[Gamble]

Getting ready to get my very first cnc mill up and running. Pretty much zero experience on a mill. Maybe a few hours on a cnc router

Playing around with fusion360 and it seems powerful but it's confusing as all hell.
Is there any advantage to using a software like Vcarve pro? Or 123d/design or similar and Meshcam?

I think vCarve is $600 and meshcam is $250 vs fusion is free.


Curious as to what the pros/cons of each is?

[ger21]

If you're just making 2D cuts, V Carve Pro can be a lot easier, and a lot faster.
MeshCAM has it's place, but I wouldn't recommend it for 2D work.

[LeeWay]

I think Vcarve does some things better than Fusion. That said, those things are usually done on a router. For a mill, Fusion will be hands down a better software to learn. You do not need to eat the apple in one bite either. Take your time with it and watch lots of video tutorials. It is incredibly powerful software and getting stronger with each update monthly. The Cam side can in fact make your machine much more productive than many other choices. Thanks to the full blown HSM tool paths. I think learning Fusion will be time well spent.

[louieatienza]

Depends on what you're doing. If you work with .stl files, artwork stuff, then MeshCAM is probably best. If you're doing mainly pockets and profiles and/or sign work, then VCarve is best (the desktop version is only $350 or so.) For design and machining of parts, Fusion is probably best.

[C*H*U*D]

I agree with LeeWay and Louieatienza....decide first what you want to do with your machine, then pick the software that compliments your goals.