software choices
software choices
i bought Vcarve Pro thinking I had to have it for my Shapeoko XXL. Now I'm finding out I need other software too. How many different software do I need?
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WillAdams
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Re: software choices
You only need Vectric VCarve Pro if there's some specific feature which it has which you're willing to pay for.
The only software you should need is:
- Carbide Create --- this will allow you to draw and modify designs and assign toolpaths, see: http://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate and http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/carb ... tutorials/
- Carbide Motion --- this will allow you to control the machine, jogging it, setting zero relative to the stock, and sending files to it: http://carbide3d.com/carbidemotion/ and http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/carb ... userguide/
(there's a bit more on the wiki which may be of interest)
You can see how this software fits together in the tutorials: http://docs.carbide3d.com/tutorials/#shapeoko-tutorials
The usual additions are:
- a vector editor / Bézier curve drawing program --- this is used as a front-end for creating designs more easily and with greater facility than Carbide Create readily affords. The usual choice is Inkscape: https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Inkscape
- a CAM program such as Vectric which offers more features than Carbide Create
- a 3D CAD and CAM pair for folks doing full 3D
There's a bit more at: https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Software and related pages on the wiki.
If you'd let us know what sort of work you wish to do we could be more help.
The only software you should need is:
- Carbide Create --- this will allow you to draw and modify designs and assign toolpaths, see: http://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate and http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/carb ... tutorials/
- Carbide Motion --- this will allow you to control the machine, jogging it, setting zero relative to the stock, and sending files to it: http://carbide3d.com/carbidemotion/ and http://docs.carbide3d.com/assembly/carb ... userguide/
(there's a bit more on the wiki which may be of interest)
You can see how this software fits together in the tutorials: http://docs.carbide3d.com/tutorials/#shapeoko-tutorials
The usual additions are:
- a vector editor / Bézier curve drawing program --- this is used as a front-end for creating designs more easily and with greater facility than Carbide Create readily affords. The usual choice is Inkscape: https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Inkscape
- a CAM program such as Vectric which offers more features than Carbide Create
- a 3D CAD and CAM pair for folks doing full 3D
There's a bit more at: https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Software and related pages on the wiki.
If you'd let us know what sort of work you wish to do we could be more help.
Shapeoko 3XL #0006 w/ Carbide Compact Router w/0.125″ and ¼″ Carbide 3D precision collets
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stuarttaylor00
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2015 4:06 am
Re: software choices
Vcarve pro (for design, and creating Gcode) and Carbide motion ( to control your machine and send Gcode to it - it is free) are the only two programs you need to make almost anything you could want on your shapeoko.
Carbide Create(for design and creating Gcode - also free) is a great simple software to design your projects, to make anything complex it needs the support of a vector editor, as Will mentioned. It is getting updated all the time and is very easy to use.
Personally I use Vectric Aspire (next level up from Vcarve Pro) and Carbide motion, it's a pretty great combo
Carbide Create(for design and creating Gcode - also free) is a great simple software to design your projects, to make anything complex it needs the support of a vector editor, as Will mentioned. It is getting updated all the time and is very easy to use.
Personally I use Vectric Aspire (next level up from Vcarve Pro) and Carbide motion, it's a pretty great combo
Shapeoko 3 #1095 - Aluminium wasteboard, homing switches, Modified Z plate, Makita 700 router
Flashforge Dreamer Dual extruder 3D printer
2013 Ducati 848 Evo
Flashforge Dreamer Dual extruder 3D printer
2013 Ducati 848 Evo
Re: software choices
Fusion 360 (free for hobbyists) and grbl-panel (free) to control the S03 and send gcode are all I have needed in about a year. Fusion 360 because I can do a lot with it including 3D printer projects. Grbl-panel because it has a limited number assignable macros and programmable table locations. But most of my work is pretty flat, uninteresting and repetitious.