2 1/2 axis vs 3 axis...

[Sweeney]

I'm about to contact OneCNC for a price. BUT! there's a bit of fog in my brain over the difference between 2 1/2 vs 3 axis systems. I'm assuming that 2 1/2 axis will not "profile" as 3 axis will, correct? If this is the case I think 2 1/2 axis would keep me entertained.
So, for a complete novice looking to learn cad/cam with a Taig cnc mill on the way, does OneCNC mill express with Mach3 sound reasonable?
Thanks to those with far more knowledge than I in these matters...

[HuFlungDung]

Think of it this way: OneCNC's other more expensive 3d cadcam is 'aware' of the surfaces in your 3d model. Place a model on the screen, pick a Solid machining technology toolpath type, and it will cut around the model, while keeping the tool out of the space that the model occupies.

The basic package, mill express, does not have this sort of model awareness. Instead, you will be limited to extracting the edges of 3d models that you might create in other cad packages, or, wireframe drawings that you sketch out in OneCNC (or import). Your selection of toolpaths then is limited to the toolpath being guided by the geometry (lines, arcs and points) on your screen.

You still get z axis output as required. You can still cut lines that ramp down in all 3 axis if you draw them that way.

Other users are running various flavours of the Mach cnc, so I don't believe you have any roadblocks in that regard.