Just pulled the trigger on a Shapeoko Pro and would like to see what others feel is the best software to use for design. We have no experience with any type of CNC or 3D design applications so user-friendliness would be appreciated but We would still put functionality as priority 1.
We’ll likely start with the standard random 2D projects just to learn the machine and software but would definitely like to move into the 3D or I guess more accurately 2.D projects. Probably initially just importing and maybe modifying existing designs to get comfortable with the process.
I’ve seen a lot of offerings for applications like carbon create and carbon create pro to V-carve desktop and V-carve Pro, and then others such as Fusion360 etc…
Right now I’m kinda leaning toward initially trying the free carbon create to learn and maybe move to something with more capabilities.
Just looking for some for some pros/cons or suggestions on what applications people like best.
I’ve used carbide create for about 3 years now. With the exception of maybe 2 projects in that time frame I haven’t needed another program. The software has also come a long way since I started with new toolpath options and the tracing images.
Alot comes down to how your going to use your machine. I am strictly a hobby based user and do projects for friends and family so I don’t have high production runs or need special features. I also have time for my projects with usually no deadlines to have them completed for a customer. If your going to use it for business It might be an advantage to try different trials of software and see what one works best for your application.
I supplement with inkscape which takes care of any design features I can’t do in create.
I have tried the free fusion 360 and have difficulty with it because my computer is old and it loads slow. Everytime I click on a function I have to wait a few seconds so since I’m not going to buy a new computer anytime soon I tend to not use it.
I currently can’t think of any cons for carbide create. And the nice part is if you have one post it on the community and who knows it might end up getting added or changed next time they do an update.
Carbide Create works well as a beginning point, esp. for folks who are not familiar w/ vector drawing programs.
I wrote a bit about the basics of this at:
Once you become familiar w/ the concepts, one can extend Carbide Create by using other drawing programs as a front-end, such as Inkscape or Serif’s Affinity Designer.
If you choose to move on to some other tool such as CarveCo or Vectric Vcarve, the concepts should transfer, so don’t feel that the time spent w/ Carbide Create will be wasted.
Many use Fusion 360, Vetric and a few others. However I suggest you use Carbide Create to get your feet wet. Only buy more software if you feel you have outgrown CC. CC can take you a long way. Plus the CC and CM combination with a new machine will help you debug any mechanical issues you may have with a new machine. The 3rd party software only complicates you getting your machine running well when first assembled. Crawl before you walk and walk before you run with scissors.
More importantly, What are your intended uses of the machine?
For parametric files, I use Fusion 360.
For stl files, I will use Meshcam.
for vector files, such as dxf, pdf, svg. files, I’ll use V Carve Pro.