V25 Getting Started - BobCAD-CAM

BobCAD‐CAM Version 25 Getting Started Guide 

Table of Contents 

Chapter 1‐ Installation & Setup of BobCAD‐CAM V25 .........................................................3 

Installation Video‐1 ....................................................................................................................................3 

Preparing your computer for installation .....................................................................................4 

Software Installation & Registration .....................................................................................7 

Setting up the tool database for Mill & Router Video‐2 ...................................................................................9 

Adding a Tool Holders & Tools ...............................................................................................................9 

Using tool Cribs .......................................................................................................................................10 

Machine Setup & Post Processor Installation Video‐3 ..................................................................................11 

Installing post processors ..............................................................................................................11 

Adding Your Machine(s) ...........................................................................................................12 

Material Library Feeds & Speeds for Mill & Router Video‐4 ......................................................................13 

Adding & Editing Materials ..............................................................................................................13 

Selecting material ...........................................................................................................................13 

Drilling Operation Setup for Mill & Router Video‐5 ..................................................................................14 

Drilling Parameters ...........................................................................................................................14 

Adding and Removing Tools from Operations ....................................................................................15 

Working with Taps ...........................................................................................................................16 

The Stock Wizard for Mill, Router, Plasma, Laser and Water‐Jet Video‐6 .............................................17 

How to Access the Stock wizard ..............................................................................................................17 

Chapter 2‐ Tutorials ....................................................................................................................23 

Mill & Router Tutorial Video‐7 ..............................................................................................................24 

Lathe Tutorial Video‐8 ...........................................................................................................................25 

Sending Files to the Machine .......................................................................................................................29 

Rs‐232 Setup Video‐9 ...........................................................................................................................29 

Add‐On Modules Overview .......................................................................................................................32 

BobArt & Nesting Video‐10 ...............................................................................................................32 

2 Real CNC Programming Solutions for Global manufacturing |Copyright (c) BobCAD‐CAM, Inc. 2012


Installation 



Preparing your computer for installation 

For BobCAD‐CAM to run efficiently it is critical that all necessary files are present on the computer. 

BobCAD‐CAM Uses the latest technology available, for this reason it is imperative that the Windows System and 

Hardware drivers on the computer are up to date. 

Before Installing BobCAD software, first insure that the computer meets or exceeds our system requirements. 

Windows (Minimum) 

1GB RAM 

128 MB Graphics Adaptor* 

Intel® or AMD® Processors** 

2GHz Processor 

Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista or Windows 7 

Windows (Recommended) 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

6GB RAM 

1GB Graphics Adaptor* 

Intel® or AMD® Processors** 

2+GHz Processor (Multi‐core) 

Windows 7 x64 

*BobCAD-CAM’s stability is dependent on the graphics card ability to process information, integrated memory graphics 

cards may work but are not recommended. 

ATI® or NVIDIA® graphics cards with dedicated memory are recommended. The graphics card’s software driver must be 

updated to the current software drivers released by the graphics card manufacturer. 

**BobCAD-CAM is not supported on Apple Macintosh® -based machines. Some customers have shown success in running 

BobCAD-CAM in a Virtual Windows environment on Mac computers using Boot Camp. While the end user may choose to 

run Windows on a MAC®, this is not supported by BobCAD-CAM Inc. 



Specifications ‐Recommended Vs. Minimum. 

The Minimum specifications means that BobCAD‐CAM software will open and work, the minimum requirements do not 

gauge performance and stability. For BobCAD‐CAM to preform reliably at its best, it is highly recommended to meet or 

exceed the recommended specifications. 

Checking System Requirements 

Click on the Windows Start button, In the Search box type “dxdiag” (without the quotes) then press 

Updating the Computer System 

Note: Even new computers usually require software and driver updates. These updates are released on a weekly and 

monthly basis, before installing BobCAD software you should check that your Windows system and graphics card driver 

are up to date to avoid future problems. 

Should you not be able to do this for any reason do not worry, just proceed with the installation of BobCAD and if a 

software stability problem arise you may need to re‐visit obtaining and installing these updates. 

Windows Updates 

Windows updates are necessary to insure a stable working environment for the BobCAD software to perform. There 

are different kinds of updates. Security updates or critical updates protect against vulnerabilities to malware and 

security exploits. Other updates correct errors that aren't related to security, or enhance functionality. 

Windows Updates are normally provided over an Internet connection, although there is provision for updates to be 

installed on computers without an Internet connection. If your computer is not or cannot be connected to the internet 

you should consult an IT professional for help with how to obtain these updates. If the computer is or can be connected 

to the internet, then check for and run all of the available updates from Microsoft. Your computer is up to date when 

you've installed the latest updates for Windows and your programs. 

To check for Windows updates, follow these steps: 

Open Windows Update by clicking the windows Start button, clicking All Programs, and then clicking Windows Update. 

In the left pane, click Check for updates, and then wait while Windows looks for the latest updates for your computer. 

If any updates are found, click Install updates. Administrator permission required if you are prompted for an 

administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation. 



Updating the Graphics Card Driver 

The graphics card driver is one of the most crucial dependencies for the software to preform properly. 

It is a common misconception that Windows will update the graphics card driver. The graphics card driver must be 

updated manually. To update the graphics card driver, the latest driver must be obtained from the graphics card 

manufacturer. 

To update the graphics card driver you will first need to know the make and model of the graphics card, to obtain this 

information, Click on the Windows Start button, In the Search box type “dxdiag” (without the quotes) then press enter. 

This will display a control panel that shows the processor, memory and graphics card information. 

Write down the graphics cards make and model, and then search the internet to find the manufactures website. Once 

you have found the manufactures website you can then follow their instructions on downloading and installing the 

newer driver if available. If you are unable to locate a newer driver for the cards you have do not worry this just means 

you are probably already running the latest update. 



Installing & Registering BobCAD Software 

Installing BobCAD‐CAM 

To install the Software locate your BobCAD‐CAM installation disk and place it in the CD drive. The CD should play 

automatically, and then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation. 

Registering BobCAD‐CAM 

The BobCAD‐CAM software will need to be installed to your computer before registration, after the original installation 

you will have a 5 day trial period where all modules will be registered before you are required to activate the software’s 

license. 

There are two methods to active BobCAD‐CAM’s license, using the internet or by Phone. 

To register by using the internet, follow the instructions below. 

Step 1 

To open the software, double‐click the BobCAD‐CAM icon on the desktop or in the Start menu, click All Programs and 

select BobCAD‐CAM. 

Step 2 

Trial Mode 

When the software is first installed, all modules inside the software are licensed for a five‐day trial period. If you are 

within the first five days of installing the software, the Trial Mode dialog box is displayed. 

The following two options are available. 

Run as Trial – the software is unlocked for you to use for five days. 

Register Online – starts the online registration process. 

Demo Mode 

Once the five‐day full unlock expires, the software begins running in the Demo Mode. This allows you to still use the 

software, but without the ability to post NC programs, and any files that are saved in Demo Mode can't be opened in the 

licensed version of the software. The Demo Mode dialog box appears when the software is first launched. 



The following two options are available. 

Run as Demo – the software is run in Demo Mode. 

Register Online – starts the online registration process. 

Click Register Online to continue registering the software. 

Step 3 

Type the License ID and the Password that were provided on the invoice with the software package. 

If you are registering multiple computers, you will need a License ID and Password for each computer that you are 

registering. 

Step 5 

Click Activate. At this time the software attempts to connect to a server to obtain authorization. When the connection is 

made successfully, and the License ID and Password are valid, a dialog box is displayed indicating that the software has 

been successfully licensed. 

Step 6 

When the dialog box indicating a successful activation has occurred, click OK to continue. 

The License Status dialog box is displayed with a list of which modules were licensed, as well as the customer 

information. 

NOTE: If an error occurred during the Online Activation, please contact BobCAD‐CAM Registration Department by phone 

at (727) 442‐3554 or by email at registration@bobcad.com. 

To register by using the phone, from your computer with BobCAD installed call 877‐262‐2231. 



Setting up the tool database for Mill & Router 

Note: For adding Lathe tools, skip ahead to the lathe tutorial. 

The Milling Tool Library contains all of the available system tools. 

The tools contained within the tool library are all of the tools that you can use from within the BobCAD‐CAM tool path 

features. This library is set up and customized by you, the end user. 

While it is not necessary to set up a tool library it is recommended, that at this point you add at least some of the tools 

you will be using. Tools can also be added to the software later at any point in time. 

NOTE: The only tools that must be entered to the library before using them are the Tapping tools. 

This is made so that the machine feed rates can be properly calculated. 

Adding a Tool Holders & Tools 

To add a tool holder to the tool library, follow the instructions below. 

To access the Milling Tool Holder Library, in the CAM tree, double‐click CAM Part, right‐click Milling Tools, and 

click Holders. 

From here you can find Add Arbor and Add Holder, Holders and arbors are entered here and a drawing of them is 

generated dynamically as you build the Arbors and Holders. 

NOTE: Arbors and Holders are not only used for simulation purpose for 2 – 3.5 axis toolpaths at this time it is not 

necessary to set up a holder nor an arbor, the default ones that come pre‐installed with BobCAD‐CAM can be used. 

Additional Information & Tutorials on adding Tool Holders and arbors can be found within the BobCAD‐CAM help system 

by clicking on help then help topics and searching for the term “Arbor” or “Holder”. 



To add a tool to the tool library, follow the instructions below. 

To add a tool to the tool library, follow the instructions below. 

To access the Milling Tool Library, do the following: 

In the CAM tree tab, double‐click CAM Part. right‐click Milling Tools, and click Tools. 

In the left pane select a tool type, then click on Add to add a new tool. Fill out the Add tool dialogue box using the 

information that you have about your tools. 

NOTE: The BobCAD‐CAM Software’s tool library includes a limited amount of tool types that BobCAD‐CAM software 

supports. 

Certain Unsupported or Custom tooling can be added to the library. If you add unsupported tools to the tool library you 

must use an existing tool type for entry to the database, use the Tool label (tools description) to identify these tools. 

Unsupported tools must be manually accounted for within your CAD drawings and machines offsets. 

Using tool Cribs 

The Milling Tool Crib is comparable to the tool changer on a machine. It adds two advantages to the milling system. First, 

the Milling Tool Crib can be loaded and saved before you create milling features. When the milling feature operations 

are created, the system automatically selects the appropriate tool from the Milling Tool Crib. Second, when selecting 

tools for milling operations, the tool crib shows all tools that are currently defined. By having the tools already defined, 

you can eliminate the need to search the Milling Tool Library. 

To add tools to a tool crib, follow the instructions below. 

To access the Milling Tool Crib, do the following: 

In the CAM tree, under CAM Part. Right‐click Milling Tools and click Tool Crib. Use this method to view all the 

tools currently loaded in the Tool Crib. 

Click on Add Tool From Library, and select the tool to add then click OK. 

NOTE: In order to load tools into the Milling Tool Crib before creating milling features, you must create the tools in the 

Milling Tool Library. 

When tools are created in the Tool dialog box, of a milling wizard, that are not pre‐loaded into the Milling Tool Crib, the 

tools are then automatically added. 

When the Milling Tool Crib is accessed by clicking Tool Crib from a milling wizard Tool dialog box, the list automatically 

shows only the available tools for that operation type. 



Machine Setup & Post Processor Installation 

You must first setup at least one machine before you begin using BobCAD‐CAM. The machine type controls the following 

items the post‐processor being used. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comment output 

Incremental or Absolute programming 

Sub‐Program Output 

Maximum Spindle Speed 

Maximum Feed Rates 

The file extension for G‐code files 

The Sequence numbers used in posting. 

Note: Failing to set up a machine will result in possible unexpected errors when you attempt to run your programs at 

the machine. 

Installing post processors 

A post processor is the translator that formats the G‐code output by BobCAD‐CAM into the language that your CNC 

machine can read. It is important that you locate and install a post processor as soon as possible, without post‐process 

BobCAD‐CAM software cannot program the CNC machine. 

Post‐processors can be found & downloaded from the BobCAD‐CAM website, http://www.bobcad.com. 

To install a post‐processor, open your web browser and go to http://www.bobcad.com. Click on Support and then Post 

–Processors. Follow the on‐screen instructions to use the post‐processor wizard to download your post processor, make 

sure to save the file. After the post processor has been saved to your computer, locate the file you had saved and double 

click the file to begin the installation. 

The post installation copies the post file to the BobCAD‐CAM software’s post directory, its default location which for V25 

Mill is in C:\BobCAD‐CAM Data\BobCAD‐CAM V25\Posts\Mill. 

NOTE: After the installation is complete you will now be able to locate the file when you need to access it when setting 

up a machine. After Installation is complete there should be no visible change, proceed to adding your machine. 


Adding Your Machine(s) 


To add a machine, follow the instructions below. 

To access the Current Settings, and add a machine, do the following: 

In the CAM tree, under CAM Part. Right‐click Milling Tools and click Default then Current Settings . Use this 

method to add a machine. 

*IMPORTANT – Make sure to set this up under the Default not the Part Settings. 

From the Current Settings click on Machine Parameters then Click on Add. Give the machine a name and choose the 

type of machine you are adding (Either 3Axis or 4 Axis). Then click OK. Complete the rest of the information on the 

screen according to your machines specifications. Then click on Posting, Select the post‐processor you have installed, 

and set up the NC file Extension according to your machines specifications. 

Note: Full documentation on all of the Milling Settings / Current Settings dialogue can be found within the built in help 

system. To locate this information launch the help system by clicking on Help then Help Topics from within BobCAD. 

Search for the term “Current Settings”. 



Material Library Feeds & Speeds 

Feeds and speeds are calculated based on the material type selected; BobCAD‐CAM comes with hundreds of preconfigured 

materials that are accurately set up based on the Machinist Toolbox. The feeds and speed references 

within BobCAD‐CAM have been calculated based on the Machinist Handbook and the book Mathematics at Work. 

NOTE: The feeds and speeds that are suggested are a starting point only, many variables need to be taken into account 

for when properly calculating feeds and speeds such as, tooling, material, and machine rigidity and tool‐path technique. 

Adding & Editing Materials 

You may need to add or modify materials within the database, to do so follow the instructions below. 

To access the Stock Material Library, in the CAM tree tab, under Milling Stock, right‐click Stock Material (such 

as Wrought Alum), and click Edit. The Stock Material Library dialog box appears. 

To create a Material Group, in the Material Group, click Add Group. The Add New Material Group dialog box appears. 

To name the group, in the Material Group Name box, type My Materials, and click OK. 

To add a new stock material to the group, in the Material Group, click My Materials. In the Material List area, click Add 

Material. The Stock Material Feeds and Speeds dialog box appears 

Note: Full documentation on all of the Stock Material Feeds and Speeds dialogue can be found within the built in help 

system. To locate this information launch the help system by clicking on Help then Help Topics from within BobCAD. 

Search for the term “stock material”. 

Selecting material 

The material being used within the CAM tree will set the feeds and speeds used by BobCAD‐CAM. 

To select the stock to be used follow the instructions below. 

To access the Material Selection dialog box, in the CAM Tree, under Turning Stock, right‐click Stock Material 

and click Edit. 

You can now choose the material to be cut. 



Drilling Operation Setup 

The drilling operations within BobCAD‐CAM are multi‐tool or compound operations meaning, that if you choose to drill a 

hole the software by default will use first a center drill and then a drill or if you tap a hole, by default they software will 

Center Drill, Drill then tap the hole. These features can be fully customized to include multiple tools or to only use single 

tools. 

To edit the Tools used within features follow the instructions below. 

Drilling Parameters 

Much of the drilling done by BobCAD‐CAM is automated. BobCAD automatically accounts for items such as drill tip angle 

and through holes and adds depth to the drilling operations. Before creating a program for drilling you should first 

understand exactly what BobCAD is going to do when drilling. The drilling parameters used by BobCAD can be 

customized to suit your needs, see the information below to see how to access the drilling parameters and how to 

change or edit them. 

The drilling parameters are configured within Cutting Condition Parameters see below for instructions on how to 

access them. 

To access the Cutting Condition Parameters, in the CAM tree, under CAM Part, right‐click Milling Tools, click 

Part or Default, and click Cutting Conditions. If you selected Part, only the current part or file is affected. If you selected 

Default, the default software settings for all new files are affected. 

Note: Full documentation on all of Cutting Condition Parameters dialogue can be found within the built in help system. 

To locate this information launch the help system by clicking on Help then Help Topics from within BobCAD. Search for 

the term “Cutting Condition”. 



Adding and Removing Tools from Operations 

To access the Tool Pattern Global dialog box, in the CAM Tree, under CAM Part, right‐click Milling Tools, click 

Default, and click Tool Pattern. 

To Add an Operation: 

In the Feature list on the left side of the dialog box, select the feature you want to edit. 

In the Operations list on the right, click the operation that is below the desired location for the new operation. 

(The new operation is inserted before the selected operation.) 

In the Select item to edit list, select the new operation to add. 

Click Insert. 

The new operation is added to this feature. 

To Change an Operation: 


In the Operations list on the right, select the operation that you want to change. 

In the Select item to edit list, select the new operation. 

Click Change. 

The selected operation is changed to the new one. 

To Remove an Operation: 


In the Operations list, select the item you want to delete. 

Click Delete. 

The selected operation is removed from this feature type entirely. 

The changes made using any of the previous examples do not affect existing features, you must insert a new feature to 

use the new settings. 

Note: Full documentation on all of the Tool Pattern dialogue can be found within the built in help system. To locate this 

information launch the help system by clicking on Help then Help Topics from within BobCAD. Search for the term “Tool 

Pattern”. 



Working with Taps 

Taps must be added to the system through the tool library then connected to a drill size within the Hole Sizes settings; 

this enables BobCAD to associate drills and taps. This Tap Hole Sizes dialog box allows you to view and edit Tap 

definitions in the Tap Library. 

To add a tap first add the tap to the tool library then follow the instructions below to set up the Hole Sizes 

To access the Tap Hole Sizes dialog box, in the CAM Tree tab, in the CAM Part folder, right‐click Milling Tools, and 

click Hole Sizes. 

Then click on Add Tap and enter the information about your tools. 

Note: Full documentation on all of the Hole Sizes dialogue can be found within the built in help system. To locate this 

information launch the help system by clicking on Help then Help Topics from within BobCAD. Search for the term “Hole 

Sizes”. 



The Stock Wizard & Part Orientation for Mill, Router, Plasma, Laser and Water‐Jet 

This help topic describes the layout of and provides navigation through the Milling Stock Wizard tutorials. 

Important Information 

Before creating any milling features, you must create milling stock from which the part is cut. If you try to 

insert a milling feature before creating stock, you are prompted to first run the Stock Wizard. 

The Stock Wizard parameters are explained in the Stock Wizard help topic. 

How to access the Stock Wizard 

The Stock Wizard is displayed in the 

Data Entry tab. To open the Stock Wizard, do one of the following: 

In the CAM Tree, right‐click Milling Stock, and click Stock Wizard. 

In the CAM Tree, under Milling Stock, right‐click Stock Geometry, and click Re/Select. 

The Stock Wizard Dialog Boxes 

Stock Type 

Select the stock type. 

Stock Definition 

Defines the stock size, shape and orientation in the Workspace. 

Machine Setup 

Select the Machine Setup, set the machining origin for the stock, and other machine settings. 

How to select the Stock Type 

In the Stock Type dialog box, select the appropriate Stock Type, and click 

Definition dialog box. 

next to go to the Stock 

Rectangular/Cylindrical 

These stock types both create stock by bounding the selected geometry in a rectangular or cylindrical 

stock. There are three methods used: 



 

 

 

Auto from Workspace ‐ automatically detects geometry. 

Pick ‐ is used to manually select geometry. 

Enter ‐ is used to type values for the stock size and location. 

Wireframe 

This type is used to extrude custom stock shapes from 2D geometry chains. 

 

Pick Geometry - enables selection mode for you to select the geometry used to create the stock. 

Solid Model 

This type is used to create stock that is the same shape as a solid model in the Workspace. 

 

Pick Solid Model - is used to select the solid model in the Workspace. 

STL File 

This type is used to create stock that is the same as a previously saved .stl file. 

 

Browse - is used to locate and open an .stl file to use as the stock. 



The Stock Definition Dialog Box 

This dialog box is used to set the size and orientation of the stock geometry. After geometry is selected, the 

stock coordinate system is placed at the top and center of the stock. This coordinate system is only used a 

reference for setting the stock size and orientation and it is not related to the machining origin of the part. The 

page contains three groups: Size, Stock Orientation, and Offset. 

After setting the Stock Definition, click 

next to go to the Machine Setup. 



The Machine Setup Dialog Box 

This help topic describes using the Machine Setup dialog box of the Stock Wizard. You first select a Machine 

Setup, then define the machining origin of the part, as well as selecting a Work Offset, Clearance Plane, and 

Rotary Axis. 

Select the Machine Setup 

The Machine Setup group at the top of the dialog box lists all the Machine Setup items currently in the 

CAM Tree. Click the Machine Setup arrow and select the appropriate setup from the list. 

How to select the Machining Origin 

The Machine Setup dialog box is used to set the Machining Origin or zero location of the part on the 

machine. When this dialog box is opened, the stock shows the bounding box made of lines and points. These 

lines and points are automatically created, for your convenience, to use when setting the machining origin. By 

default, the machining origin is located at the WCS or world coordinate system (X0 Y0 Z0) as shown next. 

 

This image has shading turned off to better show the bounding box selection entities. 

 

If you want to use the top and center of the stock as the machining origin, click Reset to Stock Coordinate. This 

uses the stock origin from the Stock Definition dialog box. 



 

To change the Machining Origin to a different location, in the Machining Origin group, click Origin and select 

the desired location from geometry in the Workspace. Once you pick a point, the move is automatically 

executed without the need to click OK. 

NOTE: The bounding entities that are created in the Machine Setup dialog box are for your convenience 

in setting the machining origin. You are not limited to using these entities when setting the machining 

origin. 

 

The machining origin is now set to the lower-left corner on the top of the stock. To finish the Stock 

Wizard, click OK. You are now ready to insert milling features. 



How to set the Machining Origin using the Enter Method 

In the Origin group, select Enter Origin, and type a value in the X, Y, and Z boxes to define the origin location. 

The values are from the WCS. 

The default directions of the Machining Origin follow that of the WCS. 

To change the direction of one the coordinate system axes, click next to X, Y, or Z Direction to reverse the 

positive and negative direction of the corresponding axis. 

How to set the Machining Origin using Pick From Existing UCS 

 

 

In the Origin group, select Pick From Existing UCS. The UCS list becomes available. 

Click the UCS list arrow and select the desired UCS. 

Other Settings 

This group provides default settings that are used for all features inserted in the selected Machine Setup in the 

CAM Tree. 

 

 

 

Work Offset ‐ click the arrow to select the proper work offset from the list. 

Clearance plane ‐ type a value to set the distance above the part for rapid tool movements between features. 

This is an absolute value from the machining origin for the setup. 

Define Rotary Axis ‐ opens the Define Rotary Axis dialog box for you to set the rotary axis. 

To finish the Machine Setup, click OK. 



Tutorials 



Mill & Router Tutorial 

The mill tutorial Video will guide you through importing a simple part beginning to end, below are the steps to add 

Toolpath, post and simulate any part. 

How to add a tool path 

To launch the tool path wizard, : in the CAM Tree, Right click on Milling Stock then select the type of tool path to 

add (Drill, Mill 2 Axis or Mill 3 Axis). 

In the first dialog box of the wizard, you select the feature type. 

Select a feature type, and click Next to go to the Geometry Selection dialog box. 

Using the mouse Select the geometry, then Right Click and then Left Click OK to confirm the selection. 

Click Next in the wizard and fill out each dialogue box and then click next until complete. 

Click Compute Toolpath. 

How to Post CAM Features 

To post a Milling program after completing the Milling wizard: in the CAM Tree, double‐click CAM Part, right‐click 

Milling Tools, and click Post. 

How to Simulate 

To simulate after completing the Milling wizard: in the CAM Tree, right‐click Milling Stock, and click Simulate. 

Note: Full documentation on all of the CAM and Toolpath dialogues can be found within the built in help system. To 

locate this information launch the help system by clicking on Help then Help Topics from within BobCAD. Search for the 

term “CAM”. 



Lathe Tutorial 

The lathe tutorial video will guide you through creating a simple lathe part using an imported file, below are steps to 

create stock, adding turning features, post G‐code and simulate for any part. 

How to Create Stock Using the Stock Dialog Box 

The turning stock is set to a two inch diameter cylinder by default. There are two methods to use when defining 

the turning stock geometry. When defining a standard cylindrical stock geometry, you use the first method. In 

order to define a custom stock shape, you use the second method. 

1. In the CAM tree, right-click Turning Stock and click Edit. The Stock dialog box is displayed. 

2. Type values in the Stock dialog box to define the stock as described in the Lathe Stock Dialog Box help 

topic. 

3. Click OK. The stock is automatically drawn. To show the stock preview, click Turning Stock. 

Example 

Stock Definition Values 

Face Z 0.00 

Stock Preview 

Cutoff Z 

End of Stock 

Z 

Stock 

Diameter 

‐ 

4.25 

‐ 

6.00 

3.50 

Internal 

Diameter 

0.75 



Adding Turning Features 

When you insert a Turning feature by right-clicking Turning Stock, it is added to the CAM Tree. Each 

feature item in the tree represents some aspect of the machining process. You right-click these items to display a 

shortcut menu. Because the Turning features share many of the same tree items, all the items are explained 

together in this help topic. 

 

A Turning feature in the CAM Tree looks something like the following. 

Feature Rough 

Geometry 

Rough 

Rough 

The following labels are used to explain the shortcut menus in the next section. 

Feature Type 

Geometry 

Feature Parameters 

Operations 



The Feature Shortcut Menus 

The bullet points listed next are the shortcut menu commands for each feature item in the tree. 

Feature Type 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insert Rough‐ inserts a Rough feature. 

Insert Finish ‐ inserts a Finish feature. 

Insert Groove ‐ inserts a Groove feature. 

Insert Thread ‐ inserts a Thread feature. 

Insert Drill ‐ inserts a Drill feature. 

Insert Cutoff ‐ inserts a Cutoff feature. 

Insert Stock Feed‐ inserts a Stock Feed feature. 

Delete ‐ removes the selected milling feature. 

Save Feature ‐ allows you to save the selected feature to a file. 

Load Feature ‐ allows you to add a previously saved feature. 

Post Yes/No ‐ controls whether or not the feature is included in the posted NC program. 

Blank/Unblank Toolpath - hides or shows the computed feature toolpaths. 

Rename - allows you to change the feature name. 

Geometry 

 

 

Re/Select - enables selection mode for you to select geometry in the Workspace that is used to create the 

feature operations. 

Remove - eliminates the geometry association with the feature. 

Drill Depth Point/End Point/Start Point 

 

 

Re/Select - enables selection mode for you to select geometry as the location (or depth) for the feature. 

Remove - eliminates the geometry association with the feature. 

Feature Parameters 

 

 

Edit - opens the Feature dialog box for you to modify the settings used to create the Toolpath. 

View the Turning Features to learn about the available options. 

IMPORTANT: This is how you access the Feature dialog boxes to define the feature. 

 

 

Compute Toolpath - calculates the toolpath defined in the feature. 

Post Yes/No - controls whether or not the feature is included in the posted NC program. 



Feature Operations 

 

 

Color - opens the Color dialog box for you to change the color of the Toolpath. 

Blank - hides or shows the computed Toolpath. 

The Turning Features 

The following list contains all of the Turning features. Click the links to view an example image. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rough - removes material from the stock while leaving an allowance for finishing operations. 

Finish - finishes the profile after the Rough operation. It also operates like a pattern repeat cycle when 

multiple passes are used. 

Groove - creates a slot or groove on the face or the diameter of the part, based on the orientation of the 

selected geometry. 

Thread - creates a threading operation. 

Drill - drills a hole in the center of the face of a part. 

Cut Off - cuts a finished part from the bar stock. 

Stock Feed - utilizes the bar feeder, on lathes equipped with the option, to advance the stock. 

The Turning Feature Dialog Boxes 

After inserting a Turning feature you right-click Feature, and click Edit to open the Feature dialog box. All 

of the parameters that are used to create Turning features are explained in the dialog box help topics listed next. 

How to Post CAM Features 

To post a Lathe program after completing a Turning feature, in the CAM Tree, double‐click CAM Part, right‐click 

Turning Tools, and click Post. 

How to Simulate 

To simulate after completing the Lathe features: in the CAM Tree, right‐click Turning Stock, and click Simulate. 

Note: Full documentation on all of the Lathe dialogues can be found within the built in help system. To locate this 

information launch the help system by clicking on Help then Help Topics from within BobCAD. Search for the term 

“Lathe”. 



Sending Files to the Machine 

Saving Files to a Disk 

Mill 

To post a Milling program after completing the Milling wizard: in the CAM Tree, double‐click CAM Part, right‐click 

Milling Tools, and click Post & Save As, then choose the location to save the file. 

Lathe 

To post a Lathe program after completing a Turning feature, in the CAM Tree, double‐click CAM Part, right‐click 

Turning Tools, and click Post & Save As then choose the location to save the file. 

Rs‐232 Setup 

Follow the steps below to set up the Rs‐232 Communication Between BobCAD‐CAM and your CNC machine. 

1. Gather all necessary data. 

In order to set up the communications you must first have the following information. 

Baud Rate: 

Data Bits: 

Stop Bits: 

Parity: 

Flow Control: 

The Computer's Comm Port Number: 

2. Ensure the serial cable correctly configured. 

The cable must be properly configured "wired" for your machine. Cables can be purchased through BobCAD or through 

your machine dealer. 



3. Make sure your serial port is installed correctly configured. 

The serial port should have its own baud, parity, data bits, and flow control. These settings must be set to match your 

machine settings 

To access the Device Manager, use any of the following methods: 

‐ Click Start, click Run, and then type "devmgmt.msc" (without the quotation marks). 

‐ Right‐click My Computer, and then click Properties, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager. 

To check the Comm Port Properties 

‐In the device manager look under Ports>COMM and LPT right click the comm port then left click on Properties. (You 

should now be able to view and change the settings.) 

4. Set your machine to Receive. 

‐If you are not sure how to do this you will need to consult your machine manual or dealer. 

5. Launch the communication software (Predator Editor). 

To launch the editor use any of the following methods: 

‐From BobCAD click on Modules then Edit CNC. 

‐From BobCAD right click in the Posting Manager then left click Edit. 

‐ From the Windows desktop Double Click the PEditor Shortcut. 



6. Configure the communication software (Predator Editor). 

From the editor click on DNC then Properties set the Port, Baud, Parity, Data, Stop and Flow Control Values. 

Click Next 4 times then click finish. (The settings on all but the first page need not be changed. Only the Values described 

above.) 

7. Send a file to the Machine. 

From the editor click on DNC then Send To CNC. 

Trouble Shooting Notes: 

1. A "standard" RS‐232 null modem cable from an electronics store will not work. The cable must be wired properly for 

the machine. 

2. The cable must be a serial cable. A parallel cable will not work. 

3. USB to serial adapters can be problematic. An internal serial card is always a better solution. 

4. If you do not know the proper settings for your machine, contact your machine manufacturer as they will be able to 

provide the proper settings to you. 

5. If no port appears in the device manager, you will need to install or reinstall your serial port device. 

6. If using a USB to serial adapter (not recommended!), ensure the driver disk has been loaded and the settings (baud, 

parity, data bits and flow control) are the same as set on your machine. 

7. If the cable is improperly configured sometimes it is possible to send but not receive, and vice versa. 

8. If running in a DNC mode you may need to include a line delay amount. Set this value to 0 for standard RS‐232 

communication. 



Add‐On Modules Overview 

BobArt 

The BobART module provides enhanced tools for creating, modifying, and maintaining embossed models and vectorized 

geometry. The BobART Tree is used to load images, vector image files, BobART (.bart) files, and to create embossed 

models. 

Note: Full documentation on all of the BobART dialogues can be found within the built in help system. To locate this 


“BobART”. 

Nesting 

The BobNEST module is a complete nesting solution for nesting parts and creating toolpath for optimized material 

utilization. 

Note: Full documentation on all of the Nesting dialogues can be found within the built in help system. To locate this 


“Nest”.

V25 Getting Started - BobCAD-CAM

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