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  1. 2nd October 2023, 10:32 AM #1
    snowgum
    snowgum is offline Senior Member
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    Default HELP. What software should I learn for CNC use

    Hi all

    I need some recommendations for CAD software for a CNC machine.
    I have been building things all my life, but somehow haven't yet managed to get into CNC Routing. So many times a CNC router would have been very useful, so I think it's time to start.

    My wife and I are going on a 3 week cruise from Hawaii back home to Sydney (she is so looking forward to the cruise), so I'm going to have 3 weeks mostly at sea where my wife can lounge around the pool and I can spend some useful time playing about with CAD software.

    I know some versions of available software require connection to the inter-web-net to function, I am planing to purchase an on board VOOM internet package, but don't know how well it will function at sea, it operates on the STARLINK system and I have been told it's quite a reasonable service. I'm a MAC user and haven't had much experience with Windows software, and will be using a MAC computer with a mouse, on board the Cruise Ship.

    I have seen that there are some Free versions of CAD software, are any of these any good. I have heard of the following such as "Fusion360", "Carbide 3D", "Solid Edge", "Easel Pro", "SolidWorks", "Auto Cad", "SketchUp" etc. etc.

    Just so confusing, I got no idea.
    I want to keep it as simple as possible.
    What is the best way to start?
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  3. 2nd October 2023, 10:35 AM #2
    snowgum
    snowgum is offline Senior Member
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    Default Correction in Title

    The Title should read, HELP. What software should I learn for CNC use.
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  4. 2nd October 2023, 07:14 PM #3
    TassieRob
    TassieRob is offline Intermediate Member
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    Default

    I think the Vectric products are great for CNC design projects. The version you go for depends on your budget and final use. If you have a look at the Vectric website you can see the different options. They also have a vast range of tutorial videos to help learn how to use the various features.
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  5. 2nd October 2023, 07:37 PM #4
    snowgum
    snowgum is offline Senior Member
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    Default Vectric

    Thanks TassieRob

    Just looking at their web site now, never heard of Vectric before. I notice that they have some free trials.

    Looks like an English company.

    Homepage | Vectric
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  6. 2nd October 2023, 08:54 PM #5
    BoneInspector
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    Default

    +1 for Vectric
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  7. 3rd October 2023, 09:47 AM #6
    Lappa
    Lappa is offline Woodworking mechanic
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    Default

    +2 for Vectric. I use that for lettering, inlays 2.5D carving etc.

    I also use Freecad for precision CNC work. I used Fusion 360 previously but found Freecad more user friendly.
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  8. 3rd October 2023, 10:24 AM #7
    snowgum
    snowgum is offline Senior Member
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    Default CNC Software recommendations

    So far it's been unanimous recommendations for Vectric. I had a look at their website and the promotional uTube vidieo's explaining that the product is upgradable as required, so the entry cost is affordable and the software was divided into basically a hobby version and a professional version for each category.
    I noticed that all the promotional material used imperial units, I assume that metric is native to the software and is just toggled between the imperial/metric units.
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  9. 3rd October 2023, 10:31 AM #8
    Lappa
    Lappa is offline Woodworking mechanic
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    Default

    Easy to set up metric or imperial during your job set up. Tool library has both metric and imperial tools to choose from. I bought Vcarve Desktop version which is limited to a 600mm x 600mm working surface which suits my machine size. If you want larger then Vcarve Pro is the way to go. Aspire was just too expensive for me.
    I bought mine through Stepcraft Australia. Great guy to deal with.
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  10. 3rd October 2023, 07:25 PM #9
    TassieRob
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    Vectric are English based but have a large following throughout the world. I have Aspire which is quite expensive but I find it easy to use. Vectric a company impress me with their focus on their users. They also have a secondary associated business called Design and Make which provides 3D models. It is worth looking at their website to get an idea of what is available if you progress down the CNC path.
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  11. 11th October 2023, 03:30 PM #10
    snowgum
    snowgum is offline Senior Member
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    Default Bummer!!!!!!!!

    Bummer!

    I followed the advice from every one, and I have downloaded the Vectric Cut2D desktop software, only to find out it's for windows only.

    I'm a MAC user.

    The Vectric software looked so good too.

    Does anybody else have a recommendation for MAC compatible CAD software that's simple to learn?
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  12. 11th October 2023, 07:04 PM #11
    Lappa
    Lappa is offline Woodworking mechanic
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    Have a read through this link. Not sure if it will help.

    VCarve on iMac computer - Vectric Customer
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  13. 11th October 2023, 07:47 PM #12
    snowgum
    snowgum is offline Senior Member
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    Default Still looking

    Thanks, I tried running MAC in emulation before, didn't work very well, apparently MAC-OS-12 which I use now is not great with emulation packages.
    I would also have to get a licence for MS Windows to run the emulation on.
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  14. 12th October 2023, 08:39 AM #13
    BoneInspector
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    Default

    No sorry, hard enough to find good software for windows.
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  15. 16th November 2023, 01:59 AM #14
    Michael Brazeau
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    Default

    Carbide Create, it's free and easy to use. Great for starting out.
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  16. 16th November 2023, 09:11 AM #15
    snowgum
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    Default

    Thanks I will have a look
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