Hi everyone
I have these 2 styles of rosettes to replicate. I was going to purchase Carve pro to do it but I seen a video that suggests you can’t make a 3d model in Carve pro ? Is this correct & if so how would I go about getting files done that the OneFinity can speak to ?
Thanks,
Alan
PS - new here & not sure how to attach pictures 
Hey Alan,
With Vectric VCarve Pro, you can export a g-code toolpath for a CNC machine including the Onefinity, but not with the VCarve Pro evaluation version. You will first have to buy the regular Version ($699).
But before you spend money, you should know that there are powerful free and open source software packages that are very evolved nowadays. See here for examples:
A free and open “swiss army knife” for 2D and 3D modeling as well as exporting a g-code toolpath is FreeCAD.
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Welcome to the forum!
VCarve Pro can import 3-D models and machine them. However, you can’t design 3-D objects in that software. You would have to upgrade to Aspire in order to do that. Aspire is something like $1600.
If you want to get into 3-D modeling, take a look at blender. It’s free open sourced and exceedingly powerful modeling software. You can design 3-D models of anything in blender and export them to VCarve for the toolpathing.
You also might want to check out Fusion 360 as they have a free license for hobbyist. You can design and machine through Fusion 360 in one software package. There are limitations on the free version, but unless you’re doing production, it’s probably not anything that will be a dealbreaker for you.
My first choice for CAD is still Rhino 3D.
No subscription, in the long therm so much cheaper than Fusion 360
I tried Rhino a while back and couldn’t figure out how to use it – didn’t have time to watch any videos to go further.
I got Fusion for 3 years for 850, which is about 280/year, that makes the Rhino break even point around year 4 or so – I have to believe they would have a major update in 4 years requiring an upgrade purchase. So that would make Rhino more expensive – maybe even much more expensive.
That said, the new Fusion pricing model of 2K for 3 years makes the break even around 1.5 years, which is about a wash depending on the Rhino major upgrade cycle that requires a paid upgrade.
0.02.
-Tom
That makes Rhino 3D free in comparison after year 3 1/2 years, when you have to renew your Fusion subscription but can still used Rhino as long as you are alive…
I have to add that we still run Rhino 6 on one of our computers and I am still on Rhino 7. Rhino 8 was released recently, but I do see little need to upgrade, the software is so incredibly complex and vast that I am using less than 5% of what Rhino 3D can do, which is all I need.
Early Rhino 3D upgrades were $349. Rhino 1.0 was released in 1998, and now we are on Rhino 8, which means a new version get released every three + years.
However Rhino 3D does not include CAD software. You either need Rhinocam (FreeMill $0, Mill-express $595) or Deskproto ($249 for a hobby license) which is in certain areas better than VCarve. Or you already have Vcarve, which works too.
For example, Vcarve does not have a collision control check, which means you are responsible for the collet not colliding with the material, both RhinoCam and Deskproto will make sure that does not happen.
Deskproto is also the most affordable software for indexed rotary machining
What draws me away from Fusion is their subscription Modell. They started with a free version for smaller models, I believe 2 years ago then limited that free version further. So they kind of lured people into learning the software, then raised the price. Learning a new CAD/CAM software takes a significant amount of time, it is really time consuming
to switch once you know the details.
What if from next year the fusion 360 subscription goes to $4000?
I prefer prepaid software that I am certain I can still afford in the future.
I get by with the free version of F360. Restriction of significance to me:
rotary should i ever install on. I quite fancy trying rotary.
rapid moves between toolpaths. A pain in the bum if you are doing rest machining with a tiny bit that is run on really slow feeds. But not always an issue.
So not much really. There are some extra features offered but havent tried so will never miss.
I also use VCarvePro. Great for 3d carving. I’ve never had collette clash issues but that may be me. I rarely enter all the tool parameters in f360 fully such that it would help me there. For example i have several flute length 1/8 th Aluminium cutting bits i only have one 12mm flute length bit in my tool db. Too much effort to maintain and select the right one.
If you use the major tool manufacturers they usually have a downloadable tool database. No need to enter anything. Maybe have to modify for a bench top machine but all info - in regards to tool length etc - the info would already be there.
Without the pictures (click the upload icon when creating a comment, although this might be off for a new user) I can’t tell how complex your rosettes are. Some are basic concentric circles, some are real fancy looking like flowers, etc. If your needs are basic you may be able to so a ‘2.5D’ in that you use the shape of your bits to form the shapes on your rosette without having to go full 3D. VCarve can do that. You can also look in to buying a 3D model of the rosette you want and use it in VCarve. VCarve comes with a number of them included.
If you really need to create your own 3D model and you want to do it with one software, you may want to look at Carvco Maker+ instead at $50 US a month. It will let you do 3D modelling without having to step up to Vectric Aspire.