New to shopbot

[anthony]

i have just purchased a used 144x60x8 shopbot and have no idea how to create files for carving i am busting to use my new tool would anyone be kind enough to send me any 3d file? thanks,

[jseiler]

Do you have a thorough understanding of 2d cnc cutting?

[andyb]

Anthony,
Check out V-Carve Pro and 3DCut at www.vectric.com (http://www.vectric.com). Look on their forum also. You can also download a trial version of the software. You can't go wrong with the Vectric software and the price won't break the bank. You can download free 3D files at www.vectorart3d.com (http://www.vectorart3d.com) and www.vectorclip3d.com (http://www.vectorclip3d.com). VectorArt is ran by James Booth who frequents this forum and the Vectric forum. James can create custom 3D files for you and does some great work. You can check his work out at www.3dcarve.com (http://www.3dcarve.com).

Andy B.

[anthony]

I absolutly have never turned a CNC machine on. I have no idea about 2D cutting. I have decent computer skills but the closet thing I have ever used to cad/cam is Punch Home Designer. I do solid surface counter tops which 2d will work for and want to do beautful cravings in our new home under construction, make the entrance door and so forth, I know how to make the door we have Shapers, Moulders so forth but man some of the cravings I have get me excited. I think I can sell alot stuff in my area by using our home as a display of the work.

[anthony]

Andy,

Thank you so much. I will check them out.

[anthony]

John,

I am also new to this message board and I did not put your name in front of the message I replied to.

[harryball]

Anthony,

Before going 3D start with some 2D and Vcarving work. Vcarve Pro is an excellent choice. You can use the CAD portion to design a small sign and then toolpath it and preview it before making any cuts. Then run those toolpaths on the SB3 software in preview mode to make sure what you expect to happen actually happens. Then when you fire up the actual machine you have a better idea of what to expect.

Robert

[jeffreymcgrew]

Also keep in mind that 3D can take a lot of time, where 2D and v-carving can be really fast yet look just as good. While I can model 3D models, and have Cut3D, we've been doing more and more v-carving lately just because we can do something in one hour that looks just as good as something that might have taken all day if it was 3D (modeling time + machining time)...

[anthony]

Robert,

I will check out Vcarve Pro. thanks,

[anthony]

Jeffery,

Since it looks as good that is alot of time savings. I will check out Vcrave Pro. thanks,

[cip]

Anthony,
I you haven't done so take the training at SB this will help you a lot as it did for me.

[anthony]

Thanks Mike.