I've been laser engraving since 1995 as a side business, along with hobby level woodworking.

I've got a bad "bug" to jump into this cnc router area via buying a Shop Saber system. What's holding me back is- I know nothing!!! I have been a zone member for a while now and I do poke around here frequently but am still quite lost on the software end of things. I find learning new software a drag.

Is this something I need to "fret" over and should I just take the plunge? I would be using the router for ornamental wwing and an occasional sign or two. Maybe also some gunstock work. Your advice will be well received.

Bruce

If you plan on buying a router with the intent on starting a business, I'd say it's a bad idea. UNLESS, you have a guaranteed source of work lined up to run on it.The best reason to buy a router is to increase productivity for products you're already making. If you think you can just buy a router and start making money, thing again.

Without knowing exactly what you want to do, it's hard to say how difficult it will be for you to learn software.

I think you're best bet might be to buy a small inexpensive practice machine to learn on.

If you plan on buying a router with the intent on starting a business, I'd say it's a bad idea. UNLESS, you have a guaranteed source of work lined up to run on it.The best reason to buy a router is to increase productivity for products you're already making. If you think you can just buy a router and start making money, thing again.

Without knowing exactly what you want to do, it's hard to say how difficult it will be for you to learn software.

I think you're best bet might be to buy a small inexpensive practice machine to learn on.

Amen to that ger21. I bought my router and thought the customers would come but was I ever wrong!

Very good advise sir.

You could get a job working with CNC. Gain some experience and take a crack at it when you have a better idea what you'll be doing.
I had a "guaranteed source of work lined up" before I got my machine. Which pretty much dried up before my machine even arrived.
Fortunately I had the capital, desire and manufacturing experience to be able to stick it out. The first 14 months drained me financially and emotionally to the point I almost threw in the towel. Now, 3yrs in, I got more work than I can get done and have made some interesting projects that without 18yrs of machining experience would never have came together like they have. It can be done but its never gonna be easy. Some of it is just luck. Being in the right place at the right time. And being single with no dependants allowed for the time and money needed to build my company to where its at, finally profitable.


Good luck,
Todd
http://www.innovative-accents.com

Thanks folks!!

I'm not concerned about using this as a means of starting another business, nor does the cost of the machine bother me. I will be retiring by X-mas of this year and just kinda thought a new piece of hardware would look nice out in the shop:D My wife calls it the "He Man Woman Haters Club" as I practically live out there.

However, back to the original question, is the software "user friendly"?? The software I use for my laser machines is CorelDraw (various versions) and over the years I have become fairly proficient @ it. Looking back I can't say Corel was a user friendly program but I somehow stumbled on things ?? I am hoping that the software for CNC'ing is ?do-able?

Of course back when I started (1995) the internet was not nearly as full of information pertinent to some of my questions about Corel. I'm thinking most CNC questions could be found on the 'net now :confused:

Bruce

You can use Corel Draw with a router. Also take a look at Vectric's software. very easy to use.

You can use Corel Draw with a router. Also take a look at Vectric's software. very easy to use.

That is exactly what I wanted to hear!!! I am quite smart, what with 6 years of high school and all but sometimes I feel totally lost in learning NEW stuff. Perhaps it's an age thing??? Anyway kidding aside, I very much appreciate all of "you'se guy's" input. Once again- many thanks!!!

Bruce

look at Vectric's software. very easy to use.

I agree, Vectric's software is perfect for the beginning CNC enthusiast. It makes it so easy to go from idea to finished product.

Is there a simple way to export Corel to Mach3? Or any decent g-code file?

I have customers pulling there hair out trying to do this and so far no one has been able to get decent circles or arcs from Corel to G-Code without a lot of head aches. I would love to be able to tell people something simple that doesn't require buying a separate CAD/CAM package.

Thanks!

Is there a simple way to export Corel to Mach3? Or any decent g-code file?

No, I suggest you buy Vectric.

If you can learn CorelDraw you can learn just about anything imho

Go for it dude! the first part you make you'll be like "wow! I made that! cool" and that'll be you hooked.

All wives (and girlfriends) hate big metal things with digital readouts- it's a genetic thing from our ancestral past- they associate them with big bad monsters. We, as males, have to sort them out and protect the wimmin- it's our job :)

Is there a simple way to export Corel to Mach3? Or any decent g-code file?

I have customers pulling there hair out trying to do this and so far no one has been able to get decent circles or arcs from Corel to G-Code without a lot of head aches. I would love to be able to tell people something simple that doesn't require buying a separate CAD/CAM package.

Thanks!

http://www.candcnc.com/DXFTOOLDetails.htm

http://www.candcnc.com/DXFTOOLDetails.htm

That looks great, Thanks Gerry