I just read this thread http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/cad-cam/fusion-360-vs-solidworks-camworks-318555/index3.html
and there's a lot of very positive comments about F360. I'm currently running a very old version of mastercam, (think wireframe drawings) I bought X2 and never used it, last year I bought X8 and never had a chance to learn/use it because i got buried with some very difficult projects. Now, don't want to bother with 18 since it's already been replaced but I have to do something as my current platform will no longer operate with Windows 10 (my current windows Operating System end of support is in April. )
We have an educational license , so Mastercam is almost free although I still need my HASP (which is annoying sometimes). Fusion 360 would be free and I can get solidworks as well.
The work I do is pure prototype and design as well, so squeezing every last second out of a toolpath is of Zero importance. To me the biggest importance is ease of learning and ease of use, no other consideration comes close. We only have a CNC mill here, 3 axis, and no lathe. 3D profiling with a ball mill is about all I need.
Anyone here used both? what are your impressions? Which would you guys recommend and why?
also included anonymous poll if you prefer not to comment
thanks
and there's a lot of very positive comments about F360. I'm currently running a very old version of mastercam, (think wireframe drawings) I bought X2 and never used it, last year I bought X8 and never had a chance to learn/use it because i got buried with some very difficult projects. Now, don't want to bother with 18 since it's already been replaced but I have to do something as my current platform will no longer operate with Windows 10 (my current windows Operating System end of support is in April. )
We have an educational license , so Mastercam is almost free although I still need my HASP (which is annoying sometimes). Fusion 360 would be free and I can get solidworks as well.
The work I do is pure prototype and design as well, so squeezing every last second out of a toolpath is of Zero importance. To me the biggest importance is ease of learning and ease of use, no other consideration comes close. We only have a CNC mill here, 3 axis, and no lathe. 3D profiling with a ball mill is about all I need.
Anyone here used both? what are your impressions? Which would you guys recommend and why?
also included anonymous poll if you prefer not to comment
thanks