I just don't know

[jmbfestool]

I just don't know which software to go with for my CNC

I currently use Enroute v3 basic  which is very basic!   

So I have come accustomed to using this software so upgrading to Enroute v5 Pro would be ideal because the layout is the same.

So I had a full version Demo of Enroute V5 pro to use.

Straight away I preferred it over the one I have.  One main feature which made it SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better is the scrolling and zooming. I know this isn't a reason to buy this software but man its such an important feature. 

Don't know the technical term for it but to explain its like sketch up you zoom in and out and when you zoom in its zooms towards your cursor.    I HATE enroute V3 for not having this feature it makes it so irritating scrolling about with out this feature.

Any way its 3D features I require and don't know which software I should get.

I was given a Quote for Enroute V5 Pro and it isn't cheap so I need to know if I am getting my moneys worth and if there is another software which is cheaper with same features or same price with more features.

I mainly do 2D but I don't want to be limited for future jobs. 
I need 3D for entry of tool path and lettering mainly but I would like to learn vectorizing blah blah 3D routing.

As some of you may already know I like doing bespoke work and I would like to keep it that way although I am currently doing more production work ........ boring!!!! Brain dead boring!

Currently the 3 software programs Im looking at.
I have tried Enroute V5 Pro
and Vectric.
I have not been able to try Artcam because when I downloaded it it wasn't compatible with windows XP which is what I am running on for my CNC in the workshop.

Things I thought Enroute was missing which Vectric opened my eyes to was circle selection for toolpathing.  Maybe I missed this feature in Enroute but in vectric you can tell the software to select all circles a certain size and assign a tool path to or select circles which fit the tool dimensions.  This features SAVES loads of time.  Another feature I liked about vectric was T-bone and Dog Bone cut out. Another big time saving feature for 2D work.  I also found the 3D preview in vectric was a lot smoother and quicker and gave me a better visual than Enroute 3D preview. 

I need to get windows 7 installed and get playing on Artcam and see what features that has to offer.

Enroute V5 Pro
http://www.enroutesoftware.com/HowToBuy-ProductSelectionGuide

ArtCam Pro
http://www.artcam.com/pro/index.asp

and Finally the cheapest of the two I think.
Vectric Aspire
http://www.vectric.com/products/aspire.html
Prices
http://www.vectric.com/store.html

Maybe some one can throw another software into it which trumps all these?

 

[Kev]

What about artclip3D ?

I'm ignorant on this stuff ... the first name that triggered in my head was solid edge - that'd deffo the wrong animal for wood stuff.

I'd kill for the space to have a CNC router [sad]

Good luck.

 

[caseman]

I use Vectric Aspire on my Techno-Isel LC4896.  I've used all of the Vectric products almost since their inception.  Besides Aspire 8.1 being a very comprehensive program the thing I always look for is an active user group.  The Vectric user group has many expert users, Vectric is always there, very responsive, etc., a great resource.

I'm currently building Maloof style rockers on the CNC designed in Aspire. 

 

[jmbfestool]

What about artclip3D ?

I'm ignorant on this stuff ... the first name that triggered in my head was solid edge - that'd deffo the wrong animal for wood stuff.

I'd kill for the space to have a CNC router [sad]

Good luck.

Cheers looks like it's another software to add to the list.  Looks similar to  vectric.