I want to start by thanking everyone for their input since I bought my Flexicam in Dec 06. Ger21 and Rforney have been great. I am have many different demo programs and am lost with the learning curves and variety of features. What 3d design software is the most versitile and what is the easiest to learn and generate complex drawings in? Which has the best features for the $$$. Also which design software best interfaces with a CAM package with advanced toolpathing like remachining and pencil machining? I need to find a better solution than the Autocad 07 and Enroute 3.3 that I am using now. I have been looking at Rhinoceros and Solidworks. What else should I be looking at??? Thanks for the input.
Its interesting to note that the following:
http://www.desktopcnc.com/cadcam_table.htm
does not compare SolidWorks OR Rhino to the others. They seem to be favored by most users as; intuitive, straight forward, and well supported. Both seem to have very enthauastic following and many free "parts" for incorporating.
I enjoy the time I get to use my buddies' machines that have them. Rhino will most likely be my purchase when I break some funds loose.
Jim
Maybe the comparison table and some other pages on that site might help your sorting...
Experience is the BEST Teacher. Is that why it usually arrives in a shower of sparks, flash of light, loud bang, a cloud of smoke, AND -- a BILL to pay? You usually get it -- just after you need it.