Newbie- Hobby Cam suggestions/Opinions?

[Minesgeek]

All hail the experts! I seek you infinite wisdom and guidance for the problem at hand:

I've been machining 4-5 years as a hobby (most of the time, anyway), and have been using a CNC converted taig for ~2 years now. However, I've have been going through a lot of trouble to generate Gcode for Mach 3. I've written it by hand, used a sequence of drafting/freeware cam software to generate Gcode, etc... And would really like to purchase a cam software package that suites my needs. I was hoping I could get some suggestions/opinions from you.

Some Info:

• Price range - Preferably under $500 (I'm a Grad Student )
• Mostly make mechanical, functional parts that are part of a larger assemblies.
• Mostly 2.5D parts - Pocketing, Profiling, Drilling
• Occasional 3D parts - I have an artistic streak every once in a while.
• I don't mind taking some time to learn a new program.

Hope that's enough info to generate some suggestions, I eagerly await your words of wisdom.

[ger21]

Vectric's Cut2D and Cut3D.

[dertsap]

ive got dolphin cam which is a pretty decent software , it may be worth calling them up to see what they can put together for you
in the meantime i would strongly recommend doing some reading up on this site http://cnc4free.org/, there's lots of great software available for free that will create and post a large assortment of simple to complex projects

[harley4ever]

I 2nd what dertsap says. We use Surfcam at work (above 10K) and I use Dolphin for my own personal needs. I actually prefer it for our 2.5D work. It's more of like a 1 man show for me so I didn't have boocoos to spend. I highly recommend Dolphin and would advise taking a look. Prices on the website I think are flexible and are more less interpreted to large manufacturers.

[Minesgeek]

Okay, I have done a little research on some programs, including the ones suggested, and have some questions/concerns:

Dolphin Cad/Cam - I received a quote which suprises me, and I get the feeling that Dolphin is very customer oriented (they called me, I was suprised again). My concern is file import is limited, and it would be difficult to create a 3D mechanical (or artsy) part. The solution I see possibly using the cnc4free.org software suggested.

Vectric Cut2D/Cut3D - Seems... limited, almost all the examples on the site are more artistic in nature, and I'm concerned it might not be the best for mechanical parts. Very little discussion as to toolpath techniques for pocketing... etc. Seems like it is limited to Z-level and raster techniques.

Bob Cad/Cam - Software looks very capable and professional, and maybe I could get them to lower the price for a hobby user. However, I get the feeling that their customer support sucks and they constantly need to 'patch' their software.

Currently I am leaning towards Dolphin Partmaster III, seems like a good company with a good product. I'm concerned with making a parts with a filleted feature in the ZX or ZY plane.

Your opinions are appreciated.

[harley4ever]

As I previously stated, I am very happy with both Dolphin and surfcam.
Dont know much about vectric.

In regards to Bobcad.... all you have to read is these 2 threads...

BIG problem with Bobcam

I want a refund !

They'll also bug you for years about new products to pay for etc... according to hundreds of users on this site.

Enough said with that.

[Minesgeek]

Well, I have finally installed the demo software of Dolphin PartMaster on my computer, but have yet to try and CAM functionality. I spent a hour or so trying to work with the CAD system. As a fairly long-time AutoCad user, I find the Dolphin CAD system rather cumbersome and annoying. Does anyone else feel this way, or do I just not know the tricks for the CAD system yet?

(I don't want to be annoying, but Dolphin said they would honor the quote they gave me until Friday. I want to evaluate the software fairly thoroughly before then, so I don't have to request a new quote if I decide to purchase it)

[harley4ever]

The cad isn't they're biggest upside, it is more less a bonus. The cam is the bread and butter. If you have autocad, you should probably use that to design with and import your files.

[DareBee]

You did say you were looking for CAM NOT CAD.
Use your autocad or Alibre (free) for 3D CAD.
Have you tried FreeMill from MecSoft? I would say to get VM6 basic but it is around 1500.
Alibre also has inexpensive versions and CAM but maybe not both for under 500, you can check there prices on their site

[metalworkz]

Hello minesgeek,
If the Dolphin quote is for Level 3 Milling you will need another program for your 3D projects. Most people have made similar comments about Dolphins CAD program and I basically feel the same, but once you take the time to learn it you will find it is workable. In some cases it is easier to make some changes to the part inside Dolphin rather than having to export to another CAD program and import the file back, and this is not an option with the CAM only programs. I use Autocad also, and if you are used to that you will likely want to do the bulk of your CAD work there. I am very pleased with Dolphin CAD/CAM and would recommend it highly.
I have to second the note about the CNC4free website and the methods and information available there for your 3D artistic needs etc.
I have recently acquired a couple of the Vectric programs(Cut2D and VCarvePro) and I'm very impressed with the ease of use, toolpath simulation, and a confidence that the generated toolpaths are correct. You may want to try the Demo for Cut2D which I think is still $149 and for that price I think you will have a hard time finding something better that is just 2D CAM. I think the Demos for their software are fully functional and they have files you can use with the demo to actually try it with your machine. The Demos may not let you save toolpaths other than the provided files. I hope you find a good solution for your needs.