I think CNC Routers are pretty darn simple. CNC Plasma, even easier. X,Y & Z What can be complicated is the software, especially if it's not designed by people who don't already have a CAD/CAM background.
Thinking spatially isn't something that everyone can do. Some have the knack for it, others take years to develop tricks and work-arounds, based on their machine, software, and/or understanding of those components.
I'm sure a lot of sign people buy CNC Routers because they saw them at a show or a trade magazine. Think they can fill that niche market in their neighborhood and be Mr. Awesome with their new machine. But their knowledge of Computer Aided Machining is limited to nil, and they just pass off the lack as, "well it's something I can learn" or "they'll send a tech out to teach me."
I know Multi-Cam sells a lot of their product, and they are robust machines and all of that... (overpriced) But they are still XYZ machines that require the end use some basic understanding of the process in order to know where to start with the software. I've used an earler version of EnRoute, and I wasn't too impressed with it. Seemed too CAD like. Their newer version looks pretty cool though. However, it's still brought to you by they same people who make Flexi. I do not like my Flexi at all, but it's what I got.
Anyway, I use VCarvePro (Now called Aspire) and there was practically no learning curve. I only had to fiddle around with it enough recognize the tools and palettes. The rest was easy. 5 minutes from setting up the machine to producing a part! Very basic and visual, but powerful and intuitive for even a beginer to pick up. But I say that, already having a production and manufacturing background. I like making things... parts, inventions, tools whatever.
I guess my point is to all of this is that MultiCam, being as widely known and popular among sign shops and production facilities, should make these things Plug & Play by now. Lord nows how many millions this company makes, that they could develop better R&D on the end user side of things. I know they claim they are easy, but easy for the guy who is also running the CNC Mill and Plasma Machine at a small to meduim production shop. They have a dedicated machine guy already. I'm suspecting that MultiCam sells mostly to that particular demographic, and doesn't really care to cater to the small guy who has a few start-up questions. I've heard this about MultiCam before. When their machine breaks, they'll fix it... but if you don't know what to ask or what you are doing, they'll ignore you until you pay for additional training. I don't think that's right from an industry leader.
The company I bought my machine from was more than willing to walk me through the begining phases of how to use my Router Table. I didn't need the hand holding, as I'm more willing to figure things out for myself, but it was nice to know that he was only a phone call away. He gave me some pointers, tips and general workarounds for my machine. Oh, and he did it all though my PC... he was able to capture my mouse and show me what to do. Like I said earlier, it was only about 5 minutes before we were cutting.
Has MultiCam lost their personal touch? Have they grown too big to help us peons?
