@BG : By tablet I just meant using a graphics tablet as an input device. In my case, even though my main use for MOI is CAD drafting (with mouse and KB), I do sometimes use it for freehand sketching with a Cintiq (graphics tablet with built-in display) using a modified version of the Sketch tool with smoothing disabled. What I like about it is that it gives me a canvas with infinite resolution, something that regular painting software rarely has. As well as the ability to very easily edit sketches after the fact at the stroke level.

Also, I found out after a little while that stroke and fill settings typical of vector drawing software weren't really that much needed in my case, as I was satisfied with doing the rendering of my MOI output directly in raster at final resolution in Photoshop as opposed to doing it in vector - hence skipping the Inkscape/Affinity step altogether. With the added benefit of not having to bother with UVs, proper material setup, and so on.

Thx again Michael.... you have been so helpful guiding me in the right directions, mucho appreciated.
It's so impressive to experience such dedication to customer service. Very refreshing in todays world where the opposite is the norm.
I am curious, how long have you been developing Moi? Is Moi USA based?
I noticed the pop up num pads for number entry..... was part of the inspiration of Moi to make this a tablet oriented program? About how many Moi users are there?

BG

There are many people and business running Avid cnc.
However a heavy welded frame is always better than an extrusion frame (The same reason Machinist love the old heavy cast iron lathes and mills, they are heavy and have lower vibrations)...at first I wanted to build my own frame with Avid components.
But since I had much to learn I bought just about everything they were selling. I do not need production speeds and also since I have 2 z axis motors I do run it a bit slower.

Future plan is to have a dedicated Plasma cnc Avid as well so I can use the components that I have already. and now that I know more I can make a welded frame.
It's better to have the machine first to make parts for your next machine :).

for the ATC i got into contact with the company they responded quicky and got the pricing...but it is not a priority for me.

I found out about Phantom after I bought my machine,,,the machine looks good...however I do not like the cabinet style controllers (personal choice). monitor when it breaks I just go out and buy a new one. If my pc controller break I just get a new cheap one. locally available.

The way the other cnc have their lathes installed on the side got me interested to do mine the same way.
Since you are wanting to do intricate stuff take a look at these as well
https://www.camaster.com/machine-options/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67LekRPkhNM

I noticed that Cammaster use yaskawa electronics...my experience with yaskawa vfd drives they are much more reliable than ABB, GE, Mitsubishi and Allen Bradley drives.
Avid uses Delta drives I still had no problems and if something happens I can get one from amazon or ebay.

Again imo support and parts availability is important when buying expensive machines.
if it is for business I would buy a turnkey machine ready to go.....mine is more for hobbies as I always making stuff and modular was the main selling point for me.

On the software side maybe check with Deskproto if they can do what you need.I only use vcarve. if you are going to do signs you most likely to end up with Vectric anyways.
I was always interested in 3d modeling tried many times and gave up when I found Moi3d I was able to draw something the same day. So I bought it and use it almost dialy for just about everything 3d printing, wood working design, metal designs etc. You can always use it in combination with other programs Rocket3f, blender, 3d coat etc. which is what I am planning to do.

Matadem
I should have mentioned, a few users of Deskproto stated I can cut helix w their CAM...they do true 3d on 4th axis, not 2.5D. I will eventually confirm with DProto...this is becoming a full time job.
Fully agreed, it seems at this price point of CAD software, u have to accept buying a few programs if you have special needs... fortunately, the price is not too bad, at least the ones I looked at so far. I will review some of the other ones u stated when I have time.

I will have to re look CAM Master CNC, interesting info on the reliability of the VSD drives. I might re consider the shopsabre too, as I really like the rotating knife cutter. I am trying to squeeze a lot of uses into a small machine. Unsure if its all possible yet, but might as well aim high... while u own a cnc, it make sense to have available some additional features, even if not purchased up front, like engraving, cutting, marking, indexing work...and in your case, plasma! I will prob. not move in that direction.

Of course I agree with your assessment, more mass is better, almost always...but OTOH, there is other considerations as you correctly point out, such as getting it through the door opening, moving it, etc. The desktop Avid seems solid if put on a rock solid base, even if wood.

Hi BG,

re:
> I am curious, how long have you been developing Moi?

About 18 years now, time sure goes by fast!


> Is Moi USA based?

Yes.


> I noticed the pop up num pads for number entry..... was part of the inspiration of Moi to make this a tablet oriented program?

Yes, making a CAD program that was friendly to artists using a pen tablet was the initial focus.

- Michael

Wow, 18yrs! Impressive run for sure!
It seems your software flies under the radar a bit. I never heard of it, till one artsy guy mentioned to check it out. I will surely spread the word.

Seems very labor intensive to deliver such a product today with so many operating systems, processors, tablets, pens, languages, file comparability, support, etc. I assume this must be a full time endeavor?

Hi BG,

re:
> It seems your software flies under the radar a bit. I never heard of it, till one artsy guy
> mentioned to check it out. I will surely spread the word.

Yes I rely heavily on word of mouth so I appreciate that!


> Seems very labor intensive to deliver such a product today with so many operating systems,
> processors, tablets, pens, languages, file comparability, support, etc. I assume this must be
> a full time endeavor?

Yup, it's been full time for all 18 years.

Thanks, - Michael

hi BG,

happy new year!

I am a woodworker too and using a CNC, and a can reassure you, MoI3D is the only app you need for this. I have been using MoI for over 16 years now, and never had a situation where it felt short. yes, parametrics would be nice but not indispensable.
And believe me, Moi has one of the smoothest learning curves I encountered in my 35 years of using 3D software. Its interface is simple and yet totally versatile, and there are lots of nifty things that make the use very intuitive and productive.

oops, I was lying... for organic woodworking projects I use Blender, an open source software that exports STL files. But organic isn't really CAD, is it...

bottom line: you will love MoI as soon as you get the hang of it, emphasis is on 'soon' ;-)

wim
Ghent, belgium

If you want some rustic SubD modeling that be possible directly inside Moi! ;)
https://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=9689.1

If you want a true SubD prog with the same interface than MOI !!! And direct Import / Export between the 2 applications (<-->) and with a shortest learning curve than Blender!!!
free Rocket3F https://www.rocket3f.com