Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

reible · Post by **reible** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 4:46 pm

I'm just beginning to check out this software which will give me more incite in to the world of cnc programming. Over the next few months I hope to learn enough to make a decision about getting a cnc machine or not. I can see some uses for the capabilities of these machines where as I would not want to come dependent on it but add it as a tool to what I already have.

So is anyone else interesting in joining the journey with me? I can keep a thread going as I go and share what I find and perhaps other could do the same? If people are not interested that is fine too.

If his is something you might be interested in please reply here and give me your thoughts as to how to proceed if at all.

Ed

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Dec 06, 2015 9:09 pm

I have no current intention of going down that path anytime soon, but do not like ignoring an opportunity to broaden my horizon either.

So I cast my 'vote' for this thread to continue.

benush26 · Post by **benush26** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 2:15 am

Sign me up!

artman60 · Post by **artman60** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 8:23 pm

It's an interesting idea, cheating? I don't think I have enough years left in me on this planet to develop the skill to carve designs into wood, by hand, that look acceptable (well to me anyways). I also wouldn't have a strong argument for those that think that using a cnc is cheating, craftsmanship wise, but my understanding is you gotta be pretty smart on the computer to make one of those do what you want it to. I mean I'm planning on buying a Shopsmith so as not to have to saw and drill by hand, where's the line? I'm just afraid if I get into that side of the hobby, I'l bel quitting my job, staying home and making monogrammed toothpicks LOL I do think having one just to drill out all the holes on a cribbage board could be worthwhile (from a hobby point of view, not an economic one (as right now I have no plans to become a business). I say keep the thread going, keep us posted, always good to learn me something new.

BuckeyeDennis · Post by **BuckeyeDennis** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 9:17 pm

I'd like to see the thread continue. I don't have any current ambitions to get a CNC, as it seems a bit too much like work (my work, that is). But if the right application crops up, that could change in a hurry.

reible · Post by **reible** » Mon Dec 07, 2015 11:37 pm

OK I think there is some interest so I'll get some links together and post them so those that are interested can get started with me. Right now I have been reading a primer on the subject but it has been really busy so it is going slow......

Ed

roy_okc · Post by **roy_okc** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:36 pm

artman60 wrote:It's an interesting idea, cheating? I don't think I have enough years left in me on this planet to develop the skill to carve designs into wood, by hand, that look acceptable (well to me anyways). I also wouldn't have a strong argument for those that think that using a cnc is cheating, craftsmanship wise, but my understanding is you gotta be pretty smart on the computer to make one of those do what you want it to. I mean I'm planning on buying a Shopsmith so as not to have to saw and drill by hand, where's the line? I'm just afraid if I get into that side of the hobby, I'l bel quitting my job, staying home and making monogrammed toothpicks LOL I do think having one just to drill out all the holes on a cribbage board could be worthwhile (from a hobby point of view, not an economic one (as right now I have no plans to become a business). I say keep the thread going, keep us posted, always good to learn me something new.

Art,

I took a class last summer at and taught by Marc Adams, laser marquetry. He shared his thoughts on "cheating" in marquetry. To him, and a growing number of people, it isn't cheating, rather it is an evolution of using new tools. If someone wants to get technical, not "cheating" would require the craftsman to go out and find rocks, flake them to get sharp edges in lieu of using metal tools, let alone electricity. Or maybe just gnaw the design with one's teeth.

artman60 · Post by **artman60** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 8:42 pm

Roy I'm actually in agreement with you. If I'm ever needing open heart surgery, I'm sure hoping I get a doctor up on all the latest technology/eduacation, why? cause I'm gonna want the best job done that's possible. But I think I'll feel more like a craftsman than an artist using a cnc. (just my opinion on myself). I do know I'd prefer the machine to be drilling the holes on cribbage boards, than myself, if I'm trying to make a couple hundred of them during a year.

benush26 · Post by **benush26** » Wed Dec 09, 2015 11:24 pm

I'm thinking that with some ingenuity the end products could be both. Use the CNC as the basic tool to remove most of the material, then pull out the carving chisels to add finesse. Or if you are using it for marquetry or inlay, make some of the prices by hand

Even that Shopsmith plaque design could first be CNC routed, then part of the interior could have something decorative,and unique by adding hand craftsmanship

My thoughts for personal use are to use the CNC to carve out the excess, then go in and work the fine details in 3D wood carving.

Now that I have an INCRA wonder fence I'll not go back to hand made dovetails unless the material can't be used on a router table. What I make for gifts and such still has plenty of handmade details, however machines are making up for my lacking skill set.

Just my thought.

Be well,
Ben

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu Dec 10, 2015 12:16 am

One of the first steps is learning what vcarve is and why I'm interested in learning about it. One of the possible CNC machines on my purchase list give you a copy of the software, sounds like a good reason to understand just what you are getting along with a machine.

As I had suggested I would do this is the link to the web page where the software is described. Now the software that is provide with the machine is the basic version (desktop) and not the pro version so it will have some limitations in that respect but for learning this should work. I'm sure there are several other vendors offering software and I'm at least for now not worrying about that aspect.

http://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve.htm

The link for the trial copy of the software is here:

http://www.vectric.com/products/vcarve/trial.html

If you are serious about leaning the software you will have to get a copy. So far as I can see it is ms windows based.

I'm in the process of slowly reading a cnc primer that they have that you can get a copy of here:

http://www.vectric.com/media/docs/suppo ... ic2013.pdf

Ed

Shopsmith Forums

Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?

Re: Any interest in vcarve cnc software?