but what I'm doing requires alot of precision where parts need to fit against each other. I can get a more accurate representation by just chunking the part into sections of solids before bringing into Cut3D, then running multiple finish toolpaths. It's a pain but it works and it's highly accurate. I was hoping that for over $2k that Aspire would have something more accurate and less process intensive.

MasterCAM looks great but is rediculously priced. I'm playing with the idea of trying RhinoCAM or VisualMill.

[mcphill]

BobCad looks to be $2500 just the same as Aspire.

No one pays "list" for BobCAD software. You can get a full seat of v23 with BobART and Predator for a total of $800 (total list was over $3k)... They are MORE than willing to "deal" on price. It's not the most comfortable thing to do as a user, but is sure is worth the time. If you don't get down to the number you want, tell them you will have to think about the offer, and hang up. They will call back in a day or two with a lower price, I can almost guarantee it...

[awerby]

It plays nicely with Rhino, which you're using already. I sell it for $800, (although there's a Pro version for considerably more.) I think you'll be happier with that combination than with BobCAD/BobCAM, although some people here seem to have made it work for them.

Andrew Werby
www.computersculpture.com

Yeah, I saw that video but what I'm doing requires alot of precision where parts need to fit against each other. I can get a more accurate representation by just chunking the part into sections of solids before bringing into Cut3D, then running multiple finish toolpaths. It's a pain but it works and it's highly accurate. I was hoping that for over $2k that Aspire would have something more accurate and less process intensive.

MasterCAM looks great but is rediculously priced. I'm playing with the idea of trying RhinoCAM or VisualMill.