Why do people dislike BobCad

Bob Cad fired their trainer, Soren and turned the job over to the owners son and it went down hill from there.

I'll also add that they are not like they used to be, sales-wise. I used to talk shit about them along with everyone else, but I feel like they have come a long way. When I started at the shop I'm at now they already had BobCAD so I was forced to learn/use it, and honestly I'm pretty damn happy with it. We use it for Wire EDM and 3 axis milling, not sure how well it would perform for more complex stuff.

My last job, which was primarily Wire EDM, over the years we tried Esprit, MasterCAM, FeatureCAM. I like the BobCAD best out of all of them (for Wire EDM anyway). I agree the CAD side is a little clunky, but we do all our geometry in ACAD or Solidworks anyway.

as SeymourDumore said if you use the pre graphic interface versions (I belive 22 and down) you could click on lines and the code to move there would get added tot he program, super fast and easy for 2D mill / lathe programs (Using a canned cycles). The newer versions with the new interface is not to baad for the price, I use Masterccam now and the concepts are the same, you just have to review your code becasue it would do some weird moves sometimes, especailly on lead ins/outs. It's not a bad entry level CAM package, but I never had to do complex things in it.

triumph406 said:

You get bent out of shape getting a call every 3 months?? A call that can be concluded in 30-60 seconds. Bizarre

Click to expand...

I guess you enjoy a phone calls more than I do.

I started out with V25, and am still using it. The powers that be at my shop went with cause of the low cost ~7 years ago). I use it for a VMC, simple things bolt circles, thread milling, etc.. When I first started it I took a basic seminar from them and it was great. Got me off and running right quick. Back then the problem I encountered with them was that if you a question that even remotely had to due with talking to or trying work out how to best program a feature on your particular machine, forget it. It seemed that every person on tech support was a software person. In my opinion they knew nothing of machining, which was a big problem. The SW was really easy to use, at least for me, mind you I was not doing aerospace or very complicated pieces. I am still using V25, and works fine for me. I am interested to hear other guys opinions cause we are going to be into a HAAS VMC at sometime in the next year depending on the budget troll. The Cincni Lancer2000 '98 is currently on borrowed borrowed time and I am running out of chewing gum and rubber bands.

I hear you on the questions, ive been through different versions since 17, from the mid 20’s to the current version they have been keeping the same look but adding functionality in what see. I do subscribe to the support which gts you a call back quicker and they seem like they know whats going on. Although i added a 4th on my fadal and had a hard time getting a post to do what i thought it should , but they got it working. Made me wonder how many fadals with a 4th and they didn't have a post in their library?? But all in all been happy with it. Al has some excellent videos explaining functions

currently using bobcad 5 axis pro v35 for full 5axis and 3 axis surfacing on haas umc500 for automotive die work, working great
i know, bobcad and haas, i'm rebel i guess

Tried it with one of their super secret 90% off blow-out sale and it was very unstable and would randomly rapid on leadins. Ended up doing a credit card charge back after they did not want to do a refund. Went to MecSoft Visualmill and have been very happy with it. A guy who worked for me wired me up to buy Mastercam - makes good code but the interface is painful the seat sits unused.

I used Bobcad for about 2 weeks before I was so frustrated I broke down and bought Solidworks and Solidcam. I don't remember what was so bad about it now but would never go back knowing how nice Solidworks is.

The sales guys were relentless until I told them point blank that any additional contact would 100% guarantee they never get another cent from me.