CNC Machine Opinions, Thanks In Advance
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CNC Machine Opinions, Thanks In Advance
I have been working with wood for a number of years and thought I would like to get into wood carving. I know I do not have the talent of wood carving by hand. I have been looking at CNC for awhile. Can you give me an honest opinion the CNC Shark. I was wondering how detail the finish carving really is; I have looked at many-many photos of the end products from the CNC Shark machines. They do look good, but how good are they really? I was looking at a carving of entire body of a man, the face was not detailed at all. I have looked at the carvings of flowers and they were very detailed. I would be using the CNC machine to put carvings on turkey calls. I would be carving mostly wildlife and plants. I probably would also try the photocarve. What are your thoughts. Thanks.
Re: CNC Machine Opinions, Thanks In Advance
As you've sensed, just because the carved face you found wasn't detailed at all doesn't mean that the CNC machine couldn't have done it. Hopefully you've had a chance to see the lithographs and some other samples in the showcase that provide you a sense of what the Shark can do. A fine level of control is required to get the lithograph to work this well - and it is easiest to sense by looking at these.
In the end, I've found what I send to the machine to carve is what I get. I may have to use a 1/16" cutter to get the level of detail I want, but in the end the outcome is determined by how I used the software and setup the toolpath(s). The good news in this regard is that you can download fully functional trial versions of VCarve Pro and/or Aspire (if you're thinking about upgrading software) and see if you can design the things you mention below. There are a number of downloadable and on-line tutorials for the software as well. And in all the years I've been using software and trying to learn how via a given set of training materials - the VCarve and Aspire tutorials are the first I've found that are worth the time it takes to watch them, then watch them again while following along in VCarve/Aspire, then seeing if I can duplicate it. So, with a few hours of tutorials on free trial fully functional software, you should have a good sense of 'can I do this'.
You may have seen several posts validating this trial software/tutorial/making things within 24 hours or receiving the Shark. My experience has been that what I see in VCarve/Aspire preview window is what I will get.
With regard to Shark model - if you don't have a need for a table size larger than the Shark - you describe carving on turkey calls and some lithographs - then I think you'll find that the Shark is fine. I've seen several posts about it have a great tolerance, low flex, etc. I started out with a ProPlus and found it quite satisfactory. You will find posts over time from different folks talking about tolerance issues, etc. I agree that there is some reality in these. At the same token, I found that the tolerances I was dealing with were less than 1/64", and for me it didn't matter at that point. If you're wanting the Pro/ProPlus table size, then I'd just find the $200 difference in price and go with the HD (which is what I've moved to 'just because').
I and some others have longer posts on this topic on our opinion and assessment of value for the cost and our individual requirements. Hope this helps.
In the end, I've found what I send to the machine to carve is what I get. I may have to use a 1/16" cutter to get the level of detail I want, but in the end the outcome is determined by how I used the software and setup the toolpath(s). The good news in this regard is that you can download fully functional trial versions of VCarve Pro and/or Aspire (if you're thinking about upgrading software) and see if you can design the things you mention below. There are a number of downloadable and on-line tutorials for the software as well. And in all the years I've been using software and trying to learn how via a given set of training materials - the VCarve and Aspire tutorials are the first I've found that are worth the time it takes to watch them, then watch them again while following along in VCarve/Aspire, then seeing if I can duplicate it. So, with a few hours of tutorials on free trial fully functional software, you should have a good sense of 'can I do this'.
You may have seen several posts validating this trial software/tutorial/making things within 24 hours or receiving the Shark. My experience has been that what I see in VCarve/Aspire preview window is what I will get.
With regard to Shark model - if you don't have a need for a table size larger than the Shark - you describe carving on turkey calls and some lithographs - then I think you'll find that the Shark is fine. I've seen several posts about it have a great tolerance, low flex, etc. I started out with a ProPlus and found it quite satisfactory. You will find posts over time from different folks talking about tolerance issues, etc. I agree that there is some reality in these. At the same token, I found that the tolerances I was dealing with were less than 1/64", and for me it didn't matter at that point. If you're wanting the Pro/ProPlus table size, then I'd just find the $200 difference in price and go with the HD (which is what I've moved to 'just because').
I and some others have longer posts on this topic on our opinion and assessment of value for the cost and our individual requirements. Hope this helps.
Re: CNC Machine Opinions, Thanks In Advance
Joe thank you for the through analysis and your time to respond.You made some very good points about the software setup before you send it to the cnc machine. I am leaning towards the Shark, but I have to do my due diligence before taking the next step. Thanks again.