I am am working goldsmith for the lat 25 years. In the last 5 years my work has moved more and more from hand fabricated pieces to CAD designed pieces. My choice of CAM is the milling process, and in particular the Roland mill systems. I began with the JWX-10 and have now moved to the JWX-30. I prefer the milling process because I can use my wax working experience to get the most out of my designs. I am looking to share my experiences wit the JWX-30 so that others can have a better understanding of the process, and aid in decision making when considering CAM alternatives.
markmaxwell
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The JWX-30 is a big improvement over the JWX-10 in both the hardware, especially the jigs for attaching the waxes to. But also in the milling software. The jewel mill is integrated right into the Roland jewel cad software. I also use their SRP player milling software. I so not think that Roland still sells the JWX-10, and I am not a big fan of buying used tools that require some technical upkeep. Its not like its another hammer. But if you can find one that has had low usage and a good maintenance record then maybe. The JWX-30 is just a pretty big step up from the older model, and the price is around 18k the last I checked. I have noticed recently they have been having a discount of like 2k just recently. And remember the 30 comes with CAD software packaged with it too.
the whole cad/cam milling thing interests me….how about some pics?
How would you compare the experience of working with these two different tools? Do you think that someone with limited funding should start with a JWX -10 (or equivalent) or should they just save up for a JWX-30?
Andrew Werby
http://www.computersculpture.com