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View Full Version : Cam software for a lathe



CHudson
16-06-2010, 09:21 PM
Wondered if anyone can recommend some CAM software for a lathe?

I've tried a demo of Mastercam but I can't get to grips with it plus its really expensive.

I thought VectorCAM looked pretty good by the screenshots but their demo doesnt work.

John S
16-06-2010, 09:38 PM
Problem is affordable programs.
Lathe isn't just 2 axis of a mill program but very specialised.

Unlike a mill that has a cutter where you know where the corner is at all times on a lathe the cutting point is behind the projected tip pint and has a radius. Normal turning is fine but when you come to follow a curve with a tip with a radius then the true toolpath is altering all the while and isn't as a lot of people thing just an offset from the contour.

Lathe programs start at 1K and move upwards, one exception is Dolphin who also do a nice lathe module and they do deals for hobby users.