I was occasionally asked to create images I could NOT find on the web, even through some of the "designer for hire" services, without considerable expense, or waiting time. This presented a new set of challenges however. Word got around pretty quickly and I started to get jobs from other sign makers. While there were others in my area with CNC equipment, no one was able to do the kind if work I was now putting out. This immediately reflected in the kind of jobs I was now able to undertake.
I did a bit of research and found literally thousands of free 3D files on the web, just for the asking, and I started to carve anything that looked interesting.
Once I found out that I could generate very good 3D signage with minimal effort, I started to concentrate on 3D work. It instantly changed the focus of what I wanted to do here in my shop. Simply stated it was a small part of the milling section of ArtCAM offered as a stand-alone package. Just about this time Delcam came out with a program called Millwizard, which I purchased to test. Some had quirky interfaces, others had poor/limited tech support, etc. This helped me to eliminate some well-known programs based on feedback regarding their actual application to what I was hoping to accomplish.
I was fortunate enough to have access to the ShopBot Forum, and I asked a lot of questions regarding which programs others were having good luck with. Added to this was my thought to expand my sign making abilities up to the next level 3D carving.
"Before choosing ArtCAM, I was going back and forth from one program to another, and it meant a series of learning curves every time I encountered something my current software library could not handle. " I might be cutting out kayak parts on a Monday, engraving marble headstones for deceased pets on Tuesday, carving large signs out of high density foam on Wednesday," I asked Bill for his thoughts on using ArtCAM, how he came about choosing the software and the changes it has made to his business: Due to the wide variety of projects he takes on, in his shop, he needed a software package, which would be versatile. Prior to working with the program he had been using a number of different CAD and sign making programs. Bill Palumbo, owner of Baycraft Designs has been an ArtCAM customer for two years now.