Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: DMBGO on October 15, 2006, 08:32:04 PM

Title: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: DMBGO on October 15, 2006, 08:32:04 PM

Hi, My name is Dave Maher, I am new to cnc, but have just built a small cnc router. I was wondering what cad / cam software others are using. I work in IT, but am unfamiliar with this area. I am prepared to pay for software if I have to, but need a recommendation as to which package to use. I want to make small parts for the vintage motorcycles that I restore.
Cheers and thanks in advance

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: DAlgie on October 15, 2006, 11:08:40 PM

Surfcam is nice, Mastercam is also nice, both are very similar, but either will cost you over $8,000 for the most basic version. Bobcad is good value for money, and there are a few cheaper ones out there as well, if you only need 2.5 axis stuff.

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: ynneb on October 16, 2006, 04:19:42 AM

Try SheetCam for very ecconomical 2.5 D work $160 I think.

Lazy Cam, that comes free with Mach3, is also coming of age.

Check out here http://www.machsupport.com/cam.htm

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: Chaoticone on October 16, 2006, 07:59:21 AM

I have only used one prorgram, it is artcam. Check them out, I think they have cheaper versions. It is real good for graphics.

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: PaulWC on October 16, 2006, 08:59:51 AM

Hi Benny,

Here's one you might add to the CAM page... it has similar features to Code Shark's Editor:

http://www.jssmdx.com/Products/MDXEdit.htm

Paul, Central OR

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: Yodawill2000 on October 16, 2006, 09:26:47 AM

Paul.
Any idea what that app cost ?

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: PaulWC on October 16, 2006, 09:55:46 AM

Down the page, next to the "Download Trial Versions" are red buttons for $20 (End User Version) and $99 (SDK Version).

Might be a real nice editor for Mach3 integration?

By the way... I have no affiliation.

Paul, Central OR

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: Yodawill2000 on October 16, 2006, 10:22:21 AM

Saw those but wasnt sure. Thanks.
Sure Wish LCam could "create" a part , instead of modifying an existing drawing.  :-[

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: PaulWC on October 16, 2006, 01:57:07 PM

There are so many affordable CAD programs out there, I doubt it would be worth the effort to build it into LazyCAM.

I use TurboCAD Deluxe for my designing with good results in 2D and 3D... 3D is great for visualizing the finished part/assembly. My avatar is a TurboCAD 3D image, rendered in Carrara.

Version 11.2 is available from Purplus for just $29.95:

http://store.purplus.net/tudeve11.html

No affiliation... just a happy customer.

Paul, Central OR

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: Yodawill2000 on October 16, 2006, 02:46:53 PM

Will TC 11.2 save as a dwg/dxf format ?

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: Chaoticone on October 16, 2006, 03:17:53 PM

Auto sketch will save as dxf or dwg. It is a nice program too. If I'm making dimensional drawings, I use this, save as dxf and import in CAM program. It is easy to learn also. Same people that write Autocad. I think it cost like $160.00.

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: Yodawill2000 on October 16, 2006, 03:28:25 PM

Thanks .
I need to go as cheap as I can.
Already in 2800.00 on this Mill and still need to build the table for Flood Cooling.
 :o

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: PaulWC on October 16, 2006, 04:43:11 PM

Hi Yodawill2000,

Yes it will... I have version 10.2. The attached shows the Save As options.

Paul, Central OR

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: Yodawill2000 on October 16, 2006, 04:51:57 PM

Sweet.
Thanks Paul !!


Paul in Grand Prairie Tx.

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: ynneb on October 16, 2006, 07:02:19 PM

Quote

Hi Benny,

Here's one you might add to the CAM page... it has similar features to Code Shark's Editor:

http://www.jssmdx.com/Products/MDXEdit.htm

Thanks paul I will add it as suggested.

Quote

Saw those but wasnt sure. Thanks.
Sure Wish LCam could "create" a part , instead of modifying an existing drawing.

Have a sift through here http://www.freebyte.com/cad/cad.htm

Title: Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
Post by: John S on October 16, 2006, 07:57:27 PM

If you can get on with Autocad then Progecad is a very good clone of Acad.
Best thing is the LT version is completely free with no restrictions on time or saves etc.

http://www.progecad.com/

Towards the bottom of the page.

John S.