Machsupport Forum

Mach Discussion => General Mach Discussion => Topic started by: denis0996 on October 29, 2007, 01:45:36 PM

Title: Getting the right software
Post by: denis0996 on October 29, 2007, 01:45:36 PM
I am completely new to cnc routing and would like to purchase software, should I invest in a cnc router, that will enable me to
create 3d profiles of an imported photograph onto wood. I think Lazycam may be the answer but would like advice from those who know what they are talking about.
Please bear in mind I am pre Luddite and this is as alien to me is the string theory.
Thanks for any assistance you can give.
Denis0996
Title: Re: Getting the right software
Post by: Jeff_Birt on October 29, 2007, 01:59:51 PM
First, it is VERY important to understand that there is no 3D information in a photograph. Some systems convert the level of gray of a given pixel to a depth of cut. In general that method works very poorly. ArtCAM has some nice built in tools to help you go from a photograph to a relief (but it runs around $8,000 USD. I think Vetric V-Carve will some some manipulation of photos into a a sort of line art carving with a V-bit, but it is not really a relief (3D).

In short, there is no software than can do this automatically, as a photograph does not provide any 3D data.
Title: Re: Getting the right software
Post by: denis0996 on October 29, 2007, 02:50:16 PM
Thank you.
Would a black and white drawing be possible. e.g. the black areas for instance, highlighted and the cutter set to a certain depth?
Title: Re: Getting the right software
Post by: GaryB on October 29, 2007, 08:43:05 PM
dennis, if you want to contact me I'll be happy to get you straight on what ArtCam can do and its correct pricing. We are an ArtCam dealer.
Gary
Title: Re: Getting the right software
Post by: Jeff_Birt on October 29, 2007, 10:18:45 PM
Dennis, perhaps you can elaborate a bit more on what you are trying to accomplish, someone can helps steer you in the correct direction. If your just wanting to cut gemometirc shapes to a certain depth then LazyCam will do that. If your wanting to do something with photographs (people, etc) then ArtCAM is hard to beat.
Title: Re: Getting the right software
Post by: PatM on October 29, 2007, 10:47:44 PM
I know nothing about Artcam but I do use Vcarve pro. As mentioned above, getting from photo to 3D isn't just a mouseclick away but I have to imagine it is possible with some work.

VCarve itself wouldn't help you with photos but PhotoVcarve (same people) has a lot of stuff built in. You can check the demo at http://www.vectric.com They also have forums and lots of discussion about the products. The forum link is in the support link (lower left).