PROPOSAL: Aquire CamBam CAM software

[Ben Humpherys]

So WHEN we get the CNC machine, we already have a license of MACH 3 we will probably be using for control of the actual machine itself. What we are still lacking is CAM software. CAM software is what takes the designs people create and generates the G-code to control the CNC machine. The 3D printer has its own software that does the exact same thing. Jasper suggested as a rule that nobody hand-edit their g-code programs, because a mistake could cause a collision with the table or material and break stuff. But we don't yet have software to do the g-code generation for us.

CamBam appears to be one of the most common CAM packages, and is a very good value. It can do engraving, 2.5D carvings, complex surfaces, you name it. It includes basic CAD functionality for creating basic shapes in the software itself. It appears to be able to meet all our needs. 

So: I have contacted CamBam asking if they offer a discount to non-profit organizations. But whether they do or don't, I propose we purchase a copy of CamBam for use. The worst case scenario is we pay full price, which is $150.

[Chad Stearns]

I think we are getting ahead of ourselves.

I know a lot of the lab would like to see the CNC mill in the space. But we are still trying to work out the finances of doing so. To my understanding the financial concern has not been resolved, and even then there is some argument about whether we should/could make that purchase. Because of all that, it is not a certainty that we will be getting a CNC machine and we should direct our conversation towards that topic.

-ChadCS

[Nate Plamondon]

Alternately, include the cost of the software in the next iteration of
the CNC proposal.
--
Nate Plamondon

> --
>
>

[Chad Stearns]

Thats a good idea.

-ChadCS

[Ryan Mcdermott]

+1 -- good call, Nate. I guess I haven't been following the CNC that
closely, but shouldn't this have been included in the cost of the
machine anyway? As in: the software is as much a part of the machine
as the steppers are.

Do we also need a PC to run the machine, then? Just like the laser
computer? Was that included in the proposal?

Pardon my ignorance, but if we didn't have this software, does that
mean that the CNC mill would be effectively a big paperweight to us?

-END OF LINE-

> --
>
>

[Chad Stearns]

Thanks Ryan, these are legitimate questions.

To my understanding we have had this proposal come up multiple times. I have been to at least one HYH where we voted on it, and Ben wasnt present. It keeps getting shot down because we dont have answers to financial questions or questions like the ones Ryan just mentioned.

-ChadCS

[Ben Humpherys]

Joe is including a computer to run the CNC machine with, and pretty much all the accessories and bits to go with it. The CAM software is the only other thing we need, and I didn't originally propose purchasing a particular piece of software because I didn't know enough at that time to recommend one. A few weeks back in another discussion thread, CamBam was recommended and I have heard good things from other places as well. 

If it is neccessary to submit another cnc proposal, then yea, I'll include this with it. 

Financially, I have reason to believe that we can afford it. Near the end of August, 23rdish, Will informed me that he had spoken to Jose, and that there was enough available, non-reserved funds, to make the difference between the amount of money pledged and the total cost. Assuming that our monthly income is greater than our monthly expenses, and assuming that we have not purchased anything else with those funds, then the money should still be there. That was when I started pushing this more, because all along I have been confident that we do infact have the funding available to do this. 

[Will Bradley]

You can also amend your current proposal to include this, you've got a day before proposals are due :)

--
 
 

[Ben Humpherys]

I have recieved an email!!!

Hello Ben,

We like to support clubs, hack spaces and collectives and appreciate that funds can be stretched after machine buying/building.

As such, we would like to offer your group a complementary CamBam license (see following).

This is for use within the club only.  It is a full license which does not expire and may be copied onto multiple machines.

If your members would like to purchase a personal license for their own use that would be appreciated and they can use the following discount code : CBHACK1
This can be used on our online webshop at http://www.cambam.info/shop/ and will save $10 off the list price.

Unlicensed CamBam installations will continue to work after the 40 evaluation uses are up and allow editing drawings and viewing toolpaths.
However g-code output limited to 500 lines, so another option is for people to work on designs at home, then bring them in to the group's licensed computers to generate g-code.

I hope this helps.
If you have any interesting projects, we always like to hear about them... and if you can give CamBam a mention on any web blogs etc, that is also very much appreciated.

Have fun!

Regards

Andy Payne
HexRay Ltd

[Ben Humpherys]

So now we have a CamBam license! :D 

[Jasper Nance]

Uhm, holy crap. Ben, you are amazing!!!!

On 10/5/12, Ben Humpherys <moog...@gmail.com> wrote:
> So now we have a CamBam license! :D
>

> --
>
>
>


--
----------------------------------------------
Jasper Nance - KE7PHI
Creative and Scientific Imagery
http://www.nebarnix.com/

[Ryan Mcdermott]

Good job, Ben! +1 pat on the back :)

I guess this is what happens when you ask! :)

-END OF LINE-

> --
>
>