IS Bobcad V19 a good program to start

[ger21]

Originally Posted by nervis1 I understand, really. I'm just saying that I think the 500-900 I've seen BC go for would be better invested in a more sophisticated system. Mill express is only 500 or so bucks more and can grow as the user does into a top flight program with upgrades if needed. That I feel would be a much beter place to start. Who was it, Henry Ford? Someone said if you buy bad tools you feel the pain of the purchase for ever, if you buy quality you only feel it once. Something like that....

If he was only going to spend $500, then you can't say for ONLY $500 more. Especially for someone just starting out. And with a wood router, you're probably not going to need a lot of the stuff in the higher end package. For most woodwork, you can get by with a lot less.

As for BobCAD, from what I've heard, get a demo and make sure you like it before you buy it. That goes for just about any software that will cost you more than around $500. You don't want to spend your money twice.

What kind of work do you plan on doing? If your just cutting out parts from wood sheets, look at SheetCAM, http://www.sheetcam.com With something like this free CAD program, ( http://www.a9tech.com/products/a9cad/ ), it may be all you need.

[nervis1]

Well....yes I can. When you consider tooling, machine, and all of the other overhead $500 is not that much, especially when you consider that the CAM system is arguably the most influential part of the package (besides what resides a few inches behind your eyes). A good piece of software can make the difference between having fun and having a nightmare.

Furthermore if we all agree that time = money then a good CAM system will save money (not to mention sanity).

I'm writing from experience here, I've used BC, I know BC, and I'll without hesitation say save your money till you can afford something else.

Certainly if you go and get it, and it is all you dreamed, feel free to tell me I was wrong, I can take it.

[Jennifer]

I've been using BobCAD for years and it's worked well for me. (The parts we make with it are 2D.) I haven't had many problems with the program nor have I had trouble getting help from tech support when problems do come up. I'd definitely recommend it.

[caitolly]

Why not try the version 17 demo?
If your just starting out you don't need to spend any extra for all the bells and whistles!
I have been using 17, on my trusty IBM pentium II, to run my 1995 Anilam 1100 knee mill and occasionally my HAAS VF-OE, since it's release many years ago, use it almost every day
Just as with any thing, the more you use it the easier it gets.
It's not all science, it's art
caitolly