Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

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slowoodworker
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Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by slowoodworker »

Our Makerspace was just given a small Xcarve CNC. It's intended to run on proprietary on line software called Easel. Vectric's Vcarve Pro has a post processor that can create the proper G-code for the Easel software, but I'd like to avoid Easel all together. Our "big" CNC uses Mach3. connected through a parallel port but I don't see how I could run the Xcarve as it's connected with USB.(It's computer is running Windows XP?.)
We have computers running Windows-7 and Windows-10 available.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

--Rich Farwell

Jimcad
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by Jimcad »

Is the operating system GRBL if it's using Easel?
I'm sure I've seen GRBL post processors mentioned before so should be OK.

Jim

Jan.vanderlinden
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by Jan.vanderlinden »

I bought my X carve in 2016 and love it.
The only software I have ever used is Vectric Desk top and my machine controller is Picsender.
I have never used easel simply because it is dependent on the internet. (guess I'm a control freak when it comes to my data)
“I've learned so much from my mistakes, I'm thinking of making a few more”

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martin54
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by martin54 »

How the machine is connected to the computer is not really the problem, GRBL-based machines use an Arduino based system for motion control & your larger machine running mach3 does not. I am not an expert so can't say for sure but if you want to be able to run the machine using mach3 then you may have to change some of the hardware.
If Garry sees this post then we will get an Expert opinion :lol:

I believe there are other control software available for GRBL based machines, G-Sender is one I have seen mentioned but no idea about cost or how it compares to Easel :lol: :lol:

Jimcad
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by Jimcad »

As Martin just said:
Universal G Code Sender works well with GRBL (if that's what you're on)
I used it on my old machine.
It's free and not internet based.

http://universalgcodesender.com/

Jimcad
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by Jimcad »

James Dean has lots of videos on GRBL and UGS

https://www.youtube.com/@JamesDeanDesigns

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Adrian
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by Adrian »

vTransfer which comes with Cut2D, VCarve and Aspire can also be used to send the code as well as far as I know.

RickW3DS
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by RickW3DS »

two different animals
Dont use the proprietary stuff, gSender works just fine with the grbls and it is FREE and the people that actually make the software live in Canada
It just works for grbl stuff

slowoodworker
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by slowoodworker »

Thanks all for your responses. I have downloaded UGS and will try it when I'm next in the Makerspace.
I may try gSender too. to see if it's easier/simpler to use. (I really need something that is "stupid simple".)

--Rich Farwell

RickW3DS
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by RickW3DS »

LOL yep, gSender is stupid simple, that's why I use it.

slowoodworker
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by slowoodworker »

RickW3DS wrote:
Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:10 pm
LOL yep, gSender is stupid simple, that's why I use it.
:D :D You're giving me confidence! Maybe I'll try it first.

RickW3DS
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Re: Anyone using an X-carve by Inventibles?

Post by RickW3DS »

I don't work there, it just works for my grbl Arduino based Longmill.
As Jan said, avoid online only software if you can.

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