Best CAM software

[Cory]

Originally Posted by JamesCH95

Another vote for HSMWorks. Andy A and I use it drive a CNC router, two different mills, and a CNC plasma cutter.



What do you mean by 'tabs'?

Most CAM packages will by default add "tabs" to a contour toolpath. Basically little bridges of material that connect the part to the stock. You contour at full depth around the exterior of the part and the tool raises maybe .025"-.060" (depending on how many tabs you have and how large the part is) over a small length at various points around the perimeter such that the part is basically done, but doesn't drop out of the stock.

Lets you cut the full depth contour and then you either hammer out the part with a deadblow and snap the tabs off, or you bandsaw them off if the part is delicate. Then you can remove the remainder of the tab with a belt sander, hit it with some scotchbrite, and if you've done a good job you can't even tell the part wasn't fully contoured with an end mill.

It's a massive timesaver when it comes to doing 2D parts on the mill.