Do you have PlasmaCam software?

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I have a friend in town with 3 plasmacam machines. He said if I can get the software to use on my own and just bring him the disc of my drawing he can cut it out for me. yes, he is a cool enough friend to cut stuff on his machine for me, but we haven't become good enough friends for him to do the cad stuff for free! hahaAnyhow....I didn't want to ask him for the software disc but hey, why not ask you guys!?Seriously....if someone knows how I can get the proper software to take him the proper file type....let me know, please!Thanks,jokerLincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:I have the software, but I cant give it away, it costs $2000 just for the software. FYI though, you can cut .dxf cad files on the PCAM. Aczeller made a shop sign for Microzone in CAD, and I cut it out using the .dxf file. If you want to talk to Andy about doing some cad stuff for you, here is his infohttp://www.microzone.us/CAD/QMiller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Qucifer,So can a person deliver a .dxf file to someone with plasmacam and the receiver doesn't have to clean it up to cut on plasmacam? It is just ready to go?If so....no problem.If it still needs to be cleaned up I will get the plasmacam software. Doesn't the software come with the unit? I would imagine it would have to. Does it have some sort of Microsoft antipiracy software on it as well that would prevent someone from sharing the disc? Just trying to figure out why someone would pay 2000 bucks for it.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:It's part of the package deal - machine and software. They charge you as part of a proprietary fee. It's their software, so they can put whatever price they want on it. Check the price on Autodesk 10 or 11, make sure you're sitting down. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Like Microzone said, its part of the whole package, but they do sell the software alone for like $2k. Its very user friendly which makes it nice for designing and using. The plasma cam people said that others have bought the software and adapted it to thier own CNC units not manufactured by Pcam.Regarding the .dxf files, some cleaning up is necessary in the pcam program, but if the .dxf file is well put together, it only takes a couple minutes. The one aczellar sent me for Microzones sign was pretty good. I think I spent like 20 minutes ironing out small details, but that was it.I dont know if it is write protected, I have never tried copying it but I would think it hard for someone to just give away free copies of a program they paid so much for. Get a basic CAD program, and use that. Even if you end up paying your buddy half of what he charges others, you are still getting something you couldnt make on your own cheaper than the next guy. Plus once he cuts one, he can save the cut file and do more if you need them later, and all the cleaup work is already done.Last edited by Qucifer; 04-05-2008 at 12:38 AM.Reason: spellingMiller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:I have a PlasmaCam.....and .dxf files usually import very well. It only takes a few minutes to tweak a .dxf with the PlasmaCam software. Generally you just have to ling all the segments....then add pierc points and lead ins as well as do kerf width compensation. The PlasmaCam software is simple, easy to learn and easy to use. It is their proprietary software...and anyone that pirates a copy can be prosecuted. I have a whole PlasmaCam machine.... that needs some tinkering...that I will sell for $2500 with the software and manual. Its in N.H. It has been in storage for over a year, it is a model 98Z with drag height control. Reason for selling: I'm ordering a new one.Jim
Reply:Hmm I might be interested depending on how much tinkering is involved...PM sent Jim
Reply:I am VERY interested. Tinkering or not. What is the difference between the 98z and the DHC2? Is the table the same? Is the software different? I would imagine it is with height control....Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:The 98Z uses a drag style height control  that simulates cutting by hand. It actually works very well. The newer DHC and DHC2 have arc voltage height control which does not drag on the plate. I used this machine metal art, for fabrication, and for structural steel. I have cut from 26 gauge to 1-1/4" material using a Hypertherm Powermax 1000 (which is not included)  The software is essentially the same as the new DHC and DHC2 models. These machines are very easy to learn....follow the tutorial in the manual and you will be CAD drawing and cutting parts in no time!Jim
Reply:New question but fits the discussion. Will pcam work with autocad files? Genuine autocad, not an imposter, LOL.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:It will work with original pcam files, .dxf files, and 256 color bitmap files.Miller Syncrowave 200Hobart Handler 140Thermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38E-Z Tube BenderPlasma Cam DHC2
Reply:Thanks. reason I asked is my business partner has autocad (I'm the company puter nerd, lol, and know nothing about the software) and see where it could be really useful once we get the plasma table.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jolly RogerThanks. reason I asked is my business partner has autocad (I'm the company puter nerd, lol, and know nothing about the software) and see where it could be really useful once we get the plasma table.
Reply:does any use bobcad, bobcam or dancad software for cnc tables?