Warning.....BobCAD

[DXF]

If you want to be called again and again after you tell them you don't want their software.....give them your phone #. I almost hung up on them today and will do so if they ever bug me again!

Dave Hanks

[BensPlasmaAu]

Yep! They sure are hard sell. I have V26 and wanted to upgrade, but they are just sooooo expensive. When I upgrade everything, I’m going to give Fusion 360 a crack. And it’s free for where I am and will be for a little bit anyway.

I do find BobCAD to be pretty easy to use for 2d drawings. I will probably keep using it for some time until my computer dies or I learn Fusion well.

[Tristar500]

I got BobCad many years ago. (started with BC 19, was working with 21)
My old computer gave up it's ghost and I called BC to after installing the software (v 21) and they refused to give me and activation code.

They suck! Never do business with this company. They will take your money and shut you out.

Lessons learned!

[djreiswig]

If you were using the software before, what happened to the activation code you used to activate it? I'm not surprised that they won't just hand out activation codes to anybody without proof that you actually purchased the software.

[Tristar500]

Each time a copy of the software (at least back then in 2016) the software created a unique code that you had to call in to them and read them two separate line of code then they would read back to you a corresponding code you would then enter into the registration box to unlock the software. I think they have changed the way they do things with more recent versions.

The fact remains, they won't honor their promises to their customers.

sad, but true.

[cutnweld]

They will come down and down and down on price and tell you not to tell anyone... funny lads over there for sure. Then act as tho they are offended that you didnt buy.

[Tristar500]

I just stated leaning Q cad last night. It's FREE and way more powerful than earlier versions of Bobcad. I have SheetCam so no need for the CAM side they offer.
I'm really liking Q cad. My only regret is that I wish I had found it sooner!

[Joe Jones]

I am glad I read this thread! I was about to download the TRIAL VERSION of BobCad, but it wants my phone number first, and evidently, that would be a BIG mistake.

Joe

[caretech]

Joe, you mention in other places that you're struggling a bit to learn / retain Fusion 360. If that's the case then don't bother with BobCAD, is my advice. I made the mistake of talking their sales man into a "good deal" and bought the software... but I don't even use it. Even FreeCAD's sketching and 3D modelling is more powerful and user-friendly, I think.

BobCAD has a decent CAM solution for 3-axis milling (which beats the FreeCAD "path" module by a long shot I'd say), but drawing parts in it is a pain. I feel I've wasted a heap of money on software that I only used about once or twice. One of those things you regret but can't change.

And yeah, once they get your phone number, they'll use it. I can attest to this. After making the sale to me they basically left me alone though. I have a feeling their software reports to them when it is opened, and if so they can see that I haven't opened BobCAD on my computer in probably a full year.

[Joe Jones]

Yeah, thank you for the good advice. I do have trouble remembering things I have learned and then lost. I am going to tackle Fusion360 again soon, after some drama has been settled. I really want to get moving on my 3D printer, but I don't just want to download .stl files that others have created and print them. I see that as no different than running to Wally World to BUY the trinket. The whole thrill for me in using a 3D printer will be to physically create what is in MY mind.

Joe

[caretech]

I wish your "Frankenbarn" with all its toys was just down the road. I'd come help you learn 3D CAD if you'd let me tinker with some lasers (maybe open some boxes, LOL) in return.

I have a little Creality Ender 3 here and have made some useful parts with it. I agree that it is a lot more rewarding to print what you've designed yourself than just grabbing parts from Thingiverse or similar websites. That has its place too, though. There is some pretty amazing and fun stuff available for free that would take an awfully long time to design. Such as the screamin' 3D printed whistle that I've printed a few of.

[Joe Jones]

I met a guy in Bowling Green. He is young, with a good back, and he has general shop and tool use knowledge, and construction, etc. I think I am going to hire him on his days off of his regular job, to run down here to help me get some projects done. I have so much on my TO DO list that requires more than one person to accomplish, and I have no one here.

Current projects booked for the next couple of weeks ...

- Complete FrankenBarn elevator roof gable so car can reach attic level. ($5K)

- Replace home backup generator with new GENERAC 24Kw unit. ($13K)

- Coat both shop roofs with sealcoat (similar to truck bed liner) to prevent leaks. ($6K)

- Insulate second floor of FrankenBarn for winter laser usage and temperature control. ($4K)

- Install front winch onto F250.

- Install retractable floorboards onto F250.

- Install loading winch onto gooseneck trailer.

- Set up X-TOOL P2 laser for use.

- Design and built bobbin cabinet for a friend in Utah.

- Visit uncle in Chicago nursing home before winter. ($2K)

- Pour new gravel driveway topcoat. ($1.5K)

- Install new motorcycle battery.

- Build first prototype track system for 4x4 table.



Joe