What Mastercam do you use? New to this..

[chozo]

What's the best basic setup that will do well for your typical 3-axis CNC router?

I see all the options like Design, Solids, Mill, Router, etc. Also, within Mill, it has levels 1-3, and multiaxis.

What should I buy? What is the minimum needed to have "capable" functionality?

Also, does this program run the actual Gcode? Or is it best to use something like Mach2?

Thanks.

[ger21]

If you're using it with a router, than get MasterCAM Router. I believe it's somewhat woodworking specific. Router also has different levels, but not sure offhand what they're called. I would hope that if you're going to spend $5K or $10K, you would know what you need? Mastercam's website explains what functionality is in each version.

And no, it doesn't run g-code, it creates it. Whether or not Mach2 wiould work for you depends on your machine.

[chozo]

I didn't realize it was that expensive. I thought I saw it $200 per CD, but that was the training CD's. haha

I'll go with something else. I'm thinking about MillWizard.

[Alan T.]

You might consider Dolphin Partmaster or Vector for the Cad/Cam and Mach2 for your controller.