IS Bobcad V19 a good program to start

[Biggermens]

Is Bobcad V19 a good program to start for a home made cnc wood router ???

Thanks

Look a Dancing Banana ---> hehehehe

[Bloy2004]

It works for me....

[kenlambert]

Thats what i started with so far

[Biggermens]

you guys like it
it can do everything you want it to ??

[Bloy2004]

No, I can't say that it can do everything I want it to....I still have to go get my own coffee.

[ESjaavik]

@biggermens: It seems the answers so far are not making anyone any wiser. I can't advise, as I haven't any experience of my own in this, (did not get the activation codes yet) but I will make some general comments:

You can download a trial version and try it out on the things you need to do. Since people have different needs and desires, I don't think you can point out any program as "the best". It's like cars, I tried cars everyone say were nice to drive, but ended up buying one that sells less than 100/Year in our country. And I'm very satisfied! It works the same with programs.

By trying it yourself you know the weak points are not covered up by a demo session avoiding those. And even if it doesn't fit you, you will have gained experience in the process. One thing difficult to test though, is the responsiveness of the company. There you have to ask those using the product what their experiences are.

Expect a steep start of the learning curve. If you are not exposed to methods and "buzzwords" already, there is a lot to learn in the beginning. You need to dedicate quite a bit of time in the beginning. This is something that applies to most programs targeting a professional market. As a hobby user we don't have the benefit of knowing methods and terms from education or experience.

So, get your evaluation copy and jump in and get your feet (or maybe head?) wet!

[Bloy2004]

Well said, Einar!

[nervis1]

I have had Bobcad 18-19, Onecnc XR pro and expert, and just got mastercam mill3/solids.

If I had to do it from the start all over I'd get Onecnc XR express and as I learned, upgrade it if I needed. Unless you are doing multiaxis work it will probably be all you'll ever need (they are coming out with 5 axis in a few months from what I hear). The interface is very intuitive, and easy to navigate even for people without any exposure to CAM. IMHO a much more functional and user friendly piece of software, the price is a bit higher than BOBcad but in my case I would have saved a lot of money and time if I'd just bought it from the outset.

I also encourage you look at demos before laying down the hard earned.

[Bloy2004]

Remember Nervis, we're talking a big difference in pocket money here. If you have deep pockets and want to have trouble free(at least reduced) usage, then your advice is well taken.
Much depends on whether you are a casual hobbyist or if you intend to produce marketable pieces and make your investment pay for itself. SO many factors on how to choose a CAD/CAM program.

[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....

[Bloy2004]

heh....is he the same one who said..."If you can't have the tool you love, then love the tool have". ?

[nervis1]

No that was a song from the 70s. it was a good song, but bad advice.