Seriously considering WD-1

[gvjeeper]

I am seriously considering the WD-1 but have a few questions:
1 - Can I use VCarve & Cut3D - I see a lot of good things about both
2 - Can I use Illustrator instead of Corel Draw. I like IL a lot and don't really like Corel Draw.

Willing to hear anything and everything about these 2 questions.

Thanks!!!!!

[trentfysty]

Welcome to the forum. As far as your questions:
1-Yes you can use VCarve & Cut3D. The software from Vectric will export the g-code so that Mach3 can read it and then run the machine.
2-Yes, you can use whatever design software you need the biggest issue will be how you save the file and then import it into either Mach3 or into one of the Vectric software programs so that you can export the g-code for tool paths. There are a lot of different options out there. I use Vectric Aspire and Mach3. I don't use illustrator or corel draw as I am not really doing work that requires them.

Good luck and you can't go wrong with a Romaxx Machine!

[jimwill52]

You can't go wrong with the WD-1! I use Vcarve, cut 3d and photocarve but I will probably upgrade to Aspire next year. If you buy Vcarve 5.5 you will get the new version 6.0 free when it comes out later this year. Here is a link to the Vectric Forum... it is a great site for info and assistance.

www.vectric.com/forum/

Jim

[gvjeeper]

trent,
Are you saying I will need Mach3 and VCarve? and Corel?

[jimwill52]

You will need Mach3... it takes the code created by the Vectric software and uses it to control the CNC. You can use about any drawing or cad program; just make sure they can save in a format vectric can import. Any bitmap or jpeg can be imported but the quality will depend on how well defined the edges are. Garbage in Garbage out.

[trentfysty]

Like Jim said you will need Mach3 to drive the machine. You need some sort of program to generate the toolpaths. I use Aspire and Mach 3. I do almost all of my work in Aspire aside from editing images fore import into Aspire. You don't "need" corel or Aspire as there are other programs out there to generate the toolpaths/gcode. I will say that the software that Vectric produces is outstanding and the tutorials that come with it really shorten the learning curve.

The main thing is the type of work you are going to be doing as well as allowing for future growth. Let me tell you that as soon as you start using one of these machines you will think of all kinds of projects to do. Aspire expensive to start but allows you to do so much from the get go.

[gvjeeper]

Thanks guys.

I finally have a clear picture of the software. I got the VCarve demo and love it. Now I just have to figure out what things I want on the WD-1.