New router forums member

[LarryH]

I have been a casual woodworker for many years. I have recently acquired a Compucarve (Carvewright) CNC router and am in the process of learning to use it. So far I have less than five hours routing time on the machine and all the cuts so far have been in MDF.

I have found that the Designer software that comes with the router is not as versatile as the software packages that I use with my Taig CNC mill. The Designer software will not import any of the designs that I have done in my CAD-CAM software: DXF, STL, and g-code files can't be imported. Designer will import JPG and other graphic format files.

LarryH

[Dr.Zook]

Welcome to the Router Forums Larry. You are in luck. We have on this forum an expert on the Compucarve. He goes by Bj. Bob turns out some nice work. I'm sure he will jump in and help if he can.

[challagan]

Welcome to the router forums Larry! As Dave said, several users of the Carvewrite machine here!

Corey

[bobj3]

Hi Larry

It's true the Designer software will not import all file formats but you need think why,,,,it's like a Ford and Chev.thing in away...they spend tons of money making the software and getting to work right and to add code for the DXF, STL, and g-code files it maybe a hard one to justify not to say anything about the owner(s) of the DXF, STL, file formats they may not like someone using their code...without paying for it... and as you know the Designer software is free with the machine and that's hard to beat most charge extra for the software to run the CNC machines.

You may want to check in on the http://www.carvewright.com/forum/ some one on the forum may have a fix for it...it's a long shot but maybe..

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Originally Posted by LarryH

I have been a casual woodworker for many years. I have recently acquired a Compucarve (Carvewright) CNC router and am in the process of learning to use it. So far I have less than five hours routing time on the machine and all the cuts so far have been in MDF.

I have found that the Designer software that comes with the router is not as versatile as the software packages that I use with my Taig CNC mill. The Designer software will not import any of the designs that I have done in my CAD-CAM software: DXF, STL, and g-code files can't be imported. Designer will import JPG and other graphic format files.

LarryH

[Joe Lyddon]

W e l c o m e !

[LarryH]

Bj

I'm not complaining about Designers limitations (well, maybe a little). I am using the router to make signs and plaques and it serves that purpose well. I will also use it to cut patterns to make sand casting molds. The Carvewright does have advantages not found elsewhere. Its almost plug-and-play and very user friendly from that standpoint. You simply upload your file to the memory card, and insert it in the Carvewright, and let'er rip.

I am hopeful that the folks at LHR will add more capabilities to Designer, either as upgrades or add-ons. In the mean while, I will try to get the most out the software in its current version.

LarryH

Originally Posted by bobj3

Hi Larry

It's true the Designer software will not import all file formats but you need think why,,,,it's like a Ford and Chev.thing in away...they spend tons of money making the software and getting to work right and to add code for the DXF, STL, and g-code files it maybe a hard one to justify not to say anything about the owner(s) of the DXF, STL, file formats they may not like someone using their code...without paying for it... and as you know the Designer software is free with the machine and that's hard to beat most charge extra for the software to run the CNC machines.

You may want to check in on the ---snip--- carvewright forum some one on the forum may have a fix for it...it's a long shot but maybe..

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[curiousgeorge]

Welcome to the Router Forums Larry!!!