Vectric V Varve Pro - anyone use this software?

[Stone Message]

Hi Everyone,

I am getting geared up for some small scale CNC work and have just got a licence for V Carve Pro.

I would love to hear from anyone who uses this regularly, particularly anyone who uses it professionally.

I am hoping to do some video work of small scale CNC tasks in Q3 2015.

Many thanks in advance.

Peter

 

[SittingElf]

Peter,

I don't, but when you do get info, I'll be VERY interested in your videos because now that I have completed my Festool Tool purchases, one of the next items on my list is This CNC machine, which comes with VCarve Pro and Vectrics 3D software.

Nothing like 3-4 hours of constant noise coming from the shop!! [big grin]

Cheers,

Frank

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Frank

I will make sure that I keep everyone on the FOG up to speed with my progress. I am taking this carefully and seeking advice because I have not done this before.

Years ago I wrote machine code software to control a machine not unlike a modern CNC. I have "played" with metal working CNC setups but only entered commands from the front face rather than through software on a PC. So, this is a new venture and I have to do my best to get it right (not for me but everyone else).

I suspect that I will get through a lot of test pieces of MDF and break one or two cutters. Hopefully I will be able to identify common pitfalls and guide people around rather than lead people into them !

Peter

 

[rmwarren]

I got a Handibot during the Kickstarter launch, it came with V-Carve Pro.

The learning cure is not too steep and their video tutorials will walk you they everything you need to learn. The software is very capable for woodworking shop stuff, it won't handle complex 3D profiling, so I'd call it 2.5D, i.e length/width and simple (flat) depth.

In V 7.5 the added the ability to import SketchUp files. This makes it easy to create a model of an entire project, then import the individual components into V-Carve and create the tool paths.

ShopBot is probably the leading US maker/innovator in mid-high end CNC for the average shop, and they supply V-Carve with all their machines. [member=20326]SittingElf[/member] you may want to look into their smaller machines before taking the plunge.

RMW

 

[SittingElf]

I got a Handibot during the Kickstarter launch, it came with V-Carve Pro.

The learning cure is not too steep and their video tutorials will walk you they everything you need to learn. The software is very capable for woodworking shop stuff, it won't handle complex 3D profiling, so I'd call it 2.5D, i.e length/width and simple (flat) depth.

In V 7.5 the added the ability to import SketchUp files. This makes it easy to create a model of an entire project, then import the individual components into V-Carve and create the tool paths.

ShopBot is probably the leading US maker/innovator in mid-high end CNC for the average shop, and they supply V-Carve with all their machines. [member=20326]SittingElf[/member] you may want to look into their smaller machines before taking the plunge.

RMW

In keeping with my plan to buy machines and tools that I don't ever expect to feel the need to upgrade, I chose the Shop Bot unit based upon my expectation that I would want the size capability at some point. 

I got REALLY close to purchasing a CNC-Step T-1000S in Germany while I was there. Tremendous capability, but I was concerned about service here in the USA, despite the fact that they now have representation in the USA. The emails I've received from them led me to believe it could be a problem, and they may end up focusing on Europe. Also their included software was going to be a nightmare for me to learn, and I have better things to do with my time.

One of my passions is making unusual jewelry boxes and humidors. I do things with the top that usually require a grinder, but one mistake and the box is ruined.  I can do a 3D scan of a successful top and transfer to CNC so it will do the work repeatedly and without error. That is just one of the uses I have planned.

Thanks for looking out for me though! [big grin]

Cheers,

Frank

 

[jbasen]

I bought a CNC Shark a number of years ago that came with V-Carve Pro (v5.5).  I haven't used it in a while simply because the projects I've been doing just haven't required it.  I bought it to cut intricate inlays for my A&C furniture and was very happy with the features that V-Carve offered.  More specifically it has the ability to leverage 2 different sized bits for cutting.  You can make a pass cutting the bulk of the waste with a 1/8" spiral down cut bit and then take a second pass with a 1/32" diameter bit to cut just the fine details.  A great time saver. 

The videos that Vectric provides greatly shortened the learning curve.  Overall I was very happy with the software.

Vectric offers a number of other software programs for doing different types of jobs with a CNC router.  I thought about buying PhotoVCarve but never could quite justify the purchase.

Good luck.  I think you will be happy with the software.

 

[Benchmark]

Peter,

I have been using vectric software professionally for over 10 years if that is any help.

Vectric software is probably the easiest software to use, their support, training videos along with their forum cannot be faulted.

Just ask away

Paul

 

[jmbfestool]

I'm having a hard time deciding on software for my cnc.

I didn't think it would be that hard.

I found found out so far non of the Cnc software program's are any good at drawing. 

A lot lack just simple snap,click and tape measure features.  So drawings even simple drawings are better done on a drawing program like sketch up.   

I wish they just had the basic sketchup features like a tape measure and automatic centre snap etc all those little features just make drawing simple boxes and circles quick and easy

So you have to buy a Cnc software then still go out and buy let's say sketchup up pro or solidworks.  So suddenly you are spending a lot of money.  I know solidworks is amazing but why can Cnc program's not just do the basic stuff.

Example to draw a sqaure and then you want to draw another smaller sqaure and place it inside the larger sqaure in a specific place.  I found it very slow and difficult on Cnc software.  They have feature buttons like auto centre or send to far right, far left, top, bottom. Which is fine but what if I want it 23mm from the top down and 80mm from other edge.

With sketch up unsing the simple tape measure feature you just type the measurement and press enter PING you have an exact spot to draw/drag your smaller sqaure to which it automatically snaps to once close. Plus you have a guide line ready for anything else you might want to reference to.  I'm sure you all know how to use sketchup.

Well with a Cnc programs You have a few ways to achieve this one way would be to turn on let's say corner snap feature so I drag the smaller square to the large square corner and then I go to coordinates on the smaller sqaure open up the dialoge and add or subtract to move the box.  Thing is coordinates won't be 0,0 they will be 340.369 ,  23.747  so you gotta add or subtract 23 and 80 to those Coordinates.

It's just slow and really no need simple features like this could be added especially when the software costs £3k+

Then another problem I have found a lot of software seem very specific if you want an automated drawing program.  Example cabinet vision.  I had cabinet vision come round and I was given a quote £16k with discount it will be £13k+vat plus £1600+vat  a year I think or more for updates and service which is limited to 18 calls a year.  Yet trying to demo the software to me it kept failing and the rep wouldn't/couldn't show me how customisable the software was or how easy it is which I was told is really easy but obviously not easy enough to show me.   

I was shown a feature he seemed proud of.  Select material for cabinets like MDF it would use the sheet material as efficiently as possible.  If he changed it to let's say oak veneer which has grain direction the software will make sure all parts are orientated correctly onto the sheet for cutting. 

Now one would think brilliant untill I saw a flaw in this feature and picked him up on it.  I asked him how come I can only select one direction of grain for my sheet material.

He said what do you mean?

I said well you are assuming all 8x4 sheets have grain direction going longways but what about if I buy 8x4 sheets with the grain going short ways.

He said oh I didn't know you could buy sheet material with the grain going the other direction.

I said yes you can because sometimes its more efficient.
So seen as I dont have a box I can tick to alter the direction of the grain and so the software will always assume the grain goes the long way, how would I get round this?

He said ummm well there is always a way.

I said well to me it seems like the only way would be to have to alter the cabinets or make new cabinets confusing it with which way the grain goes.

He said yes that would work.

Now at that point I just switched off I thought if I am having to pay £13k+ and upto £2k a year for this program and they have missed out something so simple it's not worth it.

 

[duburban]

Download Rhino. It will draft 2d and model 3d far better than sketch up ever will. I have used v carve, and ancient version. The combo of Rhino and Vcarve (ancient) shows me that your initial modeling software is whats more important.

 

[Stone Message]

Peter,

I have been using vectric software professionally for over 10 years if that is any help.

Vectric software is probably the easiest software to use, their support, training videos along with their forum cannot be faulted.

Just ask away

Paul

Many thanks Paul. I wonder if JMB should look at Vectric's software?

Peter

 

[ccmviking]

Peter,

    The Vectric software is outstanding.  I currently use Aspire V8 and find it pretty easy and accurate to use.  The video's and documentation are great and it's about as user friendly as software can get.  I see it as being more based on Artsy stuff like signage, 3d art, etc.  The forum certainly has many user projects listed as well as their projects of the month.  The initial cost and upgrades on the software is a great value.

Chris...

 

[Stone Message]

Peter,

    The Vectric software is outstanding.  I currently use Aspire V8 and find it pretty easy and accurate to use.  The video's and documentation are great and it's about as user friendly as software can get.  I see it as being more based on Artsy stuff like signage, 3d art, etc.  The forum certainly has many user projects listed as well as their projects of the month.  The initial cost and upgrades on the software is a great value.

Chris...

Many thanks Chris. You and Paul have reassured me that I have made the right choice.

Peter

 

[jmbfestool]

Peter,

    The Vectric software is outstanding.  I currently use Aspire V8 and find it pretty easy and accurate to use.  The video's and documentation are great and it's about as user friendly as software can get.  I see it as being more based on Artsy stuff like signage, 3d art, etc.  The forum certainly has many user projects listed as well as their projects of the month.  The initial cost and upgrades on the software is a great value.

Chris...

My CNC bloke said that to me.  He said the Aspire and ArtCam are arty farty stuff. 

Im not sure thats the direction I want to go down. Im more cabinets and one of bespoke items. 

I have ended up having a full version Demo of Enroute 5 which I am using at the moment. 

Which does arty stuff as well as more presicion stuff. 

Nice thing about the Enroute I already have the Enroute basic running so I am already very familair with the setup.

I found this Blog very interesting.    He uses Enroute for his CNC to make all those AWSOME signs
http://enrouteadventures.blogspot.co.uk

Link to his main site I would love to be able to make something like that looks fun!
http://www.imaginationcorporation.com

 

[Stone Message]

What is the price of the Enroute software - they seem to avoid putting any pricing information on their web site?

Peter

 

[jmbfestool]

What is the price of the Enroute software - they seem to avoid putting any pricing information on their web site?

Peter

I have yet to find out my self lol but from rough guide its £1000 to 5000  basic - plus - pro and Wood being the top one I think.

I paid about £100 for the one I have which is an old basic version.

 

[Benchmark]

JMB

I completely agree with you.

CAD for CNC has all ways been basic compared to a full blown CAD such as Auto-cad types because it is primarily for machining components, where as Autocad stuff is for Buildings and oil rigs etc.,  If I had to draw a room, house or retail shop I would either use Draft-cad (free) or Sketch-up.

A friend of mine spent over 20K on Cabinet Vision which did not do custom cabinetry easily, he now has the most expensive bookend in the office, I'm not sure if things have changes but they charged for every addition to library cabinet and the machine post, these are free from Vectric.
Vectric also has some great gadgets for simplifying common tasks, both drawing and machining.

I now use Aspire because part of my business requires 3D carving, rotary 3D, as well as regular cabinet stuff, Vcarve now imports cabinets from Sketchup, then lays the panels flat for nesting if that helps, I also use the Vcarve elements for designing projects for my laser, there is other cabinet software like CabinetPartPro (£170) or Mozaik (£85 per month) that is easy on the pocket,.

My first CNC software was Enroute but when the upgrades became expensive and certain elements were lost when the company was sold, the Israeli government who funded the development of these elements blocked their inclusion in the sale so I jumped ship to Vectric.