Alibre CAD

**Gadget** · 01-21-2010, 07:11 PM

I've been playing around with the Alibre CAD design software and have finally made a part that looks like a part. The free version won't let you save in any format other than theirs but you can get a converter to convert it to DXF. Now all I need to do is get a reasonably priced 3D CAM program to convert to machine code for my CNC table. Getting a bit closer all the time.
Dan

**junes** · 01-21-2010, 09:46 PM

Gadget you have a cnc mill? Or just the plasma.

**arandall** · 01-21-2010, 10:13 PM

Dan:

Your projects are nothing short of amazing.

Art R.

**Uncle Ed** · 01-21-2010, 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by junes

Gadget you have a cnc mill? Or just the plasma.

He better get a mill. Cutting out plastic vacuum cleaner fans is gonna go hard with the torch.

**Gadget** · 01-22-2010, 07:15 AM

I built my CNC table to be easily converted from plasma to router. I plan on cutting the part in foam and then using that for a lost foam pattern in the foundry. I should be able to do light milling of aluminum with the router but mostly it will be for wood, plastic, engraving, and foam patterns.
The fan blade is 8" diameter. I want to run the fan slower but still have the force to reduce the noise when melting metal in the furnace.

**frijoli** · 01-22-2010, 03:49 PM

take a serious look at BobCad/Cam. Ignore their pricing list even if they call you. You can buy the full version for 2-300 dollars if you hold out.

if you want to get serious CAM software, look hard at FeatureCam.

Clay

**Gadget** · 01-22-2010, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by frijoli

take a serious look at BobCad/Cam. Ignore their pricing list even if they call you. You can buy the full version for 2-300 dollars if you hold out.

if you want to get serious CAM software, look hard at FeatureCam.

Clay

Clay,
I just downloaded the eval of BobCad. What is the trick to getting it for $2.00. I need to get the cost down as much as possible since this is only a hobby and I will be on a fixed income soon.

**frijoli** · 01-22-2010, 05:43 PM

LoL, that was supposed to be 200-300 dollars!

Which is about 500-600 off the retail price.

**Gadget** · 01-22-2010, 05:56 PM

Bobcad doesn't seem to like windows 7 so far. Lots of error messages.
I have been evaluating Vectric Cut3d and like it. It is only $299 and does what I want so far. I will need to test the GCode on my table before I pull the trigger on it though.