CAD/CAM Rhinogold on Mac

Jewelry Discussion
21 
until there is a straight forward version of the applications "that
run on a Mac", go with the PC. If you have a Mac, go get a $800 or
$900 pc built by a small computer shop

In a general, computer sense. Again it arises, “I love my Mac even
though it doesn’t do the job very well or not at all.” Sorry, but it
comes up every now and then, here.

My system is a quad-core, 2.83mhz, with 8 gigs of ram and 64 bit
Windows, which is needed to access 8 gigs of ram (I can install
16gb). 2- 300 gig hard drives, DD DVD, gForce 9800 graphics. Cost me
$1200 and took an hour and a half to put together. If I put wings on
it, it would fly. I could overclock it, too, but that would be just
plain scary… There is no wait time for anything - as fast as you
can snap your fingers, it will get there before you’re done.

22

Of course James, How silly of me. It completely slipped my mind how
eager MAC users are to bootcamp windows apps when native OS10
solutions are readily available. As I was.

23 
In a general, computer sense. Again it arises, "I love my Mac even
though it doesn't do the job very well or not at all." Sorry, but
it comes up every now and then, here.

Sorry John you are showing your ignorance of the Mac,for about 5
years now they are using exactly the same processors that the
Windows machines use.

My system is a quad-core, 2.83mhz, with 8 gigs of ram and 64 bit
Windows, which is needed to access 8 gigs of ram (I can install
16gb). 2- 300 gig hard drives, DD DVD, gForce 9800 graphics. Cost
me $1200 and took an hour and a half to put together. If I put
wings on it, it would fly. I could overclock it, too, but that
would be just plain scary... There is no wait time for anything -
as fast as you can snap your fingers, it will get there before
you're done.

My Mac has two quad core Xenon processors (8 cores !) at 2.83 gig
and 16 gig of memory and 2,300 gig HD’s. I do only have a ATI 2600
dual monitor display card but it will still blow the doors off of
your system :stuck_out_tongue:

The hardware is the same and for the money the Apples are on par
with any of the main line PC’s if you compare machines with the same
specs. The Apple machines can run Windows Linux or the MacOS so you
can run what ever software you want.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

24 
Of course James, How silly of me. It completely slipped my mind
how eager MAC users are to bootcamp windows apps when native OS10
solutions are readily available. As I was.

Software is a tool just like the computer or the saw the torch etc.
For me I like to try to find the best solutions based on performance
not ones that are just based on brand loyalty. The Apple hardware
allows me to run any software I feel is appropriate for my work no
matter what OS it runs on. If you prefer to be bound to only one OS
great, I am glad that works for you.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

25

Beckie,

Two of the issues people have with all the CAD programs is not just
learning the step by step procedures with each tool, but when and how
to apply them. When we teach the projects we have at The Jewelry CAD
Institute we do just that…apply the applications to real world
designs, not just learning the tools. What throws most for a loop, is
your client gives you a picture and wants you to replicate it. 50% of
your time will be spent doing these types of projects. Learn the
tools, then learn how to apply them. There is also a trick we use to
help you remember what to do when.

Best,
Russ Hyder
The Jewelry CAD Institute

26

My goodness boys sounds like the old Japanese “Watt” power wars of
the 70’s here for stereo systems…ha ha

27 
Sorry John you are showing your ignorance of the Mac,for about 5
years now they are using exactly the same processors that the
Windows machines use.

Actually, your other quote is more to the point:

For me I like to try to find the best solutions based on
performance not ones that are just based on brand loyalty.

And I’m not ignorant of Mac, but that’s beside the point. Way back
in the dark ages, when the IBM AT - the 80286, the advise was,
“First you choose your software, then you choose a system to run it”.
That has become more fuzzy in recent years, but it still applies.
It’s not about Apple computers or PC’s (there is no us vs them),
it’s about the OS, and the software that’s designed to run under a
given platform. Most of the big boys in graphics (Lucas, Pixar,
Dreamworks…) don’t use either platform for their major
projects, they use Unix… Know how to adapt, is all. I can crank
up a Mac and just take off on it, because there’s little real
difference between Mac OS and Windows, really.

BTW, yes, you can buy my system as Apple. I went there yesterday and
configured it just like my own (except for the lousy ATI graphics
cards they use - I had it, long ago). Cost was $3024 before tax,
which I would pay, being in California. Triple the cost of mine, and
I chose a higher-end Asus motherboard to boot. All computer vedors,
large and small, are just plugging components into a box - you can,
too.

28 
My goodness boys sounds like the old Japanese "Watt" power wars of
the 70's here for stereo systems...ha ha

Yup that is why I used the :stuck_out_tongue: however it is really irrelevant. One
should use what works for you in your situation and not worry too
much about what the latest greatest flash computer or OS is. If you
really need more power there is almost always a way to get it but it
costs money to play that game.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

29

Hi John,

My reply was supposed to be a little tongue in cheek, but that does
not always come through when sending email so sorry if that came off
a little over the top. I didn’t really want to get into a who’s got
the bigger better toy. I was just trying to point out that the
processors are the same and that the Apple can run any of the common
OS’s. So you quoted “First you choose your software, then you choose
a system to run it” and that can be a guide or you can get a piece
of hardware that will not limit what software you want to run. I have
known you for a long time and know that you have the skill to build
your own box from components but, most users don’t and if you look
at a Dell or HP box with the same features of the Apple then you will
be in the same ballpark on price. And if you cannot build and
troubleshoot your own box and you want first class customer support
then Apple cannot be beat in my experience. But people need to get a
tool they are comfortable with.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

30 
My goodness boys sounds like the old Japanese "Watt" power wars of
the 70's here for stereo systems...ha ha

Yes, Ha Ha Russ. Somebody else started this side of this
thread… First, I’ll say that I have nothing whatever against
Apple computers of any model. Back in the day I used to go to
computer stores just to play with MacPaint and MacDraw. Just
fascinating, at the time. And my own take on the Japanese Watt Wars
isn’t that at all - it’s more like bang for the buck, and having an
open mind and the ability to use the best tool for the job.
Spending wisely is the cornerstone of any business.

I ~could~ do the arithmetic, but I won’t. I’d say you could make a
dedicated Windows based computer that would run a CNC rig for $300,
if you used XP for the OS. OK, $350… Not counting a monitor. But
to do that one first needs to think it’s OK to use XP…

We have Macworld every year across the street, and an Apple store a
block away, and we see them - arms up, eyes glazed
“Must…Have…Apple. Must…Have…Apple”. That’s
fine until maybe it’s not the best thing for the job, or the most
economical. It’s just a box with some circuit boards in it.

31

James,

Building a computer box is not that difficult. You seem to forget
that most of the people here do make stuff with their fingers. Most
all of the connections use keyed connectors, almost impossible to
mess up.

I’ve had more problems installing software and configuring to my
tastes. (I am fussy :slight_smile: My configuration difficulties would still
exist on a turnkey box.

jeffD
Demand Designs
Analog/Digital Modelling & Goldsmithing
http://www.gmavt.net/~jdemand

32 
One should use what works for you in your situation and not worry
too much about what the latest greatest flash computer or OS is. If
you really need more power there is almost always a way to get it
but it costs money to play that game.

I quoted this from Jim, but it’s also a reply to HIS reply to me, and
of course there’s no offense taken. The gist of this is that it’s
pretty well known that there is such a thing as an Apple “cult”,
which has been carefully fostered by no less that Steve Jobs himself,
over many years. That’s all well and good - most of them are happy
that way. There was a time when it meant something, too. But as Jim
and I have both been saying (we are actually agreeing, Jim), it just
doesn’t mean much anymore - in computing, that is. IPads and IPhones
are another topic. And it’s to everybody’s advantage to understand
that and widen their horizons. Not only is the hardware the same,
the software is so nearly identical in the GUI that it’s
insignificant. What DOES matter is the kernel of the OS. Some things
just aren’t written for the Mac OS, and you just need to go from
there. It’s actually just a consumer issue that many consumers don’t
even know they are playing. “Apple is BEST!” “No, Windows is
BEST!!!” Actually, if you really want power, you’ll go with Unix
(Linux…)and forget the “toy” systems altogether - I never have
because I don’t like to tinker anymore. It’s like saying Macdonalds
is better than Burger King when actually a home barbequed grass-fed
beef burger is the real deal. Use what works, forget the branding on
the box.

33

what a load of old cobblers…

there is just as much a linux cult as there is a windows
cult…singling out and focusing on one, is sophomoric…

there are enthusiastic fans of all computers. referring to some as,
“arms up, eyes glazed” drones is moronic…especially when prefaced
by: “First, I’ll say that I have nothing whatever against Apple
computers of any model.” and then go on the chastise its user base.

by the way, the modern os X for the mac IS unix-based…

“cults, toys, zombies” are antique thought processes…an uninformed
way of describing the differences, which, by now are barely
negligible.

macs are being used [among other things] in highly regarded
scientific and medical research, as graphical engines for the
advertising industry and as artistic tools… anyone who [still]
thinks macs are “toys” might be very content in their very small
pond. certainly, there are more important issues than this.

hth,
richard

34 
Building a computer box is not that difficult. You seem to forget
that most of the people here do make stuff with their fingers.
Most all of the connections use keyed connectors, almost impossible
to mess up.

Jeff while I agree that it is not that difficult for those that have
the aptitude and desire but, the majority of computer users buy
turnkey systems. I was an electrical engineer and I buy turnkey
systems. Not because I can’t do it but I get no joy from stuffing
boards into a chassis. And when there is a problem I call the vendor
rather than trying to spend my limited free time dealing with PC BS.
I would rather brew beer when I have a few spare hours than screw
around with a recalcitrant PC.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

35 
I agree that it is not that difficult for those that have the
aptitude and desire but, the majority of computer users buy turnkey
systems.

Jim’s quote is simply handy - not really pointing this at him, and
certainly there’s no argument here. I occurs to me that there might
be a factualthing that might be eye-opening to some here. Or
not…

On a motherboard there’s something called TGM, which is either an
eprom or like an eprom, I don’t really know. And I forget what it
stands for, right now. Word has it that Apple uses Foxconn boards at
the moment (was Intel 845 based, at one time). Foxconn writes to the
TGM something to the effect of “This is an official Macintosh mother
board”. When the Apple OS is installed it looks there, and if it
doesn’t find that message it won’t install. That’s how Apple keeps
control of it’s computer business. Windows based (or linux) sytems
don’t do that at all, and one Windows license can be installed on
any one computer that has the disk space for it.

This is only for comparison.

What has happened over the last decade or so is a whole world of
computer builders large and small. I don’t know stats - I’m sure
they’'re out there somewhere -but I’d guesss that up to 50% of
systems are either built by someone like me or small, mom-and-pop
builders. Not only that, but the industry caters to such people.
It’s an entirely different world.

All you need to do is get a Socket 7 CPU and a Socket 7 motherboard
that’s of the ATX profile, and an ATX case, and it will all just pop
together like changing the alternator on a car. The screws will all
line up and fit and be the right length because it’s all
standardized. It’s incredibly simple and you need to know a few
things but not much. Yes, I’m extraordinary (joke…) but in
this case I’m not. BTW, my system is Socket 7, but it’s 5 years old,
now. I believe the newer CPUs have a newer standard, just FYI.

That may seem a little obvious, but it’s more than that. It’s more
like hot rod building or car customizion to many people, and they
take it very seriously. And the whole industy on the PC side doesn’t
just recognize it but embraces it. So, you get a retail boxed
motherboard and it will have instructions in it on how to install
it, and tips on getting performance out of it and more. It can be a
chore, as Jim says, but many people think of it more like ham radio
once was, or similar. Check out http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/jq
They have everything you would want…