just starting..

[jtwrace]

I don't own any MasterCam software yet. Actually, I'm hoping that some of you advanced users can tell me why I should learn/purchase MasterCam over the others (i.e. SolidWorks, AutoCad..)

 

I just want to be able to draw parts to be able to give the machine shop a print/file. I hope that you guys/gals don't mind me asking but I don't know where to start.

 

I will take a 3 day class to learn. That's for sure!

[MLS]

If your only intention is to draw prints or produce a 3d model, then I would not suggest going with Mastercam.

 

Mastercam is best suited for machining parts.

 

IMO you would be better off with a software aimed at generating CAD data if that is all you will be doing.

 

If you are going to be programming parts then yes Mastercam would be a good choice with the ability to produce drawings and such as well.

 

My 2 cents.

[jtwrace]

Gotcha. Well, later down the road depending on my learning curve I will want to produce parts. Just to start though, it will be just drawing. Thoughts?

[Colin Gilchrist]

If you know you want to make toolpaths later on down the road, then I would take the time to learn Mastercam. It does a good job with CAD and drafting, especially if you are working from a Solid model.

 

Do you create your own parts/drawings (do your own engineering) or do you get models from customers?

 

Solidworks is an awesome CAD package and if that is your primary concern, I would go with Solidworks hands down.

 

With the "Solids Layout" function, producing nice detailed drawings is pretty easy in Mastercam. If you are creating all the drawing view from scratch, Mastercam isn't the fastest package, but it can be done...

 

HTH,

[jtwrace]

I don't create anything at this time. That's the problem. I want to. I come up with all the ideas then a designer draws it. I need to be able to do be able to put the idea on paper. Yes, long term I would like to make the tool paths. To start, I need to be able to design the part. How much does Solidworks cost? I was thinking of going with the Design Lite from Mastercam to start.

[BernieT]

Design Lite is a good place to start, Mastercam Design would be the next step. And those products are a good way to get ready for using Mastercam to make toolpaths. And as said above, be sure to get the Solids package if you do anything more than line drawings.

 

Check with your reseller to get prices and how to move from one product to the next and what it would cost.

 

 

Another great design product is Rhino3D (Rhino3D.com) - Easy to use, very reasonable price (about $1000, $200 for students) and converts or translates into Mastercam and other products very well.

 

HTH

 

Good luck in your career !!!

 

 

.

[jtwrace]

Thanks BernieT-

 

Do you think that Rhino3D is easier to use then Mastercam?

[Thad]

IIRC, Design Lite is not upgradeable. If you purchase Design, you can later up it to mill level 1. If you purchase Design Lite, you've purchased Design Lite.

 

Can someone confirm this?

 

Thad

[BernieT]

quote:

---

Do you think that Rhino3D is easier to use then Mastercam?

---

I would say they are comparable. Both have their better points for designing. My personal opinion is that Rhino3D is a great complement to Mastercam's design capabilities.

 

I think Solidworks is the accepted design standard on this forum and if you can afford it, go that way.

 

I think you need pricing info and a plan for the future to better help you decide.

 

Learning ANY design software is a plus and useful for the future.

 

In my opinion, unless you are doing architectural design, I would stay away from Autocad.

 

 

 

Hi Thad !!! How are you doing in the freezing state of Michigan?

 

.

[Thad]

quote:

---

Hi Thad !!! How are you doing in the freezing state of Michigan?

---

Freezing. Oh, and shoveling. Friday morning it was -10 with a wind chill of -25. Now it's in the high teens and I was thinking about laying out on the deck today. Normally by this time of the year, we get 20" of snow. So far this year, we've had 40". Didn't you say you had a guest room at your place? I'd ask how the weather is out on the left coast, but I don't want to know.

 

Thad

[Colin Gilchrist]

Balmy today in the Seattle area. Mid 40's...

 

Sure beats the two weeks of snow we had though...

 

Hey Thad, 8" of snow virtually shut down our city for a week!

 

I had so much fun blowing by people in my Jeep...

[jtwrace]

Bernie,

 

thanks again. That all makes very good sense. I should have all the price quotes back tomorrow. I will report back with that info.

[BernieT]

O/T just for Thad....

 

Went for a 4 mile walk today with my daughter and her dogs - here is a couple pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

The water is cold but the sunshine is the best !!!

 

 

 

.

[BernieT]

 

 

[jtwrace]

Bernie

 

The cost of Mastercam Design Lite is ***

 

Mastercam Design is ****

 

Solidworks Standard is ****

 

Dolphin CAD/CAM parts master level 3 ****

 

My thought was to get Mastercam Lite and learn SOMETHING. As you mentioned above. Then when I get comfortable I can upgrade to Design. Some say that Mastercam is difficult to use..

 

Thoughts?

 

[edited - Pricing discussion is not allowed]

 

[ 01-20-2009, 09:59 AM: Message edited by: JParis@CNC Programming Solutions ]

[Jayson Kramer]

if you go with Solid works then later you can look at adding Mastercam for Solidworks for your paths.

 

But I do agree bang for buck right now

The cost of Mastercam Design Lite is $250 you can't beat this.

[jtwrace]

Jay,

 

thanks for the feedback. I was unaware about the Mastercam/Solidworks marriage.

 

What are your thoughts about using Mastercam? Easy compared to others? I know it's strange being that you are an instructor..

 

To spend that much on Solidworks is crazy IMO at this point. It sounds like Mastercam Lite will do everything I need for now and then I can always upgrade to Mastercam Design and be at the same level as Solidworks. right?

[Jayson Kramer]

JT just so you know that Mastercam lite is an easy tool to work with. but you will be limited to Wire Fram construction only. then when moving to Design you will have surface creation. but at that point you can add Solids that will give the option allot like solid works.When coming to use of MC I have about 20 years using so I am a little bias. But Solid works is a really user friendly Cad software after you get the basics.

 

But just keep in mind that Lite only does wire. but this not bad if you are learning the basics this a great place to jump in and get started.

 

Are there any school close by you can go to?

Have you talked to Jimmy at Barefoot CNC?

 

J

[jtwrace]

Yes, I've talked with Mike at Barefoot. I will take a class for sure. The main decision is really Lite or go for design..I really don't want to spend that much money just yet..hmm.

[Jayson Kramer]

Get you feet wet and at least start with the lite you might find your self making the jump to design faster then you thought. as you become familer with the software and want more design power.

 

If you can flip the bill for Design I would start there,But if it is tight and you want a start you have all ready made up your mind as you will get the Lite.But one way or another from there it is all up hill to more tools power and option as you further your knowledge in this industry.

[Jason B.]

Be very carefull in your selection of CAD software and be aware of there capabilities. Solidworks is mentioned much on this site but for my application (A world where designs change faster than a speeding bullet) a parametric software would have put me out of business by now. Parametric software uses a "recipe" to build a model and if you want to change the model you need to go back into the recipe and make the changes. The problem with this is dependent on how far deep the change is and how much it affects the remainder of the model. Sometimes (most of the time) you end up just starting over. If you need to create and modify without limits be sure to get a non-parametric modeler. Also make sure it has the capability to design for what you need (2D, 3D, Solids, Surfaces, etc.) And DONT get Mastercam for CAD designing.(my opinionated side coming out here) It's the best machining software out there. (coming from someone who has used it for 15 years) but it is very frustrating to design in compared to even cheap designing software.(cheap meaning in compared to Mastercam) Also, the cost of maintanence should be considered when making this decision not just the cost of purchase.

[MotorCityMinion]

jtwrace. IMO, if $500 is all you have budgeted for a CAD package, then Design lite is the way to go since you stated that you plan on machining with MC in the future. It will give you a head start no doubt. As far as upgrading to MC design, that's silly IMO. You upgrade to a full blown CAD package, not MC CAD.

 

 

"I can always upgrade to Mastercam Design and be at the same level as Solidworks. right?"

 

No. Not even close. I've been using MC for over a year now, SW for about two weeks. The things I've drawn in Solidworks machine much better than what I've draw in MC. You will draw about 5 times faster, on average, in SW than MC. When it comes to 3D drawings, SW just beats the snot out of MC.

 

Your actually mixing apples and oranges in your comparisons here. Yes, MC can create nice surfaces and does a fine job with 2d but it's primary function is CAM, not CAD.

 

The cost of classes at any reseller is probably going to be 3 to 5 times the cost of Design lite.

 

"If you go with Solid works then later you can look at adding Mastercam for Solidworks for your paths."

 

Jay, could you clarify this some. What marriage? Mastercam Direct?

[jtwrace]

So you don't think that any Mastercam product can come close to SW as a CAD package? Hmm. I don't know what to do now. err.

[Guest]

quote:

---

I would have to respectfully disagree with Jason, changing a model in solidworks could not be easier, any changes in the model are automatically updated in the drawings and the Bill of materials if applicable

---

Degmc,

 

I think I understand where your coming from, with the ease of use. I will say that if you have spent hours upon hours building a complex model and have to go back almost ALL the way to the first feature, out of a hundred features, depending on the feature type you can have to rebuild nearly the entire model. I have had to do this.

 

So the premise, ease of use, IS correct but complexity of model can make it a chore to get it done in actuality.

 

JM2C

 

BTW, I use Solidworks for all my design work

 

[?Mark]

Nobody's mentioned Alibre yet?. I think it's the biggest bang for the buck as far as entry-middle of the road design software is concerned.

jm2c though