newbie with questions

[awalt1250]

I'm about to purchase a desktop Shopbot for the purpose of making gun grips. Without seeing a preview of the software that comes with it, does anyone know if it will be sufficient? Does everyone use a cad program then import into the shopbot software?

[garyc]

Andy...
You can download and run the SB3 software in preview mode before you buy or connect a machine. This is the software that operates the machine.

You can also download from the Vectric website ( www.vectric.com ) a trial version of VCarve Pro software, which is the same as PartWorks, the design (CAD/CAM) software that comes with every ShopBot. It has an excellent previewer that will allow you to see a virtual copy of your cut parts. You will not be able to cut with the trial version, but will be able to cut what has been designed with the trial once you have purchased the software.

PartWorks is the program that will allow you to import vectors from other CAD apps and toolpath them for cutting on your ShopBot

[cnc_works]

Rhino3D may be a program that has a little more capability to draw 3d compared to Vcarve Pro. I don't think there is much else on the market to compare with its price and ease of use.