OneCNC vs Rhino, etc...

[Sweeney]

It's getting close to choosing software for this novice. I've played a bit with Rhino's demo. I'm also interested in OneCNC Mill Express or Advantage.
Can anyone provide a comparison, ease of learning, capabilitiy, etc. Unfortunately OneCNC has no demo like Rhino to play with. Othe software suggestions are also welcome.
Thanks.

[turmite]

Sweeny to compare the two is not really the way to do it. Rhino will win hands down in the modeling department but it has no cam feature to get gcode from the geometry to your machine. There are a couple of companies making plugins that will do this. I have no idea of the cost of the Onecnc so I can't compare there either.

Mike

[HuFlungDung]

Mr. Sweeney,

I beg to differ with my esteemed colleague, but XR2 (which is what you would be getting exposed to if you demo now) is very easy to use, both for modelling and for CAM. That is not to say that there is no learning curve to learn solid modelling, because there is. However, in the two starter packages of OneCNC that you mentioned, you're still going to be out of the surface and solid modelling loop.

Of course, you can create wireframe geometry in OneCNC, but that is pretty basic cad, and there just isn't that much to boast about in wireframe CAD, of any flavour.

The stock toolpaths in Onecnc Mill express are very good for new cnc'er. Us pros use the very same ones. Lots of options there, and phenomenally easy to learn and apply. Mill Advantage allows you to do more, to run the two main workhorse toolpaths, Z level and planar, over surface models that you bring in from your other favourite CAD application.

Toolpath preview and simulation is a standard part of all the packages in OneCNC mill so you can see what will happen with the process you have planned out. This is an excellent bargain for the beginner who is not all that sure of what he is doing, but still loves his machine, nevertheless

So the decision for you to make is what do you want to do, so we can clarify or advise accordingly. But if CAM is what you are looking for, then take the live demo and see how what you will get, suits your ideas of your current needs.

[Harry Morse]

Turmite you must be out of date with your knowledge or base it on a product we dont know of. We have Onecncxr2 here as well as Rhino and I know what I would rather use. We all feel the same here too. Sure surface modeling is ok in Rhino if you want to create Mickey Mouse stuff but when it comes to solids engineering its lacking badly and not even in the same class. In Rhino you cant even work in a model view. You have to work in checkerboard wireframe style and that is a PITA. Also in Rhino you use this command line caper and hell thats past its use by date. In Onecnc you work in model view where it looks real real-time as well as hot keys and icons and no switching to render is required. The solids in Onecnc is leaps and bounds in front of Rhino. There is no comparison in the filleting of the model either Onecnc is far superior. You can also shell a solid in Onecnc and create automatic solids with draft for patterns and die work also and at least see what you are doing. So your information is different completely to what we know about the products.

[Dan B]

Hi Harry,

What version of Rhino are you referring too?

Sure surface modeling is ok in Rhino if you want to create Mickey Mouse stuff but when it comes to solids engineering its lacking badly and not even in the same class.

We do work for major companies like Toyota, Honda, GM, DaimlerChrysler etc. using Rhino. It's hardly what I (or our customers) would call "Mickey Mouse stuff"

In Rhino you cant even work in a model view. You have to work in checkerboard wireframe style and that is a PITA.

huh? I work in with OpenGL shading on, and have been for 3 years now. Again, what version do you have?

Also in Rhino you use this command line caper and hell thats past its use by date.

That's a matter of opinion.

As for how it compares to OneCnc, I can't comment, since i've never used it. Obviously the nod goes to OneCnc if you are doing cutterpaths, but for strictly modeling, can you buy OneCnc for $695? I didn't think so.

(see www.ob.com if you doubt that figure)

[ger21]

IMO, Rhino excels at freeform nurbs surfaces, organic shaped parts. It's not a solid modeller, although it has some solid support. If your'e works requires non-organic shapes, then Rhino's probably not the best solution.

[CNC Pro]

I recently received e-mail from www.ob.com (they are resellers/dealers for Rhino & AutoCAD). The e-mail stated www.ob.com will no longer be resellers of AutoCAD, stating that Rhino was outselling AutoCAD 10:1.
Is AutoCAD considered more than a “Mickey Mouse” program?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by CNC Pro The e-mail stated www.ob.com will no longer be resellers of AutoCAD, stating that Rhino was outselling AutoCAD 10:1.

AutoCAD is more expensive by a factor of 5:1. That might have something to do with it.

[Sweeney]

Thanks, guys. I know that with Rhino I'd need g-code software... actually, the Taig mill I ordered comes with it. OneCNC Mill Express is $2000, Advantage is $3000. Purchasing Rhino leaves a lot of cash for other software... though, that's not a major concern. I just designed a simple flange in Rhino that my waterjet guy will be cutting. This is an intake flange (6 total) for the BMW engine I'm building.
This is basicly just teaching myself a new trick. It will be predominatly used for hobby but with some application to business.
My "real" job is as the Academic/Research Technician for The Dept of Geosciences at UMass, Amherst. At home I also make (from machinable glass ceramic) high voltage feedthroughs "Electron Guns" for Cameca Instruments in France AND I started a company with a friend designing and producing turbocharger kits for, primarily, '80s vintage BMWs... TurboChargingDynamics.com .... no rest for the wicked ;o)
So, I guess I can say I'm looking for an "easy out" learning curve so I can rapidly produce prototypes, one'ofs and satisfy my curiosities. I just wish OneCNC had a demo version I could play with on my own.

Jack of all trades.... marginally accomplished at some

[CNC Pro]

Originally Posted by ger21 AutoCAD is more expensive by a factor of 5:1. That might have something to do with it.

More Rhino sold, more Rhino users out there. Which should equate to more 3rd. party add-ons & development (such as CAM software).

[HuFlungDung]

Sweeney,

With that information on your background, I would rate your intentions to be a bit more than in the 'fooling around category'

If you hobble yourself with cheap cadcam, you won't get the mileage out of your machine. Granted that first machine may not be a workhorse, but a good experience in machining can lead to new avenues, even new businesses, and better machinery later on.

OneCNC is in the midprice range. Actually, the starter packages are priced cheap for the technology you get in them. But having said that, OneCNC is intended for the serious part maker who intends to recapture that cost in parts produced. In that light, it is cheap to own, because it does the job.

I'll concede that some guys don't like how the modelling works in OneCNC. Some of us don't like Autocad. They are two distinctly different methods of working (and thinking), as far as I can tell. So I believe that you will know, just from a live demo, whether you like the style, or not.

Most guys in your situation will want OneCNC XR2 Mill Professional, sooner or later. So I feel if you buy another cad in the interim for x dollars, that's just x dollars total, more than you'd have to spend anyways.

Good luck in your search.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by CNC Pro More Rhino sold, more Rhino users out there. Which should equate to more 3rd. party add-ons & development (such as CAM software).

Do you have something to back that up? Hard to believe there are more Rhino users than AutoCAD users.