I am somewhat new with Vcarve program so would like any comment of advantage/disadvantage compare to Artcam?
Any suggestion is appreciated it.
Thanks
J

I have not used Artcam, but I can tell you that the first advantage of VCarve is the price; $495.00 vs $7500.00.

Any further I leave up to Tony or Brian of Vectric to answer.

Jason

Hi,

VCarve Pro and ArtCAM are very different software products. ArtCAM Pro is used to design detailed 3D shapes such as coins and medals, decorative carved panels, jewellery pieces etc. and I have to say that in my experience it's the best product for this type of work when it comes to actually designing and machining.

As with virtually all 3D design products the major overheads are the learning curve and times to design and machine You can create fantastic stuff if you have attended the training courses and spend many hours per week using the software. If you don't use it you will probably forget it. Although the sales people will always make it look quick and easy, the reality is often different. Having an artistic ability for 3D design also helps.

VCarve Pro is very different in that it takes 2D drawings and designs and instantly converts them into toolpaths that will run pretty quick on the CNC machine and give the appearance of 3D carving, and as Jason mentioned at a fraction of the price. For reference the typical ArtCAM Pro package is US$7,500 + Training + Annual Maintenance which takes the price to around $10k.

The key questions are - What do you need to design and machine and how large is the budget?

I hope this helps,

Tony

Thank you for your response.
Very precise and clear explanation.
J.

It looks like both ends of the price and capability spectrum.
Anyone know of something in between.

We are about to release a new 3D Model Machining product called Cut3D at $300 ($250 to existing customers) that will fill a little more of the gap, but this still relies on the user having a CAD modelling package or downloading files off the internet.

For more information on see Cut3D Update (http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5541#5541)

I will post more details later,

Many people use Rhino because of the price and it's very functional but as I mentioned earlier, 3D design takes time.

Tony

Hi Tony ,Sounds great, I have almost completed my gantry type router and my plan is to do engraving from photo's . I will be purchasing VCarve but would also like to be able to do more realistic 3D like the head on a coin or medal, cameo and intaglio type work.
I am in the queue for your new software

Hi,

I've been watching the Silo Forum and would recommend taking a look at this software for 3D modelling of coins and faces etc. I've no idea what it's like to use but looking at the models being designed it seems ideally suited for artistic 3D modelling.

One of the Silo users 'Dasch' has created a couple of 3D models for us to use with Cut3D and you can see these models at,

http://www.silo3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=67125&postcount=1
http://www.silo3d.com/forum/showpost.php?p=66717&postcount=1


Tony

We are about to release a new 3D Model Machining product called Cut3D at $300 ($250 to existing customers) that will fill a little more of the gap, but this still relies on the user having a CAD modelling package or downloading files off the internet.

For more information on see Cut3D Update (http://vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5541#5541)

I will post more details later,

Many people use Rhino because of the price and it's very functional but as I mentioned earlier, 3D design takes time.

Tony



That is Very Cool!

Do you have any other samples already cut (photos)?

This sample is great!
http://vectric.com/images/snowtrooper.gif

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Tony can the models be made in silo?



Edit: Never mind I'm slow posting. :)




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We used this 3D Studio model downloaded off the Internet to test
the 2 sided machining with tabs, and it worked perfectly.

http://vectric.com/images/CarAnimationLarge.gif

The key to the multi-sided machining is aligning the material so the
2 / 4 sides line up correctly.

Tony

Any screenshots of the "3D Model Slicing"?









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I'll post a video that shows how easy this is to do.

Tony

Cool, thanks. :)


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Hi,

The link to the animated image below shows what the slicing in Cut3D does to a 3D model. This image only shows slicing the top half of a model but the software does create slices both above and below the specified cut plane.

http://vectric.com/images/Darth-Slices_large.gif

Each slice is saved as a separate file that can then have tabs added and machined. Cut3D knows the model has been sliced to match the material thickness, so only machines the outer edges and not the large top flat surface.

We are hoping to have a Trial version available in the next day or two.

I hope this makes sense,

Tony

Only took about 15 minutes to get approval from the wife for Varve...I need an excuse to own this also. Sombody help me come up with a reason...LOL
Dwayne

Only took about 15 minutes to get approval from the wife for Varve...I need an excuse to own this also. Sombody help me come up with a reason...LOL
Dwayne

Holiday gift? :)







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Only took about 15 minutes to get approval from the wife for Varve...I need an excuse to own this also. Sombody help me come up with a reason...LOL
Dwayne


Ok..try this...

"sweetheart I'm so dumb...you have to buy both packages in order to actually cut something....I misunderstood them...i'm sorry but i need another 250 for the complete package....that way i can make the stuff you like....you know the girlie stuff for you to hang on the wall...have i mentioned how sexy you look today....did you lose some weight?"

maybe that will work:)

Well that all sounds good...however, betwen website and related software and router with related software she say I have spent over 1000.00 so far. She also points out that I have produced or sold nothing...I do not think she will by any of it....LOL

Dwayne

Hi Dwayne,

I can see her point, but she might like some of the Free goodies that come with Cut3D. The software includes a couple of nice 3D designs that will look great carved into wood. There's a Free standing Marlin as Sculpted Bowl and a Rooster that could make nice gifts.

I'll post more details soon,

Tony

Explain that man had to grow trees before we could build woman a home. Man had to raise animals before we could feed woman or buy her leather shoes and matching purse. Man had to invent the wheel before we could by her a car. man needs software before he can make her money for other luxerious items.

Teach her how to use the machine and you will only be allowed to use the best software. (you may have to make one for yourself).

I sat down with her for approx 15 minutes and went over a couple of software programs. She saw how quick and intuitive the Vcarve was to use. instantly said OK. But of course she wants me to sell my items and that was the whole reason for building my machine, to make cuttin parts easier and faster. I was giving her a hard time this weekend because it would seem she just wants to count the money...LOL. When I pushed her she said she would run the "office" (now realize this is at home and just the 2 of us)...I asked later if she could have someone from the office go and clean my shop...no response and shop is still dirty. I will probably go easy for a while. She already agrees that this machine is just a learning model...I will build the better one later.

Dwayne

If you go to http://www.vectorart3d.com/machinist_free/ you can download software to cut 3D files from Vector Art 3D. They are basically ArtCAM files and the software is a stripped down ArtCAM toolpath generator. It at least gives you an idea what ArtCAM can do on your machine. ArtCAM Pro is expensive, but worth every penny.

Todd
http://www.innovative-accents.com

I sat down with her for approx 15 minutes and went over a couple of software programs. She saw how quick and intuitive the Vcarve was to use. instantly said OK. But of course she wants me to sell my items and that was the whole reason for building my machine, to make cuttin parts easier and faster. I was giving her a hard time this weekend because it would seem she just wants to count the money...LOL. When I pushed her she said she would run the "office" (now realize this is at home and just the 2 of us)...I asked later if she could have someone from the office go and clean my shop...no response and shop is still dirty. I will probably go easy for a while. She already agrees that this machine is just a learning model...I will build the better one later.

Dwayne

Dwayne, i was in the same boat a couple of years ago....And although I have dished out a few grand for software, tooling, materials..and on and on and on..just so I could learn on the teaching machine i built...this machine as brought in a considerable amount of income....since this is still a hobby I'm not out to get rich....But i want to at least break even....and the work sells quick and easy.....there will never be a question of counting the cash, you will get back what you put into it. I just wish there were more hours in the day.....

Chuck

I do not want to know any "secrets", but how are some of you making money with your machine? What types of items do you sell? I started this to help cut parts from a material called King StrBoard (HDPE) that will be used for accesories in boats.

Dwayne

Only took about 15 minutes to get approval from the wife for Varve...I need an excuse to own this also. Sombody help me come up with a reason...LOL
Dwayne


Tell her you will make her a big diamond ring

Chuck

CRFultz,

Do you have a link for the Cut3D demo?










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Link for you

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27682

Link for you

http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27682

Ahh, Thank you. :)

I went to the vectric site (earlier today), I didn't see anything about Cut3D.

I'll have to try the demo.

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Direct Link to Vectric (Cut3D Download):
http://vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/cut3d/c3d_index.htm








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