MasterCAM textbooks OR MasterCAM University?

[Dave Taylor]

What gives the biggest bang per buck?

The MasterCAM textbooks or the MasterCAM University?

Besides the fact that you get a certificate with the University.

Thanks

[Tyler Y]

I'll offer my 2c keeping in mind I may have a bias

 

They each have their place in my mind but here are a few things to consider:

 

- With MCU, you pay for access for a set amount of time. Going the textbook route, (eBook or print) you get that content forever. If you choose a title with a Training CD, you get the video content as a reference forever.

- The Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial, for example, has everything you need to prep you for certification (if that's your end goal).

- Either way, you get the latest demo software (HLE) to work with at home.

[Dave Taylor]

Thanks Tyler, I had not considered that the University has a time limit and the books/discs are yours forever.

[Dave Taylor]

Tyler, Does the HLE disc that comes with the Mill Level 1 Training Tutorial have an expiration date?

[DanielGingras]

Hello Dave,

 

The HLE for X6 is set to expire on October 31, 2013. The HLE discs are not specific to the textbook, so you can use the HLE with Mill level 1 Training Tutorial, with the Lathe Book, with Mill level 3, etc. etc.

 

The video training CDs that come with Mill level 1, Mill level 3, Lathe, and Intro to Multiaxis Training Tutorials do not expire.

[Dave Taylor]

Daniel, Thank you.

Its looking like, aside from the certificates that can be earned with the MasterCAM University, the textbooks are a better long term investment.

I appreciate all the assistance and welcome any other thoughts anyone might have.

[CNC It All]

I teach at a community college. A couple of years ago I switched from using a text book, lecture and demo format to using MastercamU. Prior to switching I had taught Mastercam for years and had developed solid instruction. With some apprehension I made the switch, but I hedged my bet by also requiring a text. At first I was stunned by what happened, most of my students learn more in less time while my role changed from provider to enabler. I augment MCU instruction in areas I feel it is lacking, but overall I would never go back to text/lecture only. Some of my students still use and learn better from the tutorial text, most are all on-line.

[Dave Taylor]

CNC IT All, Thank you for sharing your experience.

When I was taught MasterCAM in trade school it was by following along with what the instructor did. No textbooks, no tutorials of any kind. My instructor was excellent, but I suspect as you are saying, that most students would have been more successful with more material. Some of the students had never seen a CNC machine before.

[chrisdavala]

I have done both and thought they were both very helpful. I definately use my books as a reference long after the video's 12 weeks were up. I think I learned quicker with the video's but if I were to choose I would go with the books just to have a reference forever.

[BOATDUDEGUY]

Im all about the books

And when Ive completed enough to give me the confidence im taking mcam u for the cert