Perfect, that’s what I needed to know. Thanks
Yep, that sounds like my process with Vcarve Pro. Here is more detail:
- Measure my stock carefully
- Set up job parameters in Vcarve
- Design the piece in Vcarve Design tab
- Move over to the CAM side of Vcarve and create the toolpaths
- Simulate each toolpath carefully. Vcarve has a very good simulator.
- Check estimated time for each path and consider optimizations
- Repeat 3-6 as needed for hours, if not days
- Export toolpaths to a Dropbox shared disk using grbl (mm) post-processor.
- Move into workshop, fix the stock down
- Install the correct bit
- Home machine and set Z-zero
- Run gSender on a miniPC that is connected to my Teensy controller via Ethernet
- Load each toolpath in from Dropbox and do the outline trace function to be sure it makes sense
- Cut the toolpath
Thanks Steve
How do I change the x 0 position on vcarve to match my lowrider4? my x0 is on x-max and vcarve is on x-min, how do I change vcarve to have the x0 on the left side (x-max)
Is vCarve the same thing as Aspire? I’ve been using Aspire and following basic tutorials to learn about tool paths and stuff on the side, it seems fairly straightforward.
I’ve been dabbling in various programs trying to find one that would be right for me, or a combo that would work, to model a design then get ready for cutting.
For 3d modelling I find Fusion (free) is the easiest to work with. It is limited though, so I figure I need to export to Aspire or something to work then with tool paths to get ready to cut.
The Aspire I have doesn’t seem to have the same 3d modelling capabilities as Fusion or FreeCad unless I’m missing something? I can get a sorta 3d wireframe or model in there and preview tool paths and stuff, but the actual modelling I’m not sure if that’s possible in the same way as Fusion/FreeCAD, though I confess I haven’t dug too deep yet, just gone through a few beginner YouTube videos.
Sorry, I don’t use either of those programs. Perhaps someone else here can provide an answer.
Yes, you do need to have a program that takes the 2D drawing and creates gcode. For that, I use EstlCAM, not sure if Aspire will do that (again, I’m not familiar with that program)
Note that Fusion does have a post-processor that will output gcode, but again, I use EstlCAM for that purpose.
Im an Aspire user and Vcarve should have the same interface: to change your origin go to : job setup then look for the x-y DATUM position, you should be able to select the size of your build and one of the four corners or the center for your origin
They’re similar but not the same Vcarve is set 99% for 2.5d work. If you want to do a lot of 3d, you want aspire. Aspire will do everything vcarve does + som. Vcarve will do limited 3d work if you provide the design.
Estlcam is ok. I used it for a bit. You need a separate piece of software for design, then you load into Ecam and you can do the toolpaths on it, which will then generate the gcode. If you want to go $0 budget inkscape + ecam will do it.
Vcarve desktop isn’t much for what you get really. It the same tools as regular vcarve pro but you’re limited to 24x24 work area and will have to tile to go larger.