Best CAM between Visual Mill, MasterCam, OneCNC, CamWorks and SolidCam?

[s76tools]

Just wondering if you guys can help me. I am not in business and machining is a hobby for me and maybe a part time business someday. I have a manual lathe and a bridgport mill and just bought a 3 axis knee mill with a centroid control.
I was really thinking of buying Bobcad V21 because of the cheap price but I read so much bad things about it. I am a newbie and don't have any cad-cam experience and would like to learn.
I see a lot of good coments on onecnc express.
Any of you guys bought this software? How much does something like this software cost? Will this software be good for a beginner like me?
Appreciate any suggestions or advice.
Thanks!

S76tools

[tobyaxis]

s76tools,

It all depends on what you plan to make and money you have to spend.

Your best bet would be to download demos to try them out. The one that suites you will be the one you choose.

Not all CAD/CAM is the same. The Giu's are different in most cases and the CAM too.

Read the Manufactures Website and ask questions here in the Sub-Forums.

Ultimately the choice will have to be yours.

BTW: All softwares have pros and cons

[millturn]

Mike,

I have been using Camworks for about six months now and came from using AlphaCam. Although the mill part in camworks looks better, I am not happy with the lathe part of it. It has bugs in face grooving, will not track the desired control point on a OD or ID groove tool until after the lead in move, has problems unwrapping an od if you wanted to add some C axis work to a part. Also it will not support the synchronization codes necessary for your twin turret lathe. You may want to look at Esprit and Partmaker as well. I saw a demo of Esprit last week and it looked good. I will be checking out Partmaker at the Vegas show on Thursaday.

Andy C.