Thank you for all the reply's. I do understand all the very good points..I've ruled out AutoCad for sure. The real question is do I spend the money on MC Design Lite and take a three day course or do I purchase say Alibre and the training CD's? Design Lite isn't a solid package...Where the Alibre is. I would hate to take the MC training and then find out that it was almost a waste and I still need to purchase a solids CAD package. I will be doing automotive parts drawing.

Thad, You bring up some of the most important questions. No doubt. The bottom line is funds...I hate for it to be that way but it is. I'm doing this on my own and not through a company. The Alibre seems to have some great features for the mid package (can't post cost here). I originally was set on Mastercam but doing this on this forum got me confused, In a good way. So, here I am. Let's hear what you think of Alibre. So far, Mastercam Lite will not do solids. Where Alibre can for half the cost of Mastercam Design. Alibre does have a user forum. hmm..

Alibre seems very resonabley priced. Almost to good to be true. Have you used it against Solidworks? I'm basically at the point now where I just can't spend the money for Solidworks but Alibre is an option cost wise. The only drawback that I see is the training is ONLY online from what I can see.

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.

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.

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?

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 ]

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.

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

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.

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?

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!