Best value in CAM software

[wms]

It is an additional module (last I checked).

Actually Solid Modeling is not a module...

Solid Modeling is in Professional and Expert versions..

Express and Advantage versions will import Solid models ..but have no solid modeling..

And Of course Solid Creator is just a Cad only solid modeler..

4 axis is an add on module.

[RP Designs]

The more i look at the software and features the more the price starts to climb. I am a little hesitant to spend several thousand dollars on a start up venture until the cash flow is a little more secure. I haven't purchased any equipment yet so I really am in the planning stages still. I'd like to keep the price under $2K dollars if possible, so I am curious as to if that changes anyones software recomendations.

Are there older versions of current software you guys like? maybe I can pick up an older version cheaper used with better functionality?

[ger21]

What type of 4th axis parts are you making?

[RP Designs]

Originally Posted by ger21 What type of 4th axis parts are you making?

Right now I am not. Most likely will use it for gears and a few other operations. I am looking at the Tormach mill and trying to think down the road a little bit although I am not sold on it 100 percent. The majority of my parts will be 3-axis stuff, but I would like good surfacing capabilities for mold making.

[HuFlungDung]

You don't need 4th axis software to do simple indexing on a tight budget. Although I have and use OneCNC's 4th axis module, in many cases, I could say it is a luxury, a convenience, but not an essential. So for a newbie, I would say get the basic program, or consider that the modelling aspect of the more expensive versions would be worth a lot more to you than 4th axis module would be right off the bat.

It is no more difficult nor expensive to add the 4th module later when it makes sense to buy it, than it does to buy it now and never use it.

My 2 cents.

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by RP Designs The more i look at the software and features the more the price starts to climb. I am a little hesitant to spend several thousand dollars on a start up venture until the cash flow is a little more secure. I haven't purchased any equipment yet so I really am in the planning stages still. I'd like to keep the price under $2K dollars if possible, so I am curious as to if that changes anyones software recomendations. Are there older versions of current software you guys like? maybe I can pick up an older version cheaper used with better functionality?

I don't have 6-7K to put towards my hobby/small buisiness. I use Deskcnc which is an integrated motion control card and cam controller software in one. You can just get the software seperately. It will import dxf, stl,image and other things. I think it is $250 without the card and $350 with.
You can download a 30 day trial from www.deskcnc.com