I am expecting delivery on my first cnc router soon, and want to start with software that will be fun, easy to use, and productive. I was thinking of starting with MACH3, but the VCarve products sound like they would really suit my purposes well. My question is, will the VCarve programs operate my machine directly through the router's control board, or do I need to use a dedicated cnc software in conjunction with VCarve programs? Thanks for any advise!
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Your machine will need software to interpret the gcode to run. There are so many different machines but they all will read basic g codes.

VCP is the software that can take your designs and generate the gcodes needed.

I use VCP and Mach 3. It my opinion, it's a perfect match up.

The newest version of VCP will be out very soon. I have been beta testing the new version and i must say the Vectric team as outdone themselves.

I use it almost exclusively now without the help from other software, there are so many new functions available.

VCarve Pro 4.0 will have the competition shaking in there boots.

Chuck

OK, I understand. I should get set up with and familiarize myself with MACH3, than I can use VCarve to convert my artwork into gcode. Than MACH3 will interpret the gcode and comand my controler board to run the router. Thanks for the help! I'll let you all know how things go when I get my machine.
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