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Author Topic: What is the best Cad / Cam software?  (Read 12421 times)

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Offline DMBGO

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What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« 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
Cheers

David

Offline DAlgie

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Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #1 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.

ynneb

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Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #2 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
« Last Edit: October 16, 2006, 06:57:11 AM by ynneb »

Offline Chaoticone

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Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #3 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.
;D If you could see the things I have in my head, you would be laughing too. ;D

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Offline PaulWC

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Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #4 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
« Last Edit: October 16, 2006, 10:05:04 AM by PaulWC »
Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #5 on: October 16, 2006, 09:26:47 AM »
Paul.
Any idea what that app cost ?

Offline PaulWC

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Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #6 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
Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #7 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.  :-[

Offline PaulWC

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Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #8 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
« Last Edit: October 16, 2006, 01:59:07 PM by PaulWC »
Re: What is the best Cad / Cam software?
« Reply #9 on: October 16, 2006, 02:46:53 PM »
Will TC 11.2 save as a dwg/dxf format ?