[shoptalk00]

Hello All,

I am wanting to purchase some new Cad/Cam software for cnc mill and lathe work. Seeking some inside information regarding who has more to offer BobCad or TurboCad? Any information would be greatly appreciated both companies have offered me some good pricing. Thanks all!!!

[Sowen]

BobCAD is a CAD CAM System. Turbo CAD is (as far as I know) a CAD only system.

If you are looking for programming a CAD/CAM will be needed.

[johnmac]

I have TurboCAD/CAM v12. I don't know if there is any newer versions of the CAM software. V12 is 2.5D and you have to build your own post processor. I could not get it to make good g-code.

John

[ksanalytical]

I've been using TurboCAD/CAM for a few years intermittently with Mach3. It does seem that the CAM plug-in has not changed in years. I'm using TurboCAD v14 Pro and even the newest version of the CAM part comes in the same box as mine. It's been completely adequate for me, but it's still only 2.5D whereas BobCAD, if you're looking at v24, includes 3D toolpaths as well. I've been playing with the BobCAD demo and I'm pretty impressed with its capabilities. What it lacks in drawing power, it certainly makes up for on the CAM side.

One nice feature of TCAD is that I can change the drawing and the toolpaths will automatically adjust to the new contour. BobCAD will require you to reselect the geometry and computer the toolpath again, but that's only slightly more difficult.

Good luck.