bobcadv17,sheetcam, meshcam,mach2

[sixpence]

trying to make up my mind about what would be the best combo

1. bobcad hobby pro v17 + mach 2 =$444

2. sheetcam $150.00
meshcam $100.00
mach 2 $149.00 = $399

Exchange rate from South Africa is killing me!

Does bobcad have the same features as the sheet/mesh combo?

[CNCadmin]

BobCad is a drawing program too while the others are not, so if you don't have cad it might be a good way for you.

[buscht]

Sixpence, I've never used bobcad hobby pro, put from the literature it does some things that the Sheetcam/Meshcam combo won't do. But they do some things that Bobcad doesn't do either. For example, I bought G gode simulator to see the results of Meshcam before I actually cut parts. That's another $100 if you buy it bundled with Meshcam. Meshcam will soon have multiple side machining available and that is worth alot if you need it. It will also carve bitmap photos which is neat if you need it. Sheetcam is used by alot of plasma people and it seems to be working well.

But you can get either Sheetcam or Meshcam bundled with Mach 2 and that will save you $25.00

You can download free trial versions of all the software and see for yourself which is the better way to go.

What do you want to do? and what do you think you need to do it? That information might be helpful in getting better guidance.

[sixpence]

I have tried out sheetcam to replace what I do on a scroll saw and have started trying meshcam, the bitmap conversion seems exellent. I have not gotten round to bobcad v17 yet. I do have acad and have a rudamentary knowledge in using it. I have a lot of requests for carved signs and I assume meshcam would be the way to go?
Also loose letter cut outs and small cut outs for scrapbooking seem to be popular.
I also need the smallest bits possible to hopefully automate some of the fine detailed work I currently do on my scroll saw out of mdf and plywood. If anyone could point me in the right direction your input is greatly appreciated.

[buscht]

Sixpence, I am using sheetcam to program a CNC scroll saw that I made. It works very nice for that. It will program your CNC router very well.
Carved signs may or may not be best on Meshcam.
First, you have to get a STL file of the sign. This may be difficult for you if you only have a rudimentary knowledge of Autocad. If the signs are just raised letters, or raised letters set down in a pocket, then Sheetcam will work just fine. If you want to do some sort of relief carving then Meshcam will work. Just keep in mind that it takes hours and hours on your router to create the carving. There are lots of little steps using a ball nose cutter to get the best effect.
This company has small router bits
http://www.microcutusa.com/decimal2flute.html
Also
http://www.precisebits.com/products/...btnSearch.y=11
Trent

[Kookaburra]

They will all suit your needs if you have Acad. I think what you need is the sales guy to want your businness. Maybe it is worth e-mailing them. Try other distributors of each of the products to see if they have a better price. Maybe it will work. If you want to talk to a local SA bobcad user PM "Klox".

[dcarr]

For sign work (which is essentially relief carving), you can do the design AND toolpaths in VS3D. Here is one example (be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page to see finished part):

http://www.designscomputed.com/vs3d/...mg_emboss.html

[planeflier]

I am also looking for software for 3d work. I have tried meshcam, but with mixed results. seems to be lots of unnessary moves during cutting? Is there anyother software that people have had good luck with? I have the capability to export 3d files just need to find a good way to cut them.

[ger21]

In the general price range of MeshCAM, there is Millwizard and STL work.

http://www.millwizard.com/default.asp
http://www.cadcamcadcam.com/index.as...PROD&ProdID=15