What cad-cam software do hobbiests use ?

[Danno]

I know it's been asked many times as to what cad-cam program is best, but the answers vary widely. Some say to use software like Bob-cad, but that product is just too expensive for the backyard hobbiest. If I was running a business, I could justify the cost !!
I don't want to use pirated software either, but if it's going to cost half the price of my total investment in the machine, it will leave me no choice.
I'm running Mach3, and at $175, it is very affordable, and worth every penny. There must be cad-cam sotware out there designed for the hobbiest priced around the same.
Any input would be appreciated.

[Bubba]

Danno,
I have been using progeCAD 2008 Smart! www.progesoft.com free edition to generate my dxf files and for a cam, I use SheetCam www.sheetcam.com.

Being retired, I could not justify the cost of autocad and find the progecad to be a virtual look alike and feel for a good feeling in my pocket. Les Newell is now developing his second generation of sheetcam and I find it very satisfactory for my use (2 1/2D operations). Additionally, he has been very responsive to handling problems and suggestions from his user base.

[ger21]

What type of things will you be making?

[Danno]

I will be machining 2d parts only. Engine to transmission adaptor plates, alternator brackets etc. I assume I will have to get 2 programs, one to generate a DXF file, and another to convert the DXF file to G-code (I'm not sure if one program will do both) Thanks, Dan.

[harley4ever]

Dolphin cad cam is both the cad & cam. They actually offer hobby pricing as well. Seems like its right in your ball park.

[DareBee]

Here is your free 3D CAM
http://www.mecsoft.com/Mec/Products/FreeMill.shtml

Heck ya - it is limited - BUT IT IS FREE

[cwdance1]

I use TurboCad for drawings and Sheet Cam for the conversion. Both work well together and the price is right.

[Greolt]

Originally Posted by Danno I will be machining 2d parts only. Engine to transmission adaptor plates, alternator brackets etc. I assume I will have to get 2 programs, one to generate a DXF file, and another to convert the DXF file to G-code (I'm not sure if one program will do both) Thanks, Dan.

For the type of machiing you describe I would recommend that you get Progecad and invest some time learning to use it.

It is almost a direct Autocad clone. So the many Autocad tutorials available will help a lot there. And did I mention it is free?

And for the CAM part of what you need I recommend Vectric Cut2D. A very easy to learn and use Cam program that will do exactly what you want.

Sheetcam is another option in the same price bracket and quite good but Cut2D has the cleaner more intuitive, user interface.

As has been mentioned there are combined cad/cam programs like Bobcad, Dolphin, etc. but they are going to cost quite a bit more.

There are plenty of good free 2D cad options so this is not needed IMO.

Greg

[harley4ever]

Dolphin is actually right in the same price range as sheetcam. Dolphin also offers cad which i dont think sheetcam does.

[Danno]

Thanks for the info !!
I was busy downloading the Dolphin cad, and got a call from them even before I had a chance to get it going. If their tech department is half as good as their sales department, I will have no problems.
I just quickly glanced over it without any of their tutorials, and it seems like something I could grasp. I'll spend the next few days on it to see if it's the route I want to take.
The biggest stumbling block will be to convince my wife that I want to buy a real expensive video game !!
I'll let you know how I make out.

[harley4ever]

LOL I will have to remember the "video game" trick.

[mc-motorsports]

Originally Posted by Danno Some say to use software like Bob-cad,

I wouldn't waste my time. If your going to bother learning, learn on a CAD system that can carry you to the next level, you won't learn anything using bob-cad. You never know, you might get bit by the bug and be using MasterCam to program aerospace parts in 5 years.