Woodworker X-50
Extreme newbie but many related skills and understanding.
What is the top software to use?
Looking for combination of user friendly with room to grow. Want to start with inlays then 3D.
I know Autodesk inventor.
What files do you start with.
I have a machine and living online trying to find step 1
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Frankly, I donât think there is one best software, just the one you are most comfortable with. I have the same machine and after trying several â free,easy to useâ packages which I, being relatively computer illiterate, found incomprehensible. If you have experience with Photoshop or the like, youâll have few problems getting up to speed on them. I wound up going with Vectric Pro ( didnât feel like tiling all the time with the desktop version) because I know a few people running with it I can ask for help and the online tutorials are pretty good. I also like owning my software outright. Other software can be ârentedâ which has the advantage of being automatically updated and upgraded as you go if thatâs important to you. On the downside, as soon as you stop paying you have no software and are SOL. Iâm sure youâll be hearing from others. Everyone has their own take on the subject. Most paid for software have a freebie download ( with restrictions) so you can try them out and get a feel for them. That would be a good way to start.
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Hello Jayjenks and welcome.
What is the top software to use?
That answer is different for different people and needs. Use the search function above and type in âcad cam program softwareâ You will see this subject has been discussed many times and answered many different ways.
But since you say you know Autodesk Inventor already then Autodesk Fusion will not be that hard for you to learn. I use Inventor at work and drawing/modeling in Fusion is not greatly different. It gives you a lot of power for being free.
There are lots of youtube tutorial videos that I used to get up to speed fairly quickly.
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Hey Jayjenks,
This is a frequently asked (and frequently answered) question. Please use the search function of this forum:
The following page will give you more information and hints:
See also:
Onefinity Support offers this answer:
Welcome to the forum!
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Try the trial version of Vectric Vcarve. Itâs the same as the full version with the only restriction that you cannot save G-code. I tried Carbide Create first because itâs free but I found it to be way too simplistic.
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Hello â welcome to the forums. Others have already made the same recommendation I would make. That said, it doesnât necessarily sound like you fully understand the end to end workflow?
You need both CAD and CAM software â some packages offer both, some do not. You can use some vector programs for CAD (e.g., Inkscape, Affinity Designer), or you can get an integrated package like Fusion, Easel, Carbide Create, Vectric, Carveco. All but Fusion offer vector drawing tools; Fusion is a full 3D modeling environment.
I always recommend starting with something free â then when you need to upgrade, do so. You can get very, very far without spending a dime on CAD or CAM software.
Shameless plug: couple videos that might help you - Digital Manufacturing 101, Beginner Software.
-Tom
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Hi welcome, congrats on your machine!
If this experience is relevant, itâs only because my clue bucket was empty to start with. I had a lot of modeling experience with Sketchup and some middling past life experience in Vectorworks. My CAM experience was starting to grow via additive on a Creality CR-10 Smart, but thatâs a cake walk compared to toolpaths and milling. Iâve had a screen clamped to my brain for 40 years now and am too lazy to be using multiple operating systems these days, so wanted it to run on a Mac.
Went with Fusion, mostly because it has such diverse functionality and applicability. At some point in the future, I want to do metal and donât want to reinvest in the software. The hardest thing about it was they seem to evolve the UI pretty regularly and a lot of older information needs to be mapped to the new UI. This probably isnât an issue for you with your Inventor experience.
After a few months, I was able to create a cabinet for the garage with something like 8 drawers and everything fit. That was pretty satisfying to be sure.
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