I am familiar with other CAD programs, not CNC related. However, when moving to CC I have noticed something that I really wish I had from the old programs like Sketchup.
When creating new, unique vectors, I think the program being able to reference other points in the drawing would be really helpful. In Sketchup, you could hover over other lines or nodes and it would almost “Store” the angle or position of said node while making a new line somewhere else on the drawing. This way, your lines would be completely straight and parallel with each other.
Here is a specific example where I wish this feature was available. When making my logo in CC, I wanted to get the lines coming from the M, W, and Q, to all be parallel with each other so that they would be straight and neat looking. However, without going to other programs to accomplish this task, I was basically trying to line the nodes up with each other by eye and the grid points. This took, well, a long time…
This feature could be toggled like snap to grid when not in use, or a new section of CC could be made as sort of an “Art” tab, where you could design vectors specifically, then you could go on with the rest of the program to actually start making said design CNC friendly through toolpaths and such. I guess that is sort of the idea behind the current design tab, but when creating vectors the program just seems a bit “Clunky.” I think this is kind of a universal problem with most CNC Cad programs however; and this could be an opportunity for CC to really set itself apart and “mesh together” different aspects of other CAD programs to make one GREAT program.
Apologize for the long read, Tried to explain the best I could.
A big part of using simplistic (free or cheap) software is learning what it CAN do and using that to your advantage.
To make a parallel line, you can copy/paste it. You can offset it. You can create a rectangle & rotate it.
To make a vertical or horizontal line that connects to a node that’s not on a grid line, make the line using the grid points & move it into position.
To extend an angled line, copy/paste it & move the copy to the endpoint of the original & join them.
There are a lot of ‘tricks’ or ‘techniques’ you can use to be efficient.
That’s understandable, but personally i’d be willing to pay a bit more for the pro, or maybe another level of CC just to have the “creature comforts” i got used to in other CAD programs. I mean lets be honest, if we’re using 4 or 5 programs to achieve one task, then it would be very worthwhile to just pay for one that can do most of it for us.
