Hello everyone, Rick is the name, and I'm a newbie here and this is my first post. I found this site, beginning my search for CNC information. My trade is drafting/detailing in the architectural millwork/storefixture/cabinetry realms. I've used Autocad for about 10 yrs now, but need to expand my knowledge/skill base in other areas. My boss has Solidworks on one of the computers at work, but I've never used it. I'm fairly versed in Autocad, and it does everything I need, as the projects vary way beyond what cabinet vision or those types of programs provide. But now he is thinking about purchasing a CNC, but what type I have no idea. He thinks SW might be usefull to interface with CNC but I haven't had much experience with CNC, although I spent the last 2 years at another shop, drawing shop plans. Then another person in the department would then take the Autocad files and import them into some type of CNC program for dumping to a floppy for the CNC. I think it was a German PTP machine, but don't remember the name. Anyway,here is the crux of my question.
Is Solidworks a standard drawing tool in the CNC world, or is Autocad good enough for basic panel machining, such as dados, drilling, radiused cuts etc? And is there a standard CNC workhorse in the industry for this type of work. The shop is a small but highend custom cabinetry/fixture/millwork operation, that could really benifit from a CNC for panel dado work, but I have no idea what the norms are for that level of business. He has an opportunity to buy a used CNC for about $20k and the machine was only 2 yrs old, and cost over $60k new, although I have no idea what brand or type it is. I'm just trying to gather information on the software side, as I am the detailer, but will be handling the CNC stuff too. Any suggestions would be appreciated. And btw, nice forum.
One other area I'm interested in is building a small home CNC for laser engraving, and various panel routing chores on small scale, as I custom build acoustical/fixture products for recording studios and home theater. But thats another animal, different day. Thanks
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