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Best cheap CAM software
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Author:  cbrviking [ Thu Oct 20, 2011 9:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Best cheap CAM software
Ok, I'm fed up with LazyCAM. I tried FreeMill, but it is really limited. I use Autocad for my 2D stuff and Rhinocad3D for my 3D stuff. Can anyone suggest an inexpensive CAM software for cutting guitar related things? I just finished a Thinline body and the CAM solutions suck.
Author:  turmite [ Thu Oct 20, 2011 10:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
Take a look at the entry level version of Madcam.

http://www.madcamcnc.com/start_page.html

I am the US support, though you will find that Joakim is quite good at support. There are several users now using Rhino/Madcam who in fact make guitars. Here are two that I have made with the first sample showing an in progress shot of the pockets. The last image was my first guitar, ever, and made completely with Rhino/Madcam including neck, fretboard..............well, everything.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

BTW, both the guitars shown are hollow using different chambers.
Mike
Author:  cbrviking [ Thu Oct 20, 2011 11:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
Ya, but $750 is way out of the hobbyist's realm.
Author:  ballbanjos [ Fri Oct 21, 2011 5:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
+1 for madCAM.

Unfortunately, from my experience in shopping for CAM software, $750 was on the very low side of cost for a CAM that would actually do what it was that I wanted. I tried quite a few before I bought, but madCAM and its integration into Rhino worked best for me and was well worth the price.

Dave
Author:  cbrviking [ Fri Oct 21, 2011 11:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
I'm playing with the demo version of CamBam right now and it looks promising. It only does 2D+ so it's just a replacement for Lazyam but aside from being really slow to generate tool paths and G-Code it looks pretty good, and it's only $150. Anyone have their own experiences with this?
Author:  Mike Package [ Fri Oct 21, 2011 12:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
Another vote for MadCAM. I wouldn't call it cheap either. But it worked better for my needs than RhinoCAM and others, for less money. And the ability to get a trial license to actually test cut a few of my own designs was hugely important. Lots of software trials won't let you do that. Being able to machine along a curve in the "basic" version is also a plus. Fret slots, truss rod curves, etc.
Author:  Mike Kroening [ Fri Oct 21, 2011 1:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
The cheapest 2d cam program out there is Cut2D from Vectric( http://www.vectric.com/). It sucks from a CAD standpoint. but it will gen decent Gcode from DXF files after making sure that you have closed vectors. I started with Cut2D an it functioned well for me. At $149 it will get the job done. The Post processors are editable as well as the tool database. That's about the only one that is cheap. Add the cut3D and bundle them for $400. The cut3D will do Stl files.

so there is the cheapest I can find for what you are looking for.

just my .02cents
Mike
Author:  cbrviking [ Fri Oct 21, 2011 1:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
I worked through the CamBam process and it works pretty good. Here's a screenshot of a standard-chambered Tele body showing the tool paths. The outer outline is a refining pass.
Author:  cbrviking [ Tue Nov 01, 2011 10:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
Still looking for a reasonably priced 3D CAM software. I tried the demo of MadCAM and it's pretty good, but I just can't do the $750.
Author:  Marty M. [ Wed Nov 02, 2011 5:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
I have been using meshcam. It is about 150 dollars if I remember. You can try it for free for 30 days.
Author:  cbrviking [ Wed Nov 02, 2011 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
I ran the video and it looks promising. At $175 it's not badly priced. Thanks!
Author:  Marty M. [ Fri Nov 04, 2011 5:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
I used the older version for quite a while and this newer one seems better. I haven't just played with it enough to get the full benefit of what it can do. I'm usually in too much of a hurry just to do what I want. People with experience with other software may have a different opinion of it, but it seems to do what it needs to do. Sometime it will throw an oddball move in there at the end that I wouldn't expect to happen at that time, but that could have something to do the way I draw too. :-).
Author:  cbrviking [ Fri Nov 04, 2011 9:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Best cheap CAM software
I got the MeshCAM demo and I like it a lot. Once I get my machine reassembled I will give it a thorough trial. I moved and had to disassemble it for transport. While I have it apart I will upgrade the screws and raise the superstructure.
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