Question? Just wondering if there is anyone that has a simular problem, starting a new phase of their business. I purchased this router from hong kong, on ebay. I also got what is called artcam pro, that came with the system. being in china the program that came with it has to this point no teck support. I have found it to be a very deep program, and would welcome any help with it. Mike
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
why not go to the delcam site and watch their videos and read their boards.
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
Mike, you are kinda screwed when it comes to Artcam. It is indeed a very deep program and I have found the manual to be little help. You really need to see it in action to learn the processes. Did you get a legitimate copy of Artcam? If you did it will have a USB key. If not it is a cracked version for which you will get no tech support. And Artcam is very protective of the learning process. There might be a few videos on You Tube, but to access Delcam's website you have to be an Advantage member which costs $1200 per year. This gives you unlimited support from a reseller, free models, all upgrades, and access to a private section of the forum as well as several training videos. Several of the training videos are accessed right from Artcam under the help menu. I would doubt that you could become an advantage member without purchasing a seat from a reseller. Coming from China, my guess is you have a cracked version since a new seat is $7500.00. You would probably be better off buying Aspire from Vectric. It will do almost everything you would need for sign making, and they have a slew of videos for training, and it is very reasonably priced.
[ August 02, 2010, 02:42 PM: Message edited by: Dave Sherby ]
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
See Mike...they are VERY helpful! Hope you get your router going.
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
Mike,
Have you down loaded the basic operating system software?
If you're wanting basic routing, I'd suggest you consider purchasing the Vectric 2D. Nothing fancy, just the baics. It cost $149 dollars. They a have good support and a friendly forum where you'll get plenty of help. http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/vcp/vcp_index.htm
I'd put the ArtCam on a shelf for now because it's so difficult to learn on your own.
This is a good thread for those who have been eyeing the purchase of a CNC because support is necessary. Shopbot is the best example I can think of. It's not very good equipment but their forum and support is tops.
[ August 03, 2010, 07:44 AM: Message edited by: Joe Crumley ]
Posted by Mike Norcross (Member # 3496) on :
Thanks so much for all your help, i will try these suggestions. Mike
Posted by Mike Norcross (Member # 3496) on :
Thanks Joe, i did as you suggested, and bought that 2d program from them, and awaitig some teck support, to see what i have to do, or if it is compatable with my machine. Thanks again Joe. mike
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
Mike,
Do you have any tech support from the manufacturer? From your posts I can't figure out where you are in the process?
Is your computer hooked up the router and ready to accept tool paths? Are you able to toggle the gantry around the router surface?
I'll send you a DXF or EPs file for a test run if that will help.
Posted by Mike Norcross (Member # 3496) on :
Thanks again Joe. I am in the process,so to speak. Having trouble understanding it all i guess, at this point. This router stuff is new to me. I am trying to understand it all. I do have the router hooked up to the computer, and have everything in place so to speak for now. The manufaacturer set it up on a quik start program. I have the iq set and then as for the program i am having some trouble, when i get the design set up to export mabee it needs to be a pdf file. Mike
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
the design gets sent the the cnc machine as a gcode. There should be s place to select the post processor that makes that gcode for the cnc machine.
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
To help save on bits n expensive material one thing we did in college many yrs ago when we programmed the CNC machine ourselves was to use a felt tip pen (like a magic marker as the cutting tool) and put a paper or piece of cardboard on the table to draw something (design we created). If you screwed up your design you'd only be out a pen instead of a cutting tool. Don't know if this will help in learning as things have changed in the past 25 yrs..... gack!
Best of luck with the new toy.
Posted by Mike Norcross (Member # 3496) on :
Thanks so much everybody, i might get this thing running today. Mike
Posted by Mike Norcross (Member # 3496) on :
Wow, thanks everyone, i finally got it and it is fun. Mike
