I need a low cost CAM package

[ger21]

The Entry Edition of DeskProto is not that expensive, and should do all that you need.

[VGcustomshop]

I'll test it some more today been using the 3 axis edition - the comparison sheet shows that it doesn't have nearly as many advanced tool paths. Want to mill necks like the one attached.

[shane-w]

No I have never made any guitars with MOI (I'm a drummer). I have thought about is as it would be a cool project to CNC out. Cambam would be a great option if you want to add mode 2d capabilities in the future. You really can't beat the cost/power of the program.

-Shane

[shane-w]

Also you may want to check out this site. ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

He posts in this forum quite a bit and sells a few CAM packages at a discount.

-Shane

[VGcustomshop]

Upgrading to V-Carve Pro would still not let you use .stl files. You'd need to purchase Cut3D, which is $299.

I've been a MeshCAM user since the first beta many years ago, and it works great.

However, I always recommend downloading the trials and learn to use them before purchasing. You're the only one that can decide what's the best option for you. MeshCAM has a fully functional 30 day trial, and if you need more time, just let Robert, the author, know, and he'll give you additional time.

Is MeshCam still your main CAM program?

[VGcustomshop]

Thanks Shane-W - that's a terrific web site - very informative.

[ger21]

I use a variety of CAM programs.
My main CAM is an AutoCAD macro that I wrote, that exports g-code from AutoCAD.

MeshCAM is probably my main 3D CAM, but I don't do a lot of 3D. I also use Aspire for 3D, if I need to do something that MeshCAM can't, or for anything that requires text.

And I also pay for Fusion 360, but haven't actually cut anything with it's CAM. Just played around a bit learning how it works.
If I ever get my new machine built, I may get a copy of DeskProto, mainly for it's rotary axis stuff.

[VGcustomshop]

I use a variety of CAM programs.
My main CAM is an AutoCAD macro that I wrote, that exports g-code from AutoCAD.

MeshCAM is probably my main 3D CAM, but I don't do a lot of 3D. I also use Aspire for 3D, if I need to do something that MeshCAM can't, or for anything that requires text.

And I also pay for Fusion 360, but haven't actually cut anything with it's CAM. Just played around a bit learning how it works.
If I ever get my new machine built, I may get a copy of DeskProto, mainly for it's rotary axis stuff.

I've found Deskproto standard very good - stunning tool paths. MeshCam by direct contrast is super easy, reliable and fast - had no problems at all setting it up and generating good code - for some reason the machining time is half in MeshCam as Deskproto - obviously the settings. Starting to lean toward MeshCam - but I'm still demoing . . . They're all pretty darn cool.

[RCaffin]

2D CNC programs are easy. 3D are not, so it is reasonable to pay for them. 4D and 5D - very complex, very costly.

The alternative is to learn to code yourself.

Cheers
Roger

[ger21]

I've found Deskproto standard very good - stunning tool paths. MeshCam by direct contrast is super easy, reliable and fast - had no problems at all setting it up and generating good code - for some reason the machining time is half in MeshCam as Deskproto - obviously the settings. Starting to lean toward MeshCam - but I'm still demoing . . . They're all pretty darn cool.

One thing you should be aware of, is that there is no perfect CAM program, especially in the low cost options.
MeshCAM, and Deskproto were originally developed with the sole purpose of machining 3D mesh models.
While they've both added support for 2D operations over the years, imo, a 2D CAM program will provide more power, and more control, and will often create better toolpaths.
Over the years, I've seen many MeshCAM users struggle with 2D operations, that would have been much easier done with a 2D CAM package.
I'm of the belief that you really need both.

MeshCAM 7 does appear to add contour and pocket operations, which are nice, but imo are still better off done in a 2D CAD program. And I don't know when MeshCAM7 will be out of beta, as it appears to have a ways to go.

[VGcustomshop]

One thing you should be aware of, is that there is no perfect CAM program, especially in the low cost options.
MeshCAM, and Deskproto were originally developed with the sole purpose of machining 3D mesh models.
While they've both added support for 2D operations over the years, imo, a 2D CAM program will provide more power, and more control, and will often create better toolpaths.
Over the years, I've seen many MeshCAM users struggle with 2D operations, that would have been much easier done with a 2D CAM package.
I'm of the belief that you really need both.

MeshCAM 7 does appear to add contour and pocket operations, which are nice, but imo are still better off done in a 2D CAD program. And I don't know when MeshCAM7 will be out of beta, as it appears to have a ways to go.

As usual - sterling advice - thanks. Decided on and purchased CamBam - it's a surprisingly rich program for the price (was prepared to spend a lot more). The owner has been really helpful and there is no substitute for hands on customer service. Will continue using Fusion 360 for modeling and CAM while building skills in MOI and CamBam - like MOI - it absolutely requires training before it can be used efficiently - of course you can say that about any good program. It took 9 months before anything done in Fusion was acceptable. Will have to see how CamBam does with arch top and neck models before determining if another program is needed for 3D. In addition, nice having basic CAD tools in the program - they will come in handy for on the fly 2D template milling. Also, the engraving feature is a bonus. Despite the 80s style graphical interface and the time required to get proficient - very happy with the purchase! Many thanks to all in this thread.

[VGcustomshop]

I almost purchased Deskproto today (entry edition) for 3D but found out that the entry edition will not cut diagonally - only the expert and above editions which start at 725 bucks. My machine will do 35" diagonally - if you have a long machine or are doing small parts the entry edition is OK as long as the item is put square on the bed. Estlcam - for a fraction of the cost let's you set the angle you want to mill your model in CAD so it is right where you need it when you open the file in Estlcam. Photos show the angled model and then the tool paths in Estlcam.

[VGcustomshop]

The owner of Deskprot told said a couple days ago that I can by a hobby license after all - but already bought two other CAM programs . . .lol. So will have to save some money to buy DP. I really like Estlcam - already milling guitar necks and bodies - haven't done anything with CamBam yet. Estlcam has great customer service and a very simple user interface. Check it out - it's surprisingly powerful.

[daniellyall]

VGcustomshop Once they have a couple of the toolpaths in fusion360 cam beta out of beta fusion will be close to all you need theirs a few things in there now that can make it do whats needed with a little bit of extra work.
What some of the guitar dudes are getting now is quite impressive some of them are green horns and over 60

It would not hurt to jump on the fusion forum and find them and just have a chat to them they realy like to help (they wont muck you around) a couple of the fusion dev guys are guitar heads as well and are stand up guys.

[VGcustomshop]

Sounds good - been using Fusion for over a year now under the start-up license - but was looking for something I can own that wouldn't require working in a cloud, sharing or uploading designs. The hobby license with Fusion clearly states they own anything you design . . .but no denying it's a powerful program. Thanks very much for the suggestions.

[daniellyall]

It is the future they own some of the servers the info is stored on the rest is in Amazon's server farm (why amazons the DOD uses it) they cant access your files only see how much you use in storage, if you catch your files you can get at them at anytime you just need to know where to look.

They are looking into how to encrypt everyone's files so you data would be safe its for itar stuff what fusion can not be used for at all now.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/suppo...usion-360.html

And all the catch files are there my license went sideways at the start of the year I pulled all my files out of the catch and stuck them on a portable they fixed the problem the next day so I did not lose anything If I know a update is get done I clean out the catch and redo it then copy the catch file.

[VGcustomshop]

Estlcam is a terrific cam 3D and 2D cam program that allows you to import .stl files - it also comes with a grbl sender. Deskproto is great too but the entry level program has a lot of limitations - recommend trying the demo before buying. Estlcam has a fully functional demo also. Estlcam.de 2D / 3D CAM Software und CNC Steuerung...

I currently use Vectric CUT2D and it is wonderful but I need to be able to use .stl files. Vectric says I can upgrade for $480, yikes too much.
Anyways, I have a DIY JGRO router running with Mach3 and I have looked at the following CAM software as viable solutions for me:

DeskProto Lite currently the exhange makes it $178
CamBam Plus listed at $149
MeshCAM listed at $175

I have not seen or used any of these products and would like for people who have used at least one or two of these packages to sway me one way or the other.
Also, I have tried alot of the "free" CAM software and some it is pretty nice considering it is free. I did just download FreeMill to check out this weekend.

Thanks for your help,
DT

[daniellyall]

VGcustomshop If you wont to see something that can do a lot for less than the big boys but still to much $$$ for a man at home ZW3D I have a friend in england useing it to make gun stocks and he is very happy with it