I just purchased a used Shapeoko 3XXL machine that seems to be extremely well-maintained. I have used GRBL controller for plasma and lasers but this is my first router. I set up and started moving around and downloaded a couple of G-code files and all seems to be fine.
My question is on the software side. I historically used create DXF files for the CAD work but I see a lot of reference to starting with Carbide Create. The machine came with a computer with Vectric installed but I am not familiar with it so thought I would start with a factory system. Is the Carbide Create only a purchased item for the CAM work? It seems a little high if I am not going to stay with it. I did see the trial but I saw a reference to being free to Shapeoko owners not sure if that includes people who purchased used machines since mine did not come with that software and the original owner may have kept it, intentionally or not.
and if you have any questions or issues, feel free to write in to support@carbide3d.com (the project doesn’t cut as the 3D preview shows) or projects@carbided.com (problems getting the 3D preview to appear as you want it to cut) and we will do our best to assist — many of our tutorials come from this.
Vetric is a very nice program but it is licensed. Likely the previous owner has the license in their name. I think you can pay a fee and transfer the license to you. The advantage of having the license is if you want to upgrade to the next level up you just pay the difference and not have to start all over. Additionally the upgrades to a new level are also cheaper if you have a license.
You are correct to start out with the free Carbide Create and Carbide Motion. Get your feet wet and then plunge in. Carbide Create can take you far but does have some limitations. I have the Pro version so not sure if DXF files are directly importable. The pro version has a few things extra that the free version does not have. Carbide Motion is still required to configure your machine and setup BitSetter location so you need to have a copy of that on your computer for the future.
The SO3 is a great machine. C3D has moved on to the SO4/SO4 Pro/SO5 but they still support the SO3 and still sell accessories for it. There are a few things that they do not sell for it anymore but for the most part it is still supported.
So the SO3 has 3 Z axis. The Belt Z (Original), Z-Plus and the HDZ. Do you know which Z you got? You need to know that to configure the machine and for future reference.
To be honest I have not even opened the Vectric program up. He did open it and show it to me on the computer before we loaded it but I have not opened it since I got it home.
I tend to go in small steps, making sure all is tight and all the wheels and tracks are clean. I have run a few programs in the air with G-code found in the forum. A few minutes ago I ran a simple file I made in Create. Before I go to bed tonight I plan to put a Sharpie on it and do a simple sketch.
I think for my needs this machine is more than adequate for a while. Again, the machine is in really good shape I am not sure if he just did not use it much or was really focused on preventive maintenance. Either way pretty happy there.
This machine has a belt drive so I assume original and it has the carbide router. I did read a little about the other z-axis options and I do see the value of getting away from the belt drive but I need to get a few hours on the machine before I spend money on it.
Thanks for all the comments from everyone. After I get past the completely clueless phase hopefully I can contribute something of value.