CNC

You are not logged in. [ Login ] Why log in
(NOTE: Login is not required to post)

Post a Response
The staff at WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at any WOODWEB Forum. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk.
Your Name:
Your Website:
Email Address:
Subject: Re: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire

Message:

(read message guidelines).
Note: Do not use the below fields to advertise your business - only for links related to the discussion.
Thread Related Link URL:
Thread Related Link Title:
  To "point" to an image (picture) from another website, provide the URL (Web Address) of the file ( include ONE reference to http:// )
Thread Related Image URL:

Date of your Birth:

Upload a Thread Related File:
File Types: Image (gif-jpg-png-bmp), PDF, Sketchup, Video (mov avi wmv mpeg mpg mp4 ogg). (Image Upload Tips)

I have read the Site User Agreement and agree with the Terms

  <= Check to receive e-mail notification of responses

Message Thread:

Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire

6/1/18       
Pdub Member

I posted this at the bottom of another thread, but would like more opinions, so I'm creating a new one.
I run Alphacam Essentials because it came with my machine. I only use it to do the odd stuff that I can't do in CV Ultimate. So, maybe using it 1x per month and doing pretty simple things with it. I need to upgrade soon so I can do some curved moldings and some Z-countour roughing (like creating a curved tapered leg).
Upgrading to Alphacam Standard ain't cheap. I'm looking into V-Carve Pro but want to make sure I'm not hindering myself for the future.
I know V-Carve will now do molding profiles. Can it contour in the Z-axis or do I need to add Aspire to achieve that? Are there any other features of Alpha Standard that V-carve doesn't have that you'd consider "must have"?
I run a 3 axis machine and don't really see us stepping up to another axis. I don't have a seperate CAD program (and don't want to add one) so do all of my 1-off stuff drawing directly in Alphacam. We mostly do cabinet parts and CV is great for us. I want to get into a little more 3d as time allows but the 2 items listed above are the main needs now.
Thanks.

6/2/18       #2: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
MIKE COLLINS

i wood buy the one that has the most tutorials. i have alphacam & if u need to learn much at all above basic, u have to take time off from work & join a class. most of the other ones have a ton on-line. so if i were doing it again that is definitely what i wood b looking at also.

6/2/18       #3: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
jerry Member

You can download a trial version of Aspire or V Carve pro and play with it. Vectric is good about not nagging you to buy. If you do buy V Carve pro you can later upgrade to Aspire and not lose money as they have an upgrade plan

6/3/18       #4: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Arto Member

Website: http://www.jyrsija fi

I would also give a go for fusion360.
I use it for many kinda 2d and 3d oneoffs with a Homag machine.
Is not very good for nesting kinda applications tho.

6/4/18       #5: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Mike

Alphacam. No question. Especially since you already know how to drive it. Aspire requires a different skill set.

6/4/18       #6: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Pdub Member

Can you expand on that Mike? Why no question on Alphacam over the other?
I know how to do basic stuff in Alpha, but as Mike Collins says above, learning to do anything beyond basic is almost impossible on your own. That's a major reason I'm looking elsewhere. It seems as if there's no resources for training in Alphacam. Whereas V-carve and Aspire have a ton of FREE tutorials.
I've never understand why Vero does that. It seems like they are missing out on a bunch of new clients because the software is intimidating to use and there's no help.

6/5/18       #7: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Mike

What I mean by that is, you already own your post processor, you have a collection of tools that you have created, you know how to manipulate geometry in order to set up your tool path. Profile cutting is pretty simple and there are online examples of how to do it. I have Aspire, but never use it because I hate online videos. That is the only damn way to learn it. I'd pay to have an instructor that was skilled. No formal training is available. Anyway, just my 2 cents. I use the Ultimate version and all of its features. I recently taught some guys the Essential version of Alphacam and it is definitely lacking in features. All those guys need though...
BTW, not affiliated with any software vendor. Good luck with your final decision. If you master Aspire, give me a yell!

6/5/18       #8: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Michael Folan Member

I'm running a SCM Pratix for the last 14 yrs with both of the above programmes.
AlphaCam V7 came with the machine and for shopfitting and signs and kitchens I just needed something else.
Pros for Alphacam
1. Good software for SCM machines, post processors etc work flawlessly
2. Editing drawings and tooling is very easy. Simple things like trim, cut, extend, break ( hard to do in Aspire V2 but now available I think)
Cons for Alphacam
1. V carving is a joke
2. Import image for tracing is an extra paid add on
3. Manual tab insertion (can be a pain adding tabs for 500 small letters)
4. Single colour drawing lines ( drawings can get cluttered and confusing)
Pros for Aspire V2
1. Import PDF and images for easy tracing
2. Great for nesting, especially small parts
3.Good cut preview
4.Great for signage with offset letters
5.Great for fluting shopfront columns
6.Great for Vee carving and prismatic letters
Cons for Aspire V2
1.As mentioned before edit tools are scarce to say the least
2.Does not support drill head
3.You cant do calculations in the coordinates box
4Having tweaked post processor many times it still fights with the machine on tool changes sometimes, its just AlphaCam suits machine better
Over all I'm delighted with both programmes and cant go one day without using both of them depending on what I'm doing

6/5/18       #9: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
mike

very good & thourough response michael

6/5/18       #10: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Mike

Michael,
in the layers tab of the Project manager, right click on user layers and add layer. You can call it whatever you want and give it any color. These can be toggled on or off at will. I have had good luck with 3d engraving, not sure what is failing you. Also, if you draw in AutoCAD, you can import the colors assigned in your drawing. Either way, you have full control. On the other hand, if you are using the 2004 version, then some of these features are not available. Yes, I agree with the lack of editing tools available in Aspire. Maybe I should say tools I know how to use are lacking. In the end, they are different programs built for different types of users. They are both powerful in their own respect, but the end uses are completely different.

6/6/18       #11: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Michael Folan Member

I think you hit the nail on the head Mike when you say "tools I know how to use are lacking"
If the only programme I had was Aspire I'd be delighted with node editing. What I do is export as a dxf to AlphaCam and clean things up. Bring it back into Aspire and work away.
I'll try that tip of using layers with different colours Thanks!
Oh yeah another thing would drive me mad is AlphaCam wont put a ramped tab on anything but a straight line. Difficult when cutting letters.
Its a long time since I tried it but the trouble I had with AC 3d engrave was, the file generated for a simple set of doors for example was huge. It took ages like 1 minute to send NC to machine and it took ages to cut.
V carve in Aspire is just perfect for me as it exports and cuts as quick as straight work.

6/6/18       #12: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Pdub Member

Lot of Mike's on this thread...
Thanks guys. Mike F, your post is particularly useful. I too have a Pratix, and the Alphcam post works great with it. I use trim, cut, extend break, etc constantly and would be lost without them. I also use equations within the coordinates box constantly. So those 2 alone make me consider abandoning my idea of changing programs.
When you say it doesn't support a drill head, do you mean I can't use my drills at all? Or it just won't use multiple drills of the same diameter and maximize them? If not at all, that's the deal breaker.
In the end, I'm a millwork/ cabinetmaker and don't do much V-carving or sign making. So it sounds like maybe AC is more for my use.

6/7/18       #13: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Michael Folan

AlphaCam supports the drill head on the SCM Pratix in single, multi or side drilling depending on the configuration of your drill head.
Aspire V2 does not support drill head but the later versions do (I think)
Some days I drill 5000 holes for shop unit gables
If I had to do them with the router I’d be in a home for the bewildered

6/8/18       #14: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Jeff O'Dell  Member

Website: cncwoodworking.net

Mike, if you're still using AlphaCam v7, you're using 13+ year old outdated technology. The current version (2018 R2) vastly improves many of the issues you describe and adds many new features and capabilities.

AlphaCam's Multidrill can be adapted to virtually any machine, you need to have the "post" file for multidrill setup.

You can now also add on Aspire for AlphaCam to take advantage of Aspire's 3d drawing capabilities and use AlphaCam's 3d Machining capabilities.

Take another look at AlphaCam's current release.

6/11/18       #15: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
J Tunelley WW

we have had Alphacam 2012 since its was released, and is still the most power ful package we have ever had, a forum member here actually came to our shop and trained us and created a post processing. if you dont have to updrade i wouldnt.

6/11/18       #16: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Michael Folan

I noticed that Aspire was now hand in hand with AlphaCam.
Now there’s a cabinetmakers, shopfitters, sign makers dream!
I’d probably purchase that package but if work keeps going as it is I’ll change the whole set up this year. I’m 51 years old now and this machine won’t see me out but a new Pratix with that package probably will.
My Pratix runs Windows XP Pro so my choices of upgrades are limited.

6/13/18       #17: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Marek

Website: http://www.cadcam-softcz.cz

Alphacam is best. V carve/Aspire have some feature which can be good. But by a Alphacam you can programme all types of manufacture from simple 2D parts to very difficult 5 axis machining in a future. Function like a multidrill, nesting, support for aggregate.. great postprocessing have not any other software.

6/18/18       #18: Alphacam vs V-Carve/ Aspire ...
Chevy

Website: http://keysoftwareservice.com

Tunelly , thank you guys much for the kind words,,and thanks for the work

 

Buy & Sell Exchanges | Forums | Galleries | Site Map

FORUM GUIDELINES: Please review the guidelines below before posting at WOODWEB's Interactive Message Boards (return to top)

  • WOODWEB is a professional industrial woodworking site. Hobbyist and homeowner woodworking questions are inappropriate.
  • Messages should be kept reasonably short and on topic, relating to the focus of the forum. Responses should relate to the original question.
  • A valid email return address must be included with each message.
  • Advertising is inappropriate. The only exceptions are the Classified Ads Exchange, Machinery Exchange, Lumber Exchange, and Job Opportunities and Services Exchange. When posting listings in these areas, review the posting instructions carefully.
  • Subject lines may be edited for length and clarity.
  • "Cross posting" is not permitted. Choose the best forum for your question, and post your question at one forum only.
  • Messages requesting private responses will be removed - Forums are designed to provide information and assistance for all of our visitors. Private response requests are appropriate at WOODWEB's Exchanges and Job Opportunities and Services.
  • Messages that accuse businesses or individuals of alleged negative actions or behavior are inappropriate since WOODWEB is unable to verify or substantiate the claims.
  • Posts with the intent of soliciting answers to surveys are not appropriate. Contact WOODWEB for more information on initiating a survey.
  • Excessive forum participation by an individual upsets the balance of a healthy forum atmosphere. Individuals who excessively post responses containing marginal content will be considered repeat forum abusers.
  • Responses that initiate or support inappropriate and off-topic discussion of general politics detract from the professional woodworking focus of WOODWEB, and will be removed.
  • Participants are encouraged to use their real name when posting. Intentionally using another persons name is prohibited, and posts of this nature will be removed at WOODWEB's discretion.
  • Comments, questions, or criticisms regarding Forum policies should be directed to WOODWEB's Systems Administrator
    (return to top).

    Carefully review your message before clicking on the "Send Message" button - you will not be able to revise the message once it has been sent.

    You will be notified of responses to the message(s) you posted via email. Be sure to enter your email address correctly.

    WOODWEB's forums are a highly regarded resource for professional woodworkers. Messages and responses that are crafted in a professional and civil manner strengthen this resource. Messages that do not reflect a professional tone reduce the value of our forums.

    Messages are inappropriate when their content: is deemed libelous in nature or is based on rumor, fails to meet basic standards of decorum, contains blatant advertising or inappropriate emphasis on self promotion (return to top).

    Libel:   Posts which defame an individual or organization, or employ a tone which can be viewed as malicious in nature. Words, pictures, or cartoons which expose a person or organization to public hatred, shame, disgrace, or ridicule, or induce an ill opinion of a person or organization, are libelous.

    Improper Decorum:   Posts which are profane, inciting, disrespectful or uncivil in tone, or maliciously worded. This also includes the venting of unsubstantiated opinions. Such messages do little to illuminate a given topic, and often have the opposite effect. Constructive criticism is acceptable (return to top).

    Advertising:   The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not an advertising venue. Companies participating in a Forum discussion should provide specific answers to posted questions. WOODWEB suggests that businesses include an appropriately crafted signature in order to identify their company. A well meaning post that seems to be on-topic but contains a product reference may do your business more harm than good in the Forum environment. Forum users may perceive your references to specific products as unsolicited advertising (spam) and consciously avoid your web site or services. A well-crafted signature is an appropriate way to advertise your services that will not offend potential customers. Signatures should be limited to 4-6 lines, and may contain information that identifies the type of business you're in, your URL and email address (return to top).

    Repeated Forum Abuse: Forum participants who repeatedly fail to follow WOODWEB's Forum Guidelines may encounter difficulty when attempting to post messages.

    There are often situations when the original message asks for opinions: "What is the best widget for my type of shop?". To a certain extent, the person posting the message is responsible for including specific questions within the message. An open ended question (like the one above) invites responses that may read as sales pitches. WOODWEB suggests that companies responding to such a question provide detailed and substantive replies rather than responses that read as a one-sided product promotion. It has been WOODWEB's experience that substantive responses are held in higher regard by our readers (return to top).

    The staff of WOODWEB assume no responsibility for the accuracy, content, or outcome of any posting transmitted at WOODWEB's Message Boards. Participants should undertake the use of machinery, materials and methods discussed at WOODWEB's Message Boards after considerate evaluation, and at their own risk. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages it deems inappropriate. (return to top)


  • Forum Posting Help
    Your Name The name you enter in this field will be the name that appears with your post or response (return to form).
    Your Website Personal or business website links must point to the author's website. Inappropriate links will be removed without notice, and at WOODWEB's sole discretion. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    E-Mail Address Your e-mail address will not be publicly viewable. Forum participants will be able to contact you using a contact link (included with your post) that is substituted for your actual address. You must include a valid email address in this field. (return to form)
    Subject Subject may be edited for length and clarity. Subject lines should provide an indication of the content of your post. (return to form)
    Thread Related Link and Image Guidelines Thread Related Links posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should point to locations that provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related Link that directs visitors to an area with inappropriate content will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Thread Related File Uploads Thread Related Files posted at WOODWEB's Forums and Exchanges should provide supporting information for the topic being discussed in the current message thread. Video Files: acceptable video formats are: .MOV .AVI .WMV .MPEG .MPG .MP4 (Image Upload Tips)   If you encounter any difficulty when uploading video files, E-mail WOODWEB for assistance. The purpose of WOODWEB Forums is to provide answers, not to serve as an advertising venue. A Thread Related File that contains inappropriate content will be removed, and uploaded files that are not directly related to the message thread will be removed. WOODWEB reserves the right to delete any messages with links, files, or images it deems inappropriate. (return to form)
    Suction Cups, Vacuum Lifters, Vacuum Pumps from Anver Corporation ecabinet systems.com Thermwood Limtech Industries, Inc.