New to CNC and software

[J-J (Jeff)]

I am looking to change my career path and think that CNC can provide me a way to enjoy what I do and be able to work into my retirement and make a little money. I know there is a learning curve and will have to learn before diving into 3D, so I am wondering if upgrading to Carbide Create Pro immediately isn’t the right thing to do. I have so many ideas for 3D already. Is there any reason to wait?
Thanks

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

I would suggest waiting until you have at least worked through the videos at:

https://my.carbide3d.com/

esp. “Hello World/Contour/Pocket/V carve” and the Projects:

https://my.carbide3d.com/#Projects

and

https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/create/

For a further reference read through:

2D Drawing | Design into 3D

Toolpaths | Design into 3D

Then, once you are confident in 2D, you can request a trial for Carbide Create Pro at:

Carbide Create Pro

and work through the videos at:

https://carbide3d.com/hub/courses/create-pro/

[Maverick54 (John)]

As a newbie (approx 3 months under my belt…and retired) I agree with Will’s advice. Much like life, I felt it was important to crawl then walk before trying to run. As I felt comfortable at each stage of my learning curve I would self-graduate to the next stages. And at least for me, the 3D portion is more like running on a treadmill set to 12. There are a couple of features in the Pro version that I find helpful even without doing 3D, but I think it was beneficial to learn the basics in the free version to fully appreciate the extra features in the pro version. YMMV.

[SirGariff (Gary Clark)]

I too agree with Will’s advice. There’s a lot to learn in the CNC crafting world and learning the basics is key to success. 7 months in with dreams of 3d carving, I still love what I’m doing with 2d. I might never cross over to the 3d world. So many projects so little time!!!

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

Further note, there is also:

3D Modeling from 2D Geometry | Design into 3D

That said, a counterpoint for just getting Pro out-of-the-gate would be the nifty toolpath options:

• ramping
• Stock to Leave
• toggle for climb vs. conventional
• Engraving
• Facing

in addition to the 3D stuff which I often forget to use, or work up a complicated work-around for, either because I’m doing a tutorial for someone who doesn’t have Pro, or I forget that they are there.

[J-J (Jeff)]

This is all very helpful. Am intrigued with the videos so far and realize from them so many things I had not thought about.
Thanks for the info.

[WillAdams (William Adams (Carbide 3D))]

The big thing is, one can pretty much do whatever one’s patience will allow one to achieve:

Spoon Possible without CC Pro?

I’d like to make a wooden spoon and was wondering if that’s possible to do with the standard CC? Can it be done with a bowl bit? I don’t have one but can pick one up. Thanks!

Making a base for a model

Given a prototype base: [image] How to make it in Carbide Create? First, we have a pixel image with some dimensions: [F-86 base scan with measurements] We import that into Carbide Create: [image] using “Set Background”: [image] and adjust for size: [image] [image] It’s then a matter of drawing and toolpaths and so forth (we will try to do it w/o Create Pro, but will also show that). For reference, there is an overhead view as well: [DSC00036]

even w/o what would normally be done in Pro or using a traditional 3D CAD/CAM tool, though I will note, that once one runs into the limitations of Carbide Create we do sell:

Alibre Workshop CAD/CAM

for folks whose work takes them to full 3D.

[4wm]

If you want to make your own designs I agree with the suggestions to start simple. Everyone knows circle, square, rotate - these are everyday terms we can all visualize. But the language and approach to 3D - slice, mesh, assembly, lofting - is entirely its own. It also depends if you have other applicable creative background it might be easier to learn.