Something for CNC Owners

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Hi Everyone

I have been playing with the new X-Carve CNC. It is a machine designed for a school or small workshop and would also suit the DIY/Hobbyist. I know that some small workshops have them for the odd bit of CNC work but they are far removed from the class of a large professional machine.

I use VCarve Pro from Vectric and find it quite easy to use. To get my jobs cut I use UGCS to take the G Code from VCarve Pro and feed the data to the machine.

I just wondered if there are many FOGgers with CNC machines, what software is favoured and what advice might be available for an absolute novice.

Peter
 
Hi Peter,

I have been using CNC router for 20 years, using many brands of software, I have used Vectric software since the day they started, I found it was the easiest software by far, I now use Vectric Aspire as I do a lot of 3D machining. All CNC software has a learning curve, Vectric excels at support and their very helpful training videos and gadgets.

What is UGCS ?  I have never used an intermediary to take my machine code to the router

Paul
 
Hi Paul,

In order for the X-Carve to do its thing it needs to be fed G Code. VCarve Pro can produce toolpaths as G Code but it cannot directly control the X-Carve nor send toolpaths to it.

So, one produces the toolpath in G Code within VCarve Pro and then use a piece of freeware, Universal G Code Sender (UGCS), to send the G Code instructions from the PC to the X-Carve at a rate dictated by the X-Carve. So the firmware in the X-Carve does a bit of hand shaking with UGCS so that the G Code is not sent too fast.

UGCS also provides a method of directly controlling the X-Carve if you need to manually move the gantry (X,Y or Z). You can also set the home position for the job in this way and manually issue a G Code command stating that the machine is in the home position.

In your case does your CNC have the ability to receive a complete file, perhaps in another format, and then execute the file once you press a button?

Peter
 
Hi Peter,

I run V carve and Aspire. Great software from a very good company.

I think V carve should have a Post Processor for X carve. If you open V Carve and go to file then open application folder then PostP at the bottom of the list I have X Carve inch and millimeter.

Once you have set your tool-paths you choose the save dialogue and choose your PostP in the drop down list. This should produce G code your machine will run.

 
I'm using the X-carve as my first ever CNC for a couple years now, nearly exclusively by drawing in sketchup or simply using the existing sketchup models I make of each project any way, then export as an .SVG into Easel and cut. Since I'm super efficient in sketchup it just goes faster that way and I can make virtually any 2d cuts I desire.

I could be ready for something larger and more solid, but I'm not thrilled to give up the X-carve Easel interface, it's just so simple to use. I'd be afraid that anything else will be much more difficult to operate, especially when you only use it sporadically.
 
I started out with an X-carve and Easel.  I didn't like having the laptop in the shop so I got a Raspberry Pi and went through a few different programs.  I ended up going with CNC.js which let me send gcode from my laptop over wifi, monitor the cnc via the camera, and watch its progress through the web page.  The developer was very responsive to issues and requests and it worked out really well.

I REALLY appreciated the X-carve forms and the community which is outstanding.

We did a lot of great projects on the Xcarve and learned a LOT!  Fantastic machine for what it is and especially what it costs.

We outgrew the X-carve, looked around, and as usual ended up going over the top a bit.  I got a new CNC Router Parts PRO 4824 with their electronics kit and spindle. http://www.cncrouterparts.com/ I can't say enough about the folks there and their support. 
It came with Mach3 and while I fought to not have a windows box I have to say I have really appreciated moving to Mach3.  I've gotten the 2010 screenset to handle making tool changes easier and more exact but haven't finalized it yet.

I also got VCarve Pro and have enjoyed that.  I'm still working on learning Fusion but it has a learning curve.  I've used Sketchup a good amount but haven't gotten an easy way to go from the free version to VCarve or gcode yet.

If you do much in Sketchup or Fusion I highly recommend getting a 3D Connexion 3D mouse/Space Navigator.  Unfortunately the folks at Vetric don't see the wisdom and have refused to make or support a driver for it.
 
Oldwood said:
Hi Peter,

I run V carve and Aspire. Great software from a very good company.

I think V carve should have a Post Processor for X carve. If you open V Carve and go to file then open application folder then PostP at the bottom of the list I have X Carve inch and millimeter.

Once you have set your tool-paths you choose the save dialogue and choose your PostP in the drop down list. This should produce G code your machine will run.

Yes, I have VCarve Pro setup with the X-Carve post processor (mm for me) and that creates ".gcode" files.

V9 of VCarve Pro has the X-Carve post processors ready installed. When I have previous versions you had to download a pp from the Inventables web site.

Peter
 
I use Fusion360 from Autodesk.  Full 3D including design, render, CAM and more.  They offer a maker license for free, which is renewed on an annual basis.  Great online community as well and a ton of videos on YouTube.
 
neilc said:
I use Fusion360 from Autodesk.  Full 3D including design, render, CAM and more.  They offer a maker license for free, which is renewed on an annual basis.  Great online community as well and a ton of videos on YouTube.

Does the maker license require one central (paid for) copy of Fusion which others share or is the complete package free? Are there any limitations?

Peter
 
Peter Parfitt said:
neilc said:
I use Fusion360 from Autodesk.  Full 3D including design, render, CAM and more.  They offer a maker license for free, which is renewed on an annual basis.  Great online community as well and a ton of videos on YouTube.

Does the maker license require one central (paid for) copy of Fusion which others share or is the complete package free? Are there any limitations?

Peter

I've only dabbled with it so I'll defer to more-informed people, but my impression is that it's the complete package for free so long as you do not use it for any commercial endeavors.
 
Vectric do a package that give free software to the users as long as the makerspace has a paid-for licence for the final production of toolpaths.

I used to use AutoCAD years ago but my ancient version will not run on Windows 10. I have changed to Draftsight from Dessault Systems. Their 2D package is free and is every bit as good as AutoCAD.

Another question to throw into the pot....

For any DIY or Hobbyists - what do you make with your CNC? Is it just the odd house sign, chopping board or guitar body or what?

Peter
 
live4ever said:
Peter Parfitt said:
neilc said:
I use Fusion360 from Autodesk.  Full 3D including design, render, CAM and more.  They offer a maker license for free, which is renewed on an annual basis.  Great online community as well and a ton of videos on YouTube.

Does the maker license require one central (paid for) copy of Fusion which others share or is the complete package free? Are there any limitations?

Peter

I've only dabbled with it so I'll defer to more-informed people, but my impression is that it's the complete package for free so long as you do not use it for any commercial endeavors.

F360 is free to hobbyists and small businesses with
 
Richard/RMW said:
live4ever said:
Peter Parfitt said:
neilc said:
I use Fusion360 from Autodesk.  Full 3D including design, render, CAM and more.  They offer a maker license for free, which is renewed on an annual basis.  Great online community as well and a ton of videos on YouTube.

Does the maker license require one central (paid for) copy of Fusion which others share or is the complete package free? Are there any limitations?

Peter

I've only dabbled with it so I'll defer to more-informed people, but my impression is that it's the complete package for free so long as you do not use it for any commercial endeavors.

F360 is free to hobbyists and small businesses with
 
I just went to the Fusion 360 web site and there is no mention of anything free other than the 30 day trial.

Peter
 
I’m a happy VCarve user.  I bought a CNC for my shop a couple years ago and now use it on nearly every project.  It’s definitely the tool that generates the most income for my shop.
 
HMR said:
I’m a happy VCarve user.  I bought a CNC for my shop a couple years ago and now use it on nearly every project.  It’s definitely the tool that generates the most income for my shop.

That's good to hear. What sort of things do you make? I am not looking for any commercial ideas but am trying to find out what sort of work or DIY projects can justify getting a CNC in a small professional shop or DIY workshop.

Peter
 
Peter Parfitt said:
That's good to hear. What sort of things do you make? I am not looking for any commercial ideas but am trying to find out what sort of work or DIY projects can justify getting a CNC in a small professional shop or DIY workshop.

Peter
I make custom furniture.  The CNC allows me to personalize (and charge a premium) for a customer’s piece in a way I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise (inlays, logos, etc).
 
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