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Post by StrosBros on Feb 24, 2019 7:54:44 GMT
I haven't even started using any of the software due to some troubleshooting with my CNC but I was wondering what is the easiest and most simple free software for simple 2D cuts? I have Fusion 360 downloaded and I also heard of Easel but have not looked into it that much. Has anyone had any experience with Easel and how does it compare to Fusion 360? Also if there are any other free software besides the two mentioned that are compatible with the Carve King that is great for beginners would be great as well. Please let me know! I apologize if this is a stupid question. Just looking for more options that would fit my novice skill level. Thanks y'all!
Respectfully,
StrosBros
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Post by Hommer Woods on Feb 24, 2019 12:00:43 GMT
Easel is very easy to use. I started out with it doing some 2D inlay work then moved on the Vectric Cut2D and then Vectric Vcarve Desktop. I never used Fusion 360 personally.
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Post by James@fireaxe on Feb 24, 2019 13:34:30 GMT
I have only learned F360. It's quite a learning curve to get to become proficient with it. I don't have any exp with the Vetric programs, but have heard they are pretty user friendly. Only down side is they cost money.
F360 is a very powerful CAD program. There are thousands of you tube videos on how to do stuff in F360. I learned mostly by the videos and by doing it. I've only scratched the surface on the capabilities F360 offers.
Also get Inkscape, it's free and you can convert text or images to SVG line vectors. I use this a lot to aid in my designs.
Also I use Universal G code sender to control my machine.
Need anything else, don't hesitate to ask around. These guys here are great.
The only stupid question is the one not asked.
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Post by ttabbal on Feb 24, 2019 15:00:44 GMT
Fusion360 is a full 3D CAD. It's amazing and free, but it has a steep learning curve if you have never done it before. It can be a frustrating skill to learn. It's designed with mechanical design in mind, so it wants dimensions for everything and gets mad if you don't set them properly.
For basic 2D shapes, the simple applications might be preferable. Easel and Carbide Create come to mind. Both are free and work well.
YouTube videos are available for them all that go over them and show some projects being made.
I haven't used the Vectric applications. I hear good things, but I have been happy with the options I have.
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Post by StrosBros on Feb 25, 2019 5:51:28 GMT
Easel is very easy to use. I started out with it doing some 2D inlay work then moved on the Vectric Cut2D and then Vectric Vcarve Desktop. I never used Fusion 360 personally. Hey Hommer, thank you for your reply. How would I connect my Carve King to the Easel software? It only has 2 or 3 machines to choose from. I do not have my machine plugged into the usb because I had to ship off my electrical boards. Thanks for your help! |
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Post by Hommer Woods on Feb 25, 2019 11:56:21 GMT
Easel is very easy to use. I started out with it doing some 2D inlay work then moved on the Vectric Cut2D and then Vectric Vcarve Desktop. I never used Fusion 360 personally. Hey Hommer, thank you for your reply. How would I connect my Carve King to the Easel software? It only has 2 or 3 machines to choose from. I do not have my machine plugged into the usb because I had to ship off my electrical boards. Thanks for your help! Here is a thread that explains how to use Easel. Never connect directly to the machine with Easel or it will change a lot of settings. Basically you export the gcode from Easel and use UGS. millrightcnc.proboards.com/thread/1518/easel-cuts-deep |
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rowiac
Full Member
Posts: 230
Location: California
Machine: M3
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Post by rowiac on Feb 25, 2019 18:26:59 GMT
Hey Hommer, thank you for your reply. How would I connect my Carve King to the Easel software? It only has 2 or 3 machines to choose from. I do not have my machine plugged into the usb because I had to ship off my electrical boards. Thanks for your help! Here is a thread that explains how to use Easel. Never connect directly to the machine with Easel or it will change a lot of settings. Basically you export the gcode from Easel and use UGS. millrightcnc.proboards.com/thread/1518/easel-cuts-deepYou should try Carbide Create as well as Easel, as previously mentioned. Export GRBL gcode from either Carbide Create or Easel and use UGS to send the gcode to the machine. I did see a video of a MillRight M3 user who used Easel to connect to his machine. If you accidentally do that, make sure you don't use the "firmware upgrade" option, because that is what causes the settings to change. Here's the link to the video, for your reference. He goes through the basics: youtu.be/UszBQRZuW7QAnd for V-carving, try out F-engrave. It's also free. www.scorchworks.com/Fengrave/fengrave.htmlOnce you develop some skills you will be looking at moving up to Fusion 360 or the Vectric applications which I highly recommend. |
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Post by Bruce on Feb 26, 2019 16:39:55 GMT
I started out using F-Engrave. Really nice free software for V-carving and even has capabilities for inlay work. Definitely worth checking out. |
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