[LisaGinkgo]

I'm looking into learning a CAM program mostly for my own education, but also so that, if necessary, my team can fabricate parts on a CNC at a nearby hackerspace. I've spent some time watching tutorials for HSMXpress and practicing using it, but I have been unable to actually test any of my programs, so I don't know how well it actually works or any problems it may have. A community college is offering Mastercam classes this summer, and I was wondering whether it would be worthwhile to take these classes and learn Mastercam or if it would be better to stick with HSMXpress. Or is it useful to know both?

What are the advantages of Mastercam over HSMXpress or visa versa? I know that HSMXpress is free while Mastercam is pretty expensive (although I read that you can get a student discount?), and my understanding is that Mastercam allows you to do 3D milling and lathe work, while HSMXpress only allows for 2D milling, but I'm sure there are other differences. If anyone has experience with either that they'd be willing to share, it would be much appreciated.