Bobcad versus Vector

[chandler@n-link.com]

Does anyone have any experience with Vector? They claim to make *.SBP programs directly without having to convert gcode.
Don Chandler

[bruce_clark]

Don,

I am a current user of Bobcad and am now trying
out a demo copy of Vector 7.0. I have not logged many
hours on Vector, but have put in a LOT of time
with Bobcad. So, I cannot evaluate them fairly,
yet--but give me some more time and I can give you
specifics.

As for Bobcad, its front end is similar to an old
version of TurboCad (what I am told, as I have not
used TurboCad). It has basic point, line and arc
creation tools. There are no fancy tools,
but enough to create just about any type of
geometry you will need. I give it a 'B'

As for text handling (as in making signs) I would
rate it a 'C'. Text is added like a dimension,
then converted to "paths". While this gives you
VERY accurate curves ect, there are not provisions
for creating ARCed text. Also, once you have the
text entered in, you then have to create offset
tool paths (pretty much by hand). I find it
better to create text in another program (such as
Corel Draw) and import that into Bobcad via DXF.

Now, for path creation, I am a little biased, but
I know how to work around most of Bobcad's
limitations, so I would rate this a 'B'. Bobcad
will generate 3D paths, but I have not really used
this feature on my Shopbot. Almost everything I
have done has been 2 1/2 axis work (meaning no
sculpted curves ect). 95% has been cut out (cut
completely though the material). I find these
VERY easy to create in Bobcad in the order _I_
want (with a little hand selecting).

As for the directly supporting Shopbot files, that
is not as much an issue with me. The G-code
converter only takes a few seconds to convert a
file. I do not make many ShopBot files a day,
so a few seconds is not an issue with me. The
advantage is it does insulate the user from G-code
(and shopbot language for that matter) so you
theoretically would not need to learn either language.

As for more information, IMService has this very
issue comparing Vector to Bobcad.
Their website is:

http://www.imsrv.com

Fred Smith is very helpful and knowledgeable about
both packages (and sells both). I also believe
that IMSerice has a ShopBot special for Vector.
Definately something work looking into. So far,
their service has been top notch. Fred even
answered some questions about Bobcad that I had
and I did not purchase my copy from him (though,
if I had to do it again, I would buy from him!)

I will be able to give a more balance opinion as
soon as I have more hands on experience with
Vector (about a week or two).

If you have any specific questions about Bobcad or
questions about some type of work you are trying
to do, I can help you out a little better.

Bruce Clark
bwclark@centuryinter.net (mailto:bwclark@centuryinter.net)

[john.forney@acc-net.com]

I use vector in my cabinet shop and have found it to be very usefull. Since I have no other experience with a cad program I can't compare but I decided to buy vector since it directly writes shopbot (sbp) files. I didn't (right or wrong) like the idea of translating files from one format to the other.
Fred Smith is a big help. He is available, 800 number, and answers my questions (dumb as they may be) in terms that I can understand. The price was right ($500.00) and he gives a 30 day money back guarentee.
Call him and ask any questions you like. He will spend the time necessary to answer you.

John Forney

[tlempicke]

Bobcad just went the extra mile for me and I want to pass it along. Steve Fairbairn of the San Jose Calif. office just sent me a copy of Version 17 at no charge. It seems that there are TWO different groups selling Bobcad. One is in Fla. one is in Calif. The salesman in Calif promised me a free upgrade if I bought and by mistake I bought from the OTHER salesman in Fla.

Many calls to Fla. and many "I will get right back to you" messages produced no results at all. When Bobcad sent me an E Mail advertising Version 17 I sent back a rather hot reply. Steve picked it up and did not put it down till he got to the bottom of it and I got my software.

Besides everything else Bobcad is a pretty nice program. Has just about the right number of features to do what a Shopbot is capable of.

[chrisc@bobcad.com]

I sympathize with Tom Limpicke's post here. The fact that there are 2 BobCAD offices is a fine, its just that we can sometimes get crossed up when dealing with customers. In the end, the most important item is that Mr. Limpicke has been cared for and has a new copy of BobCAD version 17.0. I would be happy to also send him a The new BobCAD basic book for beginners that we have just produced.
Sincerely,
Chris C.
BobCAD-CAM, Inc.
Clearwater, FL