Thanks for the input Brian !
I had heard many people talk about Solidworks so I was leaning that direction. I have Autodesk QuickCAD that will let me export files in all the standard CAM formats. My neighbor is an engineer for Alcoa and uses ProE - but he too prefers Solidworks.
A little more info - I'm thinking about a tabletop scanner/mill for prototype (and maybe one that is powerfull enough to mill aluminum), and a Haas VF 2 or 3. I'm going to add a seperate building on the property - but I still want a small footprint like the Haas units above (10 x 10 x 10).
I had wondered if I'd need all the standard machine shop equipment (band saw, mig/tig, lathe, mill, grinders, etc.). Some of that I already have.
I checked on 5 and 6 axis work centers and that's really big dollars for a single owner/operator (400K) - but it's not that expensive relative to the capabilities and technology available with that type of machine.
I'm going to start it as a part time business - and then move over if/when/as business progresses.
I look forward to others comments.
Thx Brian !
Jim
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