Free or cheap CAM software

[Dave_Sohlstrom]

There are folks on the forum that have other CNC machines. What CAM software are you using on those machines.

[cquinby]

Dave, I have been using CamBam and for your basic CNC machining it does a good job. I looked into more elaborate packages but they were just too complicated for me.

[Dave_Sohlstrom]

Funny you should say that I just found and DL CAMBAM to see what it can do for me.

[mhackney]

I've been using CamBam for a few years too. Very capable and not expensive. I did just purchase VCarvePro in December and it is really nice but a little mor expensive. But I make money with my CNC machines so the time saving paid for the software in the first month.

Cheers,
Michael

[Dave_Sohlstrom]

Well it has taken me from the time I posted that I had DL CamBam till now to get it figured out. It kept wanting to cut on the inside of part of an out side profile. Found that I needed to use the join function then every thing worked out. Will try the Gcode on Wensday.

[mhackney]

Ah, yes, That's trues with all of the mill CAM software. That's how the software determines what's "outside" and what's "inside"!

cheers,
Michael

[JTCUSTOMS]

I have used CamBam for a couple years as well.
It has come a long way and is worth every penny, with lots of support
It will do 3d machining as well, I believe. And I saw somewhere that they were experimenting with trachoidal milling and a lathe module.

[Dave_Sohlstrom]

I've used 6 of my 40 trial uses. So far it is proving it's self to be a good program. My H1 Tank in CNC mode is doing well. I have noticed that because I have some wobble in one lead screw that my X axis wobbles when the lead screw move it up or down. It is impossible to see when extruding because there is no good reference. With the end mill sticking down and out to the side where I can see it you are able to see the wobble. I have got to get the new Z axis linear bearings installed. I have the stock bearings set as tight as they will go and still wobbles.

[JTCUSTOMS]

I found that with the stock bearings the glass reinforced axles would flex limiting the amount of pressure you can actually apply, it was the reason I changed to linear bearings.

[Dave_Sohlstrom]

Agreed I am going to machine my linear bearing blocks for the Z axis today and see if I can get them changed out.

[Leeway]

99% of the time I use Sheetcam for most 2.5 D stuff. I use it both for my mill and router. I have 3D software too though. Vcarve and Cut 3D from Vectric are nice to have. I use Vcarve really when I want to do nice lettered signs. Cut 3D for all 3D stuff.
I use Dolphin Turn on my lathe. It works well and you can get hobby versions.
I have a complete plasma machine here ready to assemble. My new shop is still incomplete though and it will live under the new carport that will be added to that shop soon.
It will use Sheetcam mostly.