7x7 for engraving

[ryanb4614]

Hello. I am looking to purchase the 7x7 machine from zentoolworks.com. I am going to be purchasing the driver and power supply off ebay most likely to try to save some cash, along with the dremel 300. The main reason I am purchasing this machine is to engrave pet tags. At the moment I will not be cutting my own pet tags I will just be engraving on them. I am new to the CNC world. Is there any software that I would be able to work with for what I will be doing that will be easy to use, I would prefer anything free or low cost? I have download many free trials such as mach3 which seems very confusing to me. I have also downloaded the vcarve pro. I am still unsure how you input the width or what you would be engraving on and how does it now what size the cnc machine is ect. I know this will be a trial and error. But if anyone can help me out in the right direction with what would be the best software (free?) and a quick explaination. I am familiar with building website ect. But this programing seems a bit confussing to me.

[Tony Mac]

Hi Ryan,

Most of the video tutorials for VCarve Pro / Cut2D etc start by showing how to specify the required part size + material thickness + machine XYZ origin setting.

I'd recommend taking a look at some of the videos - the Bulls Head and Open Sign are good starting points,

See > Aspire & VCarvePro 2D Design Tutorials

See > Aspire & VCarvePro 2D & 2.5D Machining Tutorials

I hope this might help getting you going - remember you can re-size the sample files and run them on your cnc machine to test the output.

Tony