onecnc vs. rhinocam

[1bordeaux]

Hi all,

I've just purchased Rhino 3.0 and have done online demos with both rhinocam and onecnc express.

They seem similar from a beginners perspective, although the office style format and wizards in onecnc seem like they would ease the learning curve.

I am looking to perform mostly 2D work involving shell inlays until I get a good grasp on the software, then move to 3D for guitar parts.

This is somewhat a repeat of a prior post, since I may have been in the wrong forum.I also posted this in the rhino forum to get all opinions, good and bad!

Any pro's or cons for either?
You can view my web site for handcut examples at www.bordeauxinlay.com , although initially I will be primarily trying to do simple lettering fonts.

Thanks in advance,
Paul Bordeaux

[RandMan]

Paul,

You can't compare onecnc Express which only has 2.5d features to Rhinocam which has basic 3d features (CAM). While you could get by with express you really need advantage. Rhinocam (VM basic) only gives you horizontal roughing, horizontal and parallel finishing. Advantage will give you Planar (horizontal) and also Z-level roughing and finishing that I use a lot especially for doing the sides of necks ala Dana B. Onecnc's CAM is unbelievably easy to use but still offers tons of ways to tweak and control it. The simulation and rest robot are an order of magniture better than VM but it has stuff which is usable. I spend most of my time modeling and when I use the CAM features it's mostly to play what-if games to figure out the best way to machine something. Otherwise its easy to use and rock solid.

As I said in the other thread there is an benefit to staying in what acts like one software package. I have not used Rhinocam so I don't know how good that integration is but I suspect it's fine. I import geometry (curves) into Onecnc from Rhino without issues also. I prefer to do surfaces and solids (3d stuff) in Onecnc because the quality is vastly better although with wood we can sand away a wrinkle caused by a modeling distortion if its in the right place. You would need Professional to do surfaces & solids in Onecnc or you can use Rhino and sand a little more.

I just starting with CAD/CAM and guitars a little over a year ago. Onecnc's product has enabled me to move pretty fast. I get no consideration whatsoever from them, I'm just a customer. It isn't perfect, as with any software I have my "list" but there's nothing that stops me from doing whatever I need to do. When I had some early issues with the newly released XR the head of the company called me from Australia a couple of times to make sure they understood my issue and then to follow up that they had fixed it. The people in the states do the same thing. I can assure you that my few thousand bucks isn't going to make anybody call to check. They truely care about happy customers. Their private support forum is absolutely excellent. Answers in hours if not minutes. You'll get a good education from the pros there.

CNC machines are stupid, they are supposed to just do exactly what the program asks of them every time. The power comes with the CAD/CAM software and the creativity of the designer. Spending decent money on the software is important. While I don't think you can go wrong with Onecnc, you will have to use Rhino for artistic curves especially those drawn with splines. I think Rhinocam will also do the job although for clean surfaces/solids my vote is again Onecnc but perhaps there are tricks in Rhino that I'm not using.

We've all been through the decision making you are knee-deep in. If you stick to those two you can't make a "wrong" decision.

Rand

[turmite]

or you can use Rhino and sand a little more.Ran

Rand that all depends on how and who makes the model in Rhino. If I make it, you have to sand a bunch!
Mike

[1bordeaux]

Guys,

Remember,there is no such thing as "Guitar Building".

Repeat after me,"Guitar Sanding!" (and sanding, and sanding,...) My son knows that and He's only 6.

[RandMan]

Oh man, and I thought all that sanding was a phase I'd outgrow 6 years and an apprentice already !!! Hopefully he'll learn well and you can watch him work.

[Cold Fusion]

http://www.coldfusionracing.com/CNC/Onecnc.htm

That is my review of Express. About 6 months ago I upgraded to Advantage and couldn't be happier. The 3d toolpathes seem to be very efficient and programming is like all the rest of their products, super easy.

[jwolin]

I'm new to this forum, but for whatever its worth, I absolutely love RhinoCAM. I bought it as well as the fullversion of Rhino 3.0 as a package deal during the initial release for 1000 dollars. I have yet to be dissapointed. The fourth axis module which is just now releaseing is a bit overpriced in my opinion (another 1000; introductory price of 750). Nevertheless, the integration with Rhino is seemless and it is a well designed product.

[1bordeaux]

Thanks for the info.
I actually purchased Rhino 3.0 and Onecnc advantage.
Now all I need is time to use them...

[Arch]

I've got Rhino and just purchased One CNC Advantage. I'm definately upgrading to Pro as soon as I can. One CNC is great and the most user friendly cad/cam package I've ever used.

[def]

Repeat after me,"Guitar Sanding!" (and sanding, and sanding,...) My son knows that and He's only 6.

Way to go! Put that kid to work!