Software help and Hello!

[Slave2theGrind]

Hello,

I have been a cabinetmaker for about 20 years and just recently became interested in the use of CNC for my woodshop. I am interested in a machine capable of adding carved features to doors and face frames.

I began thinking about CNC after seeing a demonstration of a Carvewright machine at a local trade show and decided against it after reading customer reviews.

During my reading I stumbled upon this site and began months of reading through every thread I could find for build logs. Thanks to this site, I am very close to building my very own CNC.

I have decided to go with a machine design using 80/20 tslot. I like the bolt together concept that allows for somewhat easier upgrades to be made to the machine if my needs change.

my needed work area is 2' by 6' with a maximum Z of about 2 inches. Primary stock will be 3/4" hardwood and some ply.

I am needing some recommendations for software that would be good for my intended purpose. Right now I use A9Cad for designing my cabinets and am planning to use MACH 3 for my controller software.

I need some recommendations on what other software would be best for my type of work.



Any help greatly appreciated

[ger21]

Either Vectric's V-Carve pro, or Aspire. Depending on exactly what you want to do.

[Slave2theGrind]

Thanks for the reply,

All I need to be able to do is carve designs into door and face frames. nothing 3 sided just face only, V carve looks like it is what I need. Can pre made models be purchased to use with V Carve? I am at work and just had time to pop over to see what V carve is...thx

[Slave2theGrind]

Got home and read more on VCarve pro, Looks good, can import pre made vector 3d models so should be all i need for door fronts and such. planning to start with CamBam for profile cuts for now, may start by using the machine to try cutting out some drawer carcasses for starters. Have a few upgrades to do to the shop to have a nice place ready for the machine. hoping to get a build log of my own started in a few months. May try to snag a few items off ebay while i get the shop remod done. Looks like i will be shooting for a router 40 x 60, plans are to run with Ahrens parts over at CNCRouterParts . I have been reading up on machines built with the rail carriages he sells and looks very promising to me.

All the best!

J