Surfcam is a nice system, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the people that have written the code for Surfcam and basically it is very dumb software. Surfcam will always do what you tell it to, other Cam programs, Camworks (teksoft based i believe) is a little more detailed. It requires a little more attention to detail, I personally have not used it but I know some people that do use it regular on a successful basis. I think once you get past the initial learning curve you will be pretty satisfied with it, it is good for general machining. Surfcam was developed by a mold shop for mold making, so it is excellant at machining odd shapes and surfaces.