CAD/CAM Software Help

[rustyolddo]

I need some help making software choice(s).
I'm computer literate but I'm green when it comes to CAD/CAM, pretty lousy at drafting as well but I can design by the seat of my pants so to speak and my poor drawings & notes accomplish the task. I've done my share of manual machining on a Bridgeport as well as large lathes, welding etc. so mechanically speaking I'm on par.

I'm in the process of converting my home mini-mill to CNC as a training aid for CNC. Got all the mechanics of that sorted out, driverboard etc. Have turboCNC spinning the motors.

Now I'm to the point I need some kind of CAD/CAM software so that I can design a few parts and drive the thing. I've played around with the software from ?emachine.com? the on-line you-design-it, we-machine-it company. It's pretty simple and I was able to get the hang of it pretty quick.

Where I'm at now is looking for a decent CAD/CAM package that is affordable, companies that offer a student/academic version would be preferable. I have access to a friends CNC Bridgeport at the moment so I don't want to settle for a simple hobbiest version software but I'm not running a machining center either (not yet anyway).

I'd settle for some shareware program to get me started and to drive my little mill for demo purposes while I learn something more substancial. Looking for direction recommendations from experienced users that have been in my shoes, been reading the various software mfr's forums to get a feel for things. At this point I'm a hobbiest looking to make a few products and maybe grow a little business in the future. Thanks.

[Dan S]

rustyolddo

what price range are we talking about here?

[rustyolddo]

Originally posted by Dan S rustyolddo what price range are we talking about here?

Ideally under $500. What I'd like to find is some demo/shareware that would allow me to test my mini-mill conversion setup as I get it built. Then when all that is soup, I'd like to buy the real deal. OneCNC sure looks nice and gets the raves. Like to buy something I can grow into if my future someday goes the way of a Fadal/Hass VMC (big dream). Being a Vo-tech machinist student, budget is a concern right now.

[Dan S]

for 3d stuff you can get meshcam for $150
http://www.grzsoftware.com/

for 2 and 2.5d i'm not aware of any really great programs.

[CNCdude]

Rustyolddo,
Have a look at the BobCAD Version 19 software. Or even Version 18 which will be in your price range. You can download a free demo from www.bobcad.com.
Sincerely,
CNC Dude

[ger21]

http://www.sheetcam.com for CAM (2.5D). You'll still need a CAD program.

[CNCdude]

BobCAD-CAM is both a CAD and CAM system in one. You can now design parts in wireframe, surfaces and solids as well. It also offers print templates and a complete menu for part dimensioning and the varification of geometry. It's easy to use. Actually, 2D and 3D CAD-CAM starts under $500-
CNC Dude

[rustyolddo]

Originally posted by CNCdude BobCAD-CAM is both a CAD and CAM system in one. You can now design parts in wireframe, surfaces and solids as well. It also offers print templates and a complete menu for part dimensioning and the varification of geometry. It's easy to use. Actually, 2D and 3D CAD-CAM starts under $500- CNC Dude

The prices for Ver 17 & Ver 18 are really reasonable. But lots of discouraged BC users out there. It's really tempting esp since I can get v17 for $200. Student ver of Rhino will run me the same amount but I need a CAM to go with it. Going to call OneCNC and see what they have to offer, seems like there is only praise for their product and they have some earlier versions listed on the website.

I've been playing with the eMachineshop software. It's really intuative. Anybody know whos CAD/CAM software resembles this software navagation wise?

[CNCdude]

Yes, there has been some bad mouthing around out there. But hey, think about it. You really don't hear from all the happy customers out there. BobCAD has been around for 2 decades. You are going to have some people out there that shouldn't have bought your software because they needed something more powerful or that didn't need everything that you gave them. That's the truth. However, we do everything we can to try and provide good service and good software.
CNC Dude

[cadcam]

rustyolddo, You I sell other Software but it is way out this range. But I am chiming in with CNCdude, by that the price he is talking for what you get ,My god man take it.

You really are getting allot for the money and being new this would be a good starting point.

so before you follow a few posts download the trial and take a look at what you get.

Jm2c

[nervis1]

Rusty. Contact me nervis3@netscape.net. I have something you may be interested in. You can't beat the price.

[rustyolddo]

I appreceiate all the help, I haven't ruled out anyones' software at this point, just trying to get a good general overview of what's out there. Guess my main concern at this point is learning curve & intuativeness. Some software out there makes it so difficult to draw a simple box let alone dimension it, where others are quick & easy. Some include tutorials that get you up and going quickly, and others have no built in tutorial. At this point, I'm not designing complex castings, just basic pocketing operations, round bosses, hole drilling etc.