I have a Onefinity on order. With it comes a year of Carveco. It looks like Vectric may have more robust following and user support, and I don’t want to learn Carveco and then learn Vectric. Just looking for thoughts on this
I don’t know Carveco software but I’ve used VCarve Pro since 2011 starting with version 6
I used it in a high school wood shop to start and I have to say that I can teach students to use and generate a toolpath file in about 15 minutes. It has capabilities as well that I have never used and Vectric has great tutorials. It’s only down side IMO is rotary work. Aspire would be better but its twice the cost.
2 Likes
Hello, I am using Carveco right now because of the free 1 yr prescription. But I did do some research on the various software and it comes down to what do you want to do with your machine. Carveco has an unlimited size you can work in and Vcarve the lowest version only has a 24x24 area you can work in. Both have a lot more features once you get the middle version of the software but of course cost more.
For now I am going to use the free subscription version of carveco but in the future I might up grade to the middle version or totally change to another software. I have somewhat of an advantage because I have been a programmer of industrial CNC machine since the late 80’s and never used software to write programs. So yes I am very familiar with G-code and can write simple stuff for my Elite machine or use the software and adjust it to do what I want it to do. Now as far as doing 2D or 3D stuff I most like will rely on the software to produce those tool paths.
So I would say they are all good software out there but it still comes down to what you want to do with your machine. If it is simple stuff then choose the cheapest one for that but if you want to do fancy stuff you may want to look at the middle grade software to accomplish that. You are only limited to your imagination and knowing how to use the software to accomplish what you want to do.
My cousin uses Vcarve pro and he doesn’t know a thing about G-code but he is only making signs for the most part. He started to make things out of plywood that snap together, like a cordless organizer shelf but he bought the tool path for that. And that is a second option, you can buy tool paths for just about anything you want to make but it could bite ya because you are putting your trust in someone else’s work.
Cheers and Happy Carving
Joe
2 Likes
I had the same thought and concern when I purchased my 1F Elite Journeyman. I did try the Carveco, but in the end went with VCarve Pro. Since then, I have been quite happy with the decision and all the updated features that keep showing up for VCarve.
2 Likes
I personally would go with VCarve Pro. You will not be disappointed. I have programmed for many years in many software’s including Mastercam, Catia, Carveco, and Vectric.
Pros for Vectric VCarve Pro
- The price of owning the software out right is awesome. Yes, you can pay for updates but you do not have to.
- For CNC Routers, Vectric is very powerful for hobby use and more.
- In my experience Vectric is a lot more user friendly and makes sense.
- Very accurate cuts
- Good post Processors
- Many of tutorials and training online for free
- The Vcarve toolpaths are excellent, as well as the ability to machine stl files.
4 Likes
I am starting to see a trend for the Vectric VCarve Pro. Like I said before I have programmed all of my career with out software with the exception of the IGF software that was in Okuma Lathes. I still go through the program and get out all of the stupid moves it made from the software but I learned a lot about lathe programming.
When I was talking to my cusion about the software he used he said vcarve pro. Than I asked him a few questions about G-code in the program and said what is g-code. I kinda laughed and ask him how he tweaked a program he said I would go back into the software and told it different variables. SO he learned how to use the software to tweak his programs. SO I think vcarve pro would be easy to learn.
Cheers and Happy Carving
Joe
1 Like
You can use Vcarve desktop btw, which is half the price of Vcarve pro but with more limited features, 24”x24” maximum size being the big one. And you can upgrade to pro later if you want just by paying the difference.
1 Like
I have Carveco Maker that came with the OneFinity. Once I got set up I activated the software license. It was easy initially and things seemed to be going well enough. However, the more I got into it the more I realized that it’s not particularly intuitive, has some minor limitations, requires an annual/monthly subscription, (costly over time), and assumes the new user/novice knows a lot about the software. I knew nothing about the software and learned the basics after a lot of YouTube tutorials, email questions, (probably the 10,000th time it’s been asked not finding it in their educational materials), not finding answers through my own searches, and other issues. I put it all down for several months. Other things in life interfered for a bit. Getting back to it I had to restart the learning process. I’ve broken two bits and ate into the spoil board twice. Neither instance of bits or spoilboard damage should have happened. I did everything correctly per the tutorials but things were left out. Those things bit me. So, my subscription expires tomorrow, 9/24. I’ll be switching to Vectric, pro version. It’s a one time license cost if that works for a hobbyist, is relatively rounded out and from the tutorials intuitive. For someone like me, it seems Fusion 360 or Vectric versions are the primary players for hobbyists. A guy I know in Florida uses Vectric in a one man production shop. Along with his laser machine he makes a living with the two systems. Vectric is his software of choice from day one. He hasn’t looked back. I will be following his lead in this one.
1 Like