We have tried very hard to make the machine as simple-to-setup and as easy-to-use as possible.
The kit goes together like a Lego kit (w/ a number of pre-assembled components) — finding space for the machine is usually the biggest challenge.
All the tools are bundled with it, but one wants a few additional things usually:
- hearing and eye protection — some materials warrant a filter mask
- vacuum
- spare endmills — small / detailed work wants a 1/8" collet
- some sort of workholding solution
- calipers
- a tape measure or pinch sticks (to measure on the diagonal)
The software bundled with the machine:
- Carbide Create
- Carbide Motion
- Grbl
doesn’t directly allow one to use a pixel image — one can import vector graphics (SVGs) and CAD files (DXFs) and process them in Carbide Create, send them to the machine using Carbide Motion and they will be cut by Grbl controlling the machine.
Sometimes files will require cleanup in an editor such as Inkscape.
Learning how to use Carbide Create w/in its limitations is sometimes a stumbling block — but we have tutorials:
- http://carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/video/
- http://carbide3d.com/docs/tutorials/makey/
- Let's make a coaster
- Let's draw an "ellipse" with new users
It is possible to load a pixel image and use it as the basis for re-drawing w/in Carbide Create: https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/Carbide_Create_Photo_Tracing
That said, it is possible to use a CAM program which will directly process an image — MeshCAM which we bundle with our Nomad (but which is an additional purchase with a Shapeoko) is one commercial tool for this and it works quite well and affords a lot of control.
The community maintains a list of free / opensource options: https://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/CAM#Images and there are many other commercial options as well.
Please let us know specifically what you want / need and we’ll do our best to fill in!