[metriccar]

There are a lot of options out there but we all want the same thing: easiest way to get a clean drawing and export it to DXF/G-Code.
For me I'd like to be able to input scans or images into the CAD and export them into DXF/G-Code.
There is some 2D CAD software out there that will even put the lead ins/outs in there for you so you don't have to export to something like sheetcam first.


What do you recommend?
For me I'd like something that's not only simple and easy to use, but popular. I'd like to keep it under $1500.

[mohmmad]

solidworks
nx

[Mike 1948]

I think maybe a free 2D cad program like Draftsight and then Sheetcam might be your best bet for $175.00. Sheetcam does so much more than just lead in/outs.
IE. pierce /cut height, cut direction, nesting etc. etc.
You also might want to look at Vectric's "Vcarve Pro". It can import images and trace to get vectors then export to DXF. At $600.00 you are still way under budget. Plus if you want to try a router and cut wood you are all set.

Mike

[Bubba]

For my 2 1/2D work, I use Draftsight cad (DraftSight - Free* CAD software for your DWG files - Dassault Systèmes) and Sheetcam (Welcome to SheetCam) combination. Draftsight is a free clone of autocad and can import dwg and dxf files as well as save them. It will not however do any conversion of pdf or image files, but you can import them and do tracing. Sheetcam is a reasonably priced cam program that will take various imports including dxf and has the ability to do leadin etc. Service is also great and improvements are being made all the time.
I find this to be a reasonably priced system for my uses, YMMV. Just a satisfied customer.

[plasmamatt]

I have been using TurboCAD for about 12 years now. It is inexpensive and provides a great deal of features for both 2D and 3D.

[flyinwilly]

I use Sheetcam for the Cam portion. I have switched from Autocad to Corel Draw for the CAD part. With Corel, I can import Jpegs or virtually any picture and convert it to vectors, make any changes needed or design a new part and then export a DXF for Sheetcam. There is also a add-on called DXF Tool which will clean up arcs, circles, etc and reduce the number of nodes to give really clean and smooth cuts. Also, the program is accurate enough for Plasma, easily down to a thousandth / inch on the drawings.

You can get an older version (X4, X5, etc.) which have all the features needed for short money on Ebay. One thing to note is that Corel is a fairly complicated program and has a steep learning curve but there are plenty of tutorials on line.

Willy

[Torchhead]

One more option: Inkscape (freeware) which is a CorelDraw Clone and has some limitations but it's native file format is SVG and SheetCAM has an SVG import. Sorry can't get close to your $1500 budget(

You will find things in SheetCAM TNG that will totally amaze you. It is probably the best deal on the planet for CAM work.

Example: You can setup Action Points on a cut line (contour) and do all kinds of stuff int he middle of a cut. The next release will have CUT RULES that let you set runs based on the toolpath such as "Before End" or "On Small Hole" soit applies the rule to every object that meets that rule.

TOMcaudle
www.CandCNC.com
"Excellence in Engineering"

[jbobrout34]

Rhino for me
Jbob

Sent from my GT-I8160 using Tapatalk 2

[jason_alex]

Draft Sight with MTC Pronest.

[N2950H]

Does anyone use Adobe Illustrator? I happen to already have that, so was hoping it would work. As I understand it, it's pretty much the same thing as CorelDraw...vector based and exports DXF files.

If Illustrator would work, would that plus something like SheetCAM give me a functional table?

[kkburr73]

Mastercam X7

[Ajancnc]

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