Onecnc or Bobcad

[FBJR]

Just getting into cnc, been playing with machining for some time.

Have a Wabeco 1210 and a HF xx158 and fitting both with Xylotec systems.

Have read many threads on both and DL both demos, but which one and why please.

I can get mill express for $1000 (2.5 axis) and I think BC 19-21 for the same at least. 2.5 shoul be enough (RC parts and auto parts-toys)

THX

[FBJR]

Funny, I keep posting what I think are fair simple questions. See lots fo hits but never get even one reply???????

This is the 3rd thread asking for simple help, links or opinions.

[cacrawfo]

Hello,
I'm sure many are passing your topic by because this is a very loaded question! many a CNC thread war has been started with a question like yours....

I use Onecnc Mill Express, and am impressed. I think the user interface looks and feels a lot better than Bobcad as well.... I think you can get Bobcad for around $400 for the full version, if you wait for them to start begging you to buy it. That is one thing that completely turned me off to Bobcad.... If you have to beg me to buy it, I probably don't want it....

Carl C

[FBJR]

Thanks for the reply. I think that is why links or other threads would be good too.

I have DL both the Onecnc demo and the Bobcad. I had basic mill but never got to run it, but loved the demo!

I am leaning towards the Mill Express, which is just 2.5 axis, but I think it will do anything I want.

As for BC, they promiss and have called me to no end

FB

[HuFlungDung]

I'd recommend OneCNC

At least OneCNC has a product line that can accomodate your needs at various levels. Sure, lots of work is 2.5d, but if and when that job with a little (or a lot) of 3d comes along, you don't really need the hassle of going out and shopping for new software (again).

If your situation changes, you can resell your OneCNC to another user legitimitely. The new user pays a fee to register for support (I think $500).

I also use OneCNC for my cad work. Of course, one pays extra for solid modelling functionality (Mill Professional), but one way or another, you're most likely going to put out extra $$ for CAD anyways. OneCNC does not constantly goad you to upgrade, and a file created today in OneCNC can still be read in older versions, unlike some other popular software that seems to allow their file format to go out of date every year.

Now don't get the idea that OneCNC is going to teach you how to machine. It is manufacturing software, and assumes you have machining experience, and already know approximately what you want to do. But start simple and learn the basics. The OneCNC forum members will help you when you get stuck, that is what the forum is there for.

So far as cam functionality goes, I'm going to let OneCNC speak for itself. If you think Bobcad and OneCNC are 'almost the same thing', then you have not yet done any research.

[FBJR]

I do have basic metalworking experiance. Done lots of lathe work and a little milling. I don't believe they are the same, that is why I am asking here.


I think the actual cad work will be the hardest. Thread links are welcome if any come to mind.

Thanks for the replies.

FB

[cacrawfo]

Hello,
Another thing that is worth mentioning, I feel limited by Onecnc mill express not having the ability to draw solids. I do not feel that I would use some of the more complicated "mold" toolpath options present in the higher versions, but would like to be able to draw and manipulate solids. I just find it easier to work in solids. It is certainly available in OneCNC, just not in the 2 lower versions.

P.S. I bought my Onecnc Mill Express used, and they changed over my registration for free...
Carl C

[FBJR]

Thanks, I do want to do solids and not just flats. I do lots of RC model aircraft work as well as automotive. Heck, I just like making things!!!

Are there options like Rhino with Mach 3 that would fit my needs? I am very open to suggestions.

I think the biggest thing is I want to do a drawing and have the PC do everything else. I understand I set for the tooling and such and have much to learn.

Guess I am like others and just don't want to break the bank. Shelling out over $1000 for software hurts. But having 10 grand in a couple machines does me no good unless I do it all by hand

THX!!

[Svelte]

I have a 2-seat license for BobCAD v20.x with BobART ProX, and BobNest. I paid dearly for these. I also paid an additional $1,000.00 for a 3-day seminar to learn how to set up and run these programs.

In my humble opinion (and it IS just my opinion), there has got to be something out there that is better than BobCAD. The new version is coming stripped down with every option being sold at a later date for another fee. The trainer at the seminar actually pointed that fact out to us. The latest version that is complete would be v21.x. Starting with the 2007 release everything is changing. According to the trainer, it is being released and isn't even really complete.

In case you're wondering, I am just running a twin head CNC router table from Shop Sabre. I haven't actually tried the software that they included with the machine (Rams 3D), but I'm thinking about firing it up to see what it will do. When you deal with the sales team at BobCAD, you feel like you're buying a used car on a "Buy Here, Pay Here" lot. I sent them an email asking how I could sell the package that I have and never heard anything from them after the automated response that said they would get back to me in a couple of days.

Lots of luck. I sure would appreciate knowing what you end up with and how you like it.

[FBJR]

Thanks, all info is welcome