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Software
I don’t know what software to use. What do I need to get started?
I recommend starting with either Carbide Create or Vectric (VCarve). These programs handle both CAD (design) and CAM (toolpath creation), so you can design your project and generate the G-code in one place. After that, you’ll use a separate control software (like Carbide Motion or Universal Gcode Sender) to send that G-code to your CNC. These are the three parts of the software workflow: design it, toolpath it, cut it.I don’t understand the difference between vector files and G-code. Can you explain?
Vector files (like SVG or DXF) contain the shapes you want to cut, like a digital outline. G-code is what your CNC actually understands. Your design software converts the vector into G-code instructions that tell your machine how to move, how deep to cut, and how fast to go.I need help turning my design into something the CNC can run.
That process is called creating a toolpath, it tells the CNC how to follow your design. In this course, we keep it simple. You’ll start with pre-set toolpaths that are already dialed in. You’ll run real projects and learn what each toolpath does, step by step, without having to build one from scratch on day one.I don’t know which post processor to choose. How do I pick the right one?
The post processor formats your G-code for your specific machine. Pick the wrong one and your file might not run right. I show you exactly which post processor to use based on your CNC and control software. If you’re using Vectric or Carbide Create, it’s just a dropdown, but it’s a critical one. -
29 Replies
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So I have been working through the courses and got to number 4. When all of a sudden you switched software and it threw me off completely. I have been using the Vcarvethis whole time without having trouble following along. So I have to ask, is there instructions for vcarve instead of Carbide create? for doing the flag tray?
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Here’s how to approach it inside VCarve:
First, set up your job exactly like the playbook outlines:
– Job size: 12″ x 7″
– Material thickness: Measure your walnut and enter the real number
– Z-zero: Top of material
– XY zero: Lower-left cornerThen recreate the same three toolpaths:
Pocketing
Use your 3/4″ bowl and tray bit and create a pocket toolpath for the tray recess. Match the depth shown in the design and preview it carefully.Engraving
Use a 60° V-bit and create a V-Carve toolpath for the flag details.Profile Cutout
Use your 1/4″ downcut and create a profile toolpath to cut out the outer shape. Add tabs just like you normally would in VCarve. -
I’m running a Sienci Longmil MKII and when I excecute a program using the provided files, I get a ton of errors. it stops the cut and i have to hit go again, around 20 times just cutting the state of california. I’m using the GRBL post presser as recommended and it just doensnt seem to be communicating correctly with the Longmill. Surely other customers have had success using your program with other machines, I just feel like I’m missing a step or something here. Any help or push in the right diretion would be much appreciated.
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The good news is the course files are meant to work across different machines and software setups, and we do have members using a wide range of CNCs successfully, not just the exact machines shown in the lessons.
That said, what you’re describing sounds less like a project file issue and more like a machine/control communication issue. But before you reach out I would check a couple things.
-Make sure the downloaded file was extracted fully before opening it in your software.
-Confirm the job setup matches the playbook exactly, especially material thickness, Z-zero set to the top of material, and XY zero/datum set to the lower-left corner on the projects that call for that. Several of the project playbooks use that exact setup, and they also recommend simulating the toolpaths before exporting and running an optional air pass before the real cut.
-Also make sure you’re exporting with the correct post-processor for your machine/controller workflow. The playbooks do call out using the machine’s correct post-processor when exporting toolpaths.
If the cut is repeatedly pausing, throwing errors, or needing to be resumed 20 times, that’s the point where I’d stop chasing the project file and have Sienci confirm the communication side, sender setup, and correct post for the LongMill MKII. That sounds like the fastest path to getting you running cleanly.
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Hi all, I’m trying to do step 8 in module 1, and vcarve trial version will not let me use Easel as my post processor. I get an error saying “The trial version of the software can only save toolpaths for data from the supplied tutorial files.
Do I need to purchase the desktop version to keep following your program?
I have a generic Mysweety 4540 machine that uses Easel as a post processor. I was able to add Easel as a post processor, but can’t get past the toolpath part.
Thanks in advance
Mike Whitman
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I’m following the steps for carving a state (Kentucky), I’m using a <b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>Genmitsu 4040-PRO MAX CNC Router, (downloaded info from internet.) When I get to the part where I’m supposed to pick out my post processor, the only choices I get are Add Processor, grbl inch, grbl mm.
When I click on Add Processor, I get another (pop-up) window that shows my CNC router. If I pick inches (or millimeters) it accepts the choice but when I close the pop-up window I get the error “No Processor Selected” on the right side of the screen.
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>
<b style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>If I select inches (or millimeters) directly on the right side of the screen, I get the error: Sorry, trial version of the software can only save toolpaths for data from the supplied tutorial files. Please load an unmodified tutorial file to test machined output.”
Please let me know what I should do.
Thanks,
Max
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Hey Michael,
The trial only allows you to save toolpaths from their included sample files, which is why it’s blocking you when you try to use Easel as your post processor.
So here’s the deal:
You don’t necessarily need to buy the full version right this second to keep moving forward.
Instead, you’ve got two solid options:
First option: stick with the workflow using the provided files.
If you’re following along with the course projects, those are designed to work within the system and help you learn the process step-by-step. The key focus right now is understanding the workflow, not the specific post processor.Second option: upgrade when you’re ready.
If you want to start running your own toolpaths (like what you’re trying to do with Easel), then yes you’ll need the full desktop version of VCarve to export those properly.Good luck!
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I went ahead and bought the desktop version, and it does allow me to save the files. Now I have a different issue, when I save the file and open it in easel, it cuts fine, but only to .5″, I set the workpiece to .75 and saved it again, but it still only cuts it to .5″. I’m sure that it is something simple, but I’m stumped.
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Thank you for the info.
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Thanks for the detail, that helps.
First, the “No Processor Selected” issue when using “Add Processor” is usually just a quirk of how that window behaves. For your machine (Genmitsu 4040-PRO MAX), you don’t need to add anything custom, you can skip that entirely and just use:
- grbl (mm) or
- grbl (inch)
Those are the correct post processors for your machine.
Now, the bigger issue is this message: “Trial version of the software can only save toolpaths…” That’s the key. This isn’t a post processor problem, it’s a software limitation.
What that means:
- The trial version will only let you export toolpaths from their built-in sample files
- Any file you downloaded (like your Kentucky design) won’t export until the software is activated
So here’s what to do:
If you’re just testing:
- Open one of the included tutorial/sample files
- Select grbl (mm or inch) on the right side
- Export should work fine
If you want to run your Kentucky carve:
- You’ll need the full version of the software to generate toolpaths from that file
Good luck!
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Miranda,
Thank you for the information and the timely response.
This is disappointing.
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Nevermind, I was watching the next part and I saw how to set depth.
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So I have a Genmitsu 4040 Pro Max and even when I take Andy’s file for a state and follow the directions, I get a Gcode file that uploads into Gsender as a 4 x 4 instead of a 12 x 12 material.
It is driving me crazy because I have all of the settings right as far as I can see. In fact everything I have imported from V-carve seems to be restricted to 4 x 4 and I don’t understand why.
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How do I use the class project files on Candlestick and USG g-code? I’m new at this and don’t have a clue.
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Here’s the basic workflow to follow:
1. Download and unzip the files
When you download the project, it’ll come as a zipped folder.
Right-click → “Extract All” so you can access everything inside.2. Decide which route you’re taking
- If you want to learn and tweak things → open the project file in your software
- If you just want to run the job → use the G-code file
3. If using the G-code (USG)
- Open your control software (like UGS)
- Connect to your machine
- Load the correct G-code file (each file usually matches a specific bit or step)
- Set your zero:
- X/Y = lower left corner of your material
- Z = top of material
- Run the job
4. Important:
Most projects use multiple files (one per tool). That means:- Run first file (example: pocketing)
- Change the bit when prompted
- Re-zero Z only (not X/Y)
- Run the next file
A couple beginner tips that will save you headaches:
- Always double-check your material size matches the project
- Run an air pass first (lift the bit and simulate the cut)
- Stay near the machine for your first few runs
- Don’t rush; setup is everything in CNC
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Your design is likely set up in inches (12″ x 12″), but somewhere in the export or sender, it’s being interpreted as millimeters.
Since 100mm ≈ 4 inches, that’s why everything is showing up around 4″ instead of full size.Let’s fix it step-by-step:
First, check your job setup in VCarve:
- Make sure your job size is actually set to inches, not mm
- Confirm it shows something like 12″ x 12″ in the job setup
Next, when exporting toolpaths:
- Make sure you’re using the correct Genmitsu post-processor (INCH version)
- A mm post-processor will shrink your file exactly like you’re seeing
Then, check Gsender:
- Look at the units setting (top or settings area)
- Make sure it’s set to inches, not mm
If Gsender is in mm, it’ll display your file scaled down, even if the file itself is technically correct.
One quick sanity check:
- If your file shows ~100 x 100 in Gsender → that’s mm (≈ 4″)
- If it shows ~12 x 12 → you’re good
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