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I know that I am probably going to be drawn and quartered by the users of the "other" cnc router for asking this. But, for those of you using Shopbot, what software are you using for your designing and to drive the Shopbot?
-------------------- Frisby Signs, Inc. El Dorado, Arkansas Posts: 902 | From: El Dorado, Arkansas, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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-------------------- Dan Sawatzky Imagination Corporation Yarrow, British Columbia dan@imaginationcorporation.com http://www.imaginationcorporation.com
Being a grampa is one of the the most wonderful things in the world!!! Posts: 8738 | From: Yarrow, B.C. Canada | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I use the shopbot software to drive mine, although I haven't even upgraded to the Windows version yet (because I would need to upgrade that computer to Win XP, and I hate learning new software). I use Part Wizard (available thru Shopbot) to create the .sbp (shopbot parts files). I do my design work in Casmate Pro, then save as a dxf file and import into Part Wizard. I'm going to buy Vcarve Wizard soon.
-------------------- Tim Whitcher Adrian, MI Posts: 1546 | From: Adrian, MI | Registered: Mar 1999
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Roy, Design in VMP and now CorelX3, Then use Artcam/Partwizard or Vee Carve Wizard to apply cutting strategies.
If your looking for a Cam software Vee Carve Wizard gives you the most bang for your buck IMHO.
-------------------- Bill Jarvis Rookie432@AOL.com
"A customer is someone who deals with you. A GOOD customer is someone who refuses to deal with anyone else." Posts: 81 | From: Cambridge, Ohio, USA | Registered: Oct 2000
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You can use your favorite design software, then forward it to a G-Code program. Such as Shopbot's $250.{Shopwizard}. There are others such as Rams, Artcam, Enroute, etc. Artcam Pro reatails for 12K. Enroute is just as good for about 1/3 the price.
What are you thinking?
I only hope you've kept that motorcycle battery charges. I may scoot your way some weekend.
J
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2200 Research Park Blvd. Norman, OK 73069 Posts: 1428 | From: 2200 Research Park Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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I don't have a shopbot but I do have an opinion on CAM software.
I have Casmate, Rams3D, Insignia/E and Vcarve Wizard. All of them will generate gcode for 2D and V-cut signs. But there is no question that I much prefer using Vcarve Wizard.
Why do I like Vcarve best? 1)With the same input file I get the cleanest G-code with out unwanted corners sprinkled all over the sign, this is a serious problem with one of the above programs. 2) It will work with any file or font, unlike one of the more limited programs in my list. 3) It has the best simulator, and I can print a picture of a 3D design to show my customer. This really helps make the sale. 4) It cost less than the rest. ernie
-------------------- Balch Signs 1045 Raymond Rd Malta, NY 12020 518 885-9899 signs@balchsigns.com http://www.balchsigns.com Posts: 1701 | From: MaltaNY | Registered: Jan 2000
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Post rpocessing w/ VCarve Wizard seems to outshine any of the competitors. The service is great too. They are working on the front end design face to be more designer friendly and expect to see the new release late April. However, I still design in Corel...etc. There are just too many tools at my disposal in design software to compare. VCW payed for itself on its first sign because of their simulator. The quickest pretty picture/sketch for approval of a dimensional sign you could put together.
If you want 3D nothing currently beats Artcam. Their Sculpting tools are the one feature that seems to seperate the cream... Unfortunately you need pretty deep pockets.
Bill
-------------------- Bill Jarvis Rookie432@AOL.com
"A customer is someone who deals with you. A GOOD customer is someone who refuses to deal with anyone else." Posts: 81 | From: Cambridge, Ohio, USA | Registered: Oct 2000
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I'm encouraged at the responce by Dianne and Bill on the VCW. I don't have the program but will see it there is a trial version.
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2200 Research Park Blvd. Norman, OK 73069 Posts: 1428 | From: 2200 Research Park Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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