An Intro to Using Carbide Create Version 7

When designing a CNC project, there are many competing factors. As you begin drawing, understanding how the software, the machine, the material being cut and your design all relate is essential for success.
By learning to balance these factors, on simple projects, your skills will grow.
Here, Kevin takes you through the step-by-step design of a seemingly simple project. This video's advice, knowledge and understanding will help you build your CAD and CAM skills. From a blank page to a completed item, in order, without distractions, just as you will have to do.
Links:
My Carbide Education Center: my.carbide3d.com/
Coin Making Video: • Creating Coins with De...
Tape Measurer: a.co/d/6SkREzu
Digital Calipers: a.co/d/e4s2GOd
Carbide Create Pro: carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/
Why Buy Carbide Create Pro Video: • Why Carbide Create Pro...
Looking for a specific section of the video? Try our Chapters listed below.
------------------------------
Job Setup - 1:56
Tools to Have - 2:19
Expression Editor - 3:30
What To Make - 6:12
Start of Design - 7:10
Copy + Paste or Duplicate Warning - 11:16
Alignment Tool - 12:00
Creating Guides - 15:01
Using the Layers Feature - 17:07
Toolpaths and Duplication - 19:38
Simulation - 26:41
Creating Toolpaths - 29:43
Pocket Toolpath Creation - 30:09
Duplicating a Toolpath - 35:49
REST Machining 37:04
Contour Toolpaths + Cutouts - 41:13
The Expression Editor with Cutouts - 42:37
Simulation Analysis - 45:38
Creating Chamfer Vectors - 51:20
Chamfers Toolpathing - 54:08
Adding Features - 56:53
Boolean Tool - 58:37
Inserting Tabs - 1:01:47
Cutting Montage - 1:03:00
Final Thoughts - 1:05:01

[@pb48711]

Kevin, you are a natural when it comes to teaching. Thanks a ton. You took the fear out of this and make it so easy to learn. Very intuitive style, as you focus on the essentials without going off into the weeds. For example, side-barring the "Rest Machining" section, while mentioning that you'll be coming back to that later, helps the student to keep focus on what is most important at the moment and also enabling us to apply that technique at the appropriate time, in the appropriate order. Again, you're a natural and thanks a ton!

[@carbide3d]

I'm always happy to hear people are finding value in the content. Thanks. - Kevin

[@LaserGarage]

Well done Kevin and the C3D team! My favorite part..."It's wood, it's not going to space". Classic and so true.

[@ga1205]

These are the types of videos that we all need! A 3D design and carving one would be great. Learned a bunch from this one Kevin!

[@cwebs1000]

Great job but I have one request, Please make the cursor/arrow larger and easier to see. Trying to follow the cursor when you are traveling at hi speed makes us miss some information. My eyes are now crossed. Thanks, Carl.

[@brandonk3575]

I learned so much from this video. I ran into a few roadblocks on my current project and this video answered multiple key things I've been trying to figure out. I know not everyone loves the long format videos but they're often times packed with the smaller details that are frequently skipped in shorter videos. Hat tip to you, Kevin. Thanks for putting this together.

[@otho96]

Awesome video, i have had my Shapeoko Pro XXL for just over a year now. I learned a lot from this video, specially thought process and design concept. Kevin you have a great teaching style, Easy to follow, funny, not to basic but not to advance. Keep up the good work. I enjoy watching all your video's.

[@dezigebel.realestate]

Awesome job. Thanks for the step by step. It makes a big difference on our train of thought for the processes. Can’t wait to see the next one.

[@carbide3d]

We are happy to hear that.

[@brucefaria6464]

Great video. Learned so much and it went slow enough that I was able to keep up. SUPER JOB

[@carbide3d]

Hey Bruce, Thanks for the feedback. We're stoked you got a lot out of this episode.

[@deanbauer9579]

I just ordered my Shapeoko 5 Pro about a week ago and this video REALLY answered a lot of questions for me on how to design a part. I played the video and designed the exact part along with you. Luckily, I've got 20+ years of AutoCAD experience but I've never worked with a CNC before so, some of this was intuitive and other aspects were brand new. I'm excited to watch the other videos in this series and to get my machine so I can start bringing my ideas to life.

[@bestyoutubernonegraternumber1]

This was awesome Kevin! I hope you keep doing these.

[@wd1898]

I'm just getting into CNC, and this video was a perfect place to start. Thanks!

[@richm.1583]

Was thinking I was not smart enough and too old to learn CNC. You have me rethinking that. Thank You!

[@carbide3d]

You can do it!

[@norwoodaerialimaging9795]

Thanks for posting this. I’m comfortable with laser engravers and was curious about the transition to CNC. This helped immensely!!!!!!

[@EricksonWoodworking]

Awesome video Kevin!

[@user-jz4ss5ii8u]

This is the kind of content that folks will truly learn from Kevin. Overdue, but thanks. I liken it to what Lars Christensen did with Fusion 360.

[@jeffreystewart6571]

Great educational video. Thank you

[@patrickbink4617]

This is an excellent training video. Learned a lot and really appreciated the attitude of trying that you presented.

[@jkepps]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to do it.

[@davewijnhamer140]

Thank you Kevin, I'm more of a visual learner and this helped a lot, great job on going through the steps and addition. I was actually scared because I thought it would be so much harder than laser, well there is the 3D part but once getting the hang of it, it will come easier. Thank Again for a job well done.

[@jimwoodward6524]

This is an invaluable Tutorial and I wish it had been available when I purchased my Shapeoko XXL several years ago, It would have saved me many mistakes and time with projects. Thank you Kevin.

[@carbide3d]

Hey Jim. We are happy to hear it added to your CNC experience and that you stuck with it through the mistakes. A process we must all endure! Keep up the excellent work.

[@Frantzy450r]

I’ve had my new cnc for only a few weeks now. I’ve learned quite a bit on my own already, but this video was such a huge help to understand additional features. I see myself upgrading to carbide create pro in the near future also.

[@carbide3d]

We're happy this one helped you on your CNC journey!

[@user-ng9um1xq7x]

Great video.

[@jamesjenkins779]

This was extremely helpful!

[@carbide3d]

Happy to hear that James.

[@BrenanSalgado]

This is such a great video. You are a talented teacher.

[@carbide3d]

Thanks Brenan. We’re stoked you’re finding value in this series.

[@ptschankin]

Great intro tutorial....thanks!

[@carbide3d]

Thanks @ptschankin We're happy you found it useful.

[@michaelhuffman4382]

Great video Kevin! I know you may not be able to divulge info, but will we ever see an "Alignment Tool" in the PRO Version? I was glad to see the info that was contained in this video, especially ALIGNING ! Once again, thank you for the valuable info!

[@AnwinUrsign]

Going to receive my HDM the next couple of days, it’s my very first CNC. This video help me tremendously. Thank you

[@carbide3d]

Right on. Welcome to the C3D Family. You're going to have so much fun creating amazing objects. What made you choose the HDM?

[@AnwinUrsign]

@@carbide3d After doing lot of research, I finally decided to get the HDM machine. It's powerful and versatile, which makes it perfect for all my creative projects. Being new to this whole thing, having a tool that makes me feel confident and in control is really important.

[@Love2FlyKAP]

If you what to fit a square corner part into the rectangle pocket, cut half the cutter diameter past the vertical side corners in one direction. Like the small circles add to the coin pockets.

[@carbide3d]

You definitely could utilize that strategy. You could also use "dogbone" corners in the rectangle menu to produce a similar result. Often times there are several paths to the desired result. That's partly the fun of the design and toolpathing process.

[@kellysnodgrass2236]

At 18:22, you said doo doo. 🤣 Just kiddin'. Thanks for the education!

[@carbide3d]

🤣😂🤣

[@Marcus_Caius]

This is an awesome video, thank you so much. Q: How would you create the toolpaths flow for a 1" coin with a small chamfer on the top?

[@noregretsbowfishing4816]

Love to see a HDPE video like this. I like watching these and have the 5 pro and could use some of this type of video with this material. I’m sure I’m not alone 😂 1/2”❤

[@carbide3d]

Thanks for the suggestion. Perhaps we need to revisit our Material Mondays series.

[@williamtruax3212]

Great video, I know I'm going to watch it several more times. I was wondering, in the rectangular pocket, could the bottom be rounded to follow the shape of a coin on its edge. Is the machine capable of doing that.

[@carbide3d]

William, you certainly could draw a vector that followed the edge of the coins. It all comes down to finding a radius that fits the edges. I would do some testing to dial in that radius. Then, duplicate that shape however many times it is needed to produce the desired pocket. This could be done to hold coins vertically or horizontally.

[@lorigallion2091]

Great video. Curious why you didn’t use the array tool for your circles?

[@carbide3d]

Lori. Good call, the Array Tool would have made quick work of that process. In CAD, there are often multiple ways to accomplish the same thing. Here I wanted to showcase how I use guides and a guide layer to position elements. I'll think of the Array Tool for the next project.😉 - Kevin

[@chrishayes5755]

really appreciate you taking the time to make this. it helped me a lot.

[@carbide3d]

Glad it helped!

[@anthonywalsh6605]

Very useful lesson. I have not ordered yet (shapeoko 5 pro) as I am learning software first. What I am unsure about is tool changes. Will the file sent to carbide motion include machine pauses for bit changes?

[@carbide3d]

Yes, our Carbide Motion control software handles the tool change process for you using our BitSetter.

[@YuvakTuladhar]

Very good instructions! I am seriously planning to get a Shapeoko 5 pro 4x4. I am making a tabletop 61"x61". What height should I make the table before installing Shapeoko? My question may be a little off-topic. Sorry!

[@carbide3d]

All Shapeoko questions are on-topic here. We have a table video for Shapeoko 5 and one that was made before that point. We use the KREG table because of its speed of assembly and mobility. Several people have expressed that they do not like having to stiffen the middle of that table. So…building your own super sturdy platform is always an excellent option if you have that capability. Shapeoko 5 Table Episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHyaamlrhsacY68si=sOfDMguJO1QOzby0 More general table episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKW0YZqfjd-al5Isi=ukUpZe5O9p8nmMDE

[@malcolmferguson9096]

Excellent tutorial thanks I completed my first job. After you have made one item and you want to make 3 more what would be the steps. Thanks for your help.

[@carbide3d]

You can set up a file with three of your objects all cut at the same time. Or run your current file 3 more times.

[@iwannaapple7190]

Just recently I thought I had a problem with my CC pro or at least I thought I did any way. Afterwards I started reviewing the competitors version. Found out a couple of things I didn't know like it only handles ONE stl. I checked my CCpro and it handled more then one! I said to myself Wow self. CCpro does it. And no, I might not be able to push a magic button that sorts my pieces out so I save wood BUT I can do other things quickly and easy which does make up for the time lost in calculating Toolpaths. Thats a pain for all the calculations but I have renewed respect especially after I received very quickly so much positive help of people going out of their way to see what I did wrong it was very impressive. I wasn't able to save enough and got impatient to get the 5 but I did get a pretty decent machine (which I did install a light like on the 5) to go along with my other machine. Eventually I'll sell that one and definitely get the pro 5. Any way, you help set a very good example Kev and I enjoy your videos. I give you a big thanks for being a positive impact. Oh yeah, watched other competitor vids and you know what? Carbide create does cut very accurate circles unlike some other programs. If you ever have a drawing for the pro 5, count me in coach!

[@daveyJ213]

Hey Kevin. Eagerly devouring as many of these great videos as I can before my Shapeoko arrives. Question: if I wanted into import a set of vectors created in another program (i.e. SketchUp or Affinity Designer or Illustrator) could I do that? What would the proper file format be, JPG? PNG? Can Carbide Create use vectors created in another program? I'm asking because I am very adept at creating vectors in SketchUp using tools that are not yet available in Creator. Thanks for the great content.

[@carbide3d]

Hey Davey. You can utilize SVGs. That would be the best way to import from the programs you mention. Tracing always needs some Node Correction and likely will produce double lines by tracing both sides of a given JPG or PNG line. Here’s the link for My.Carbide3D.Com covering image imports in Carbide Create. my.carbide3d.com/gswcc/07/

[@daveyJ213]

Thanks, Kevin. Can't seem to export SVG files from SketchUp, but Affinity does. Very cool. Was having trouble with the node editor (i.e. could not get the program to "insert" a node onto a vector, but it finally started working. Guess the program realized I was about to tattle tale to you. Thanks again.@@carbide3d

[@chchchscott1]

You have a Demon in your room that sometimes speaks

[@carbide3d]

Weird

[@doesntmatter3068]

I have the software now, been playing with it for a few months. (Actually, very user friendly so far. However, I've been running CNC machines for 20 years) Your little project is perfect for the question I have. I haven't figure out how to do this. Question: In the rectangle pocket, How can you radius the bottom, from top to bottom using a ball endmill. Will this software DO a Z-X or Z-Y radius?

[@carbide3d]

In order to create a radius at the bottom equal to the radius of a 1/4" endmill, you'd want to use the Offset Path tool to create a line inside of your desired final pocket dimensions. That offset path should be 1/8" inside the desired pocket dimension. Run the pocketing operation with a flat endmill utilizing that inner box. Then run a contour pass on the "Inside RIght" of the desired pocket dimension art with the 1/4" ball endmill. This should provide that radius at the bottom of the pocket while milling the pocket out to the desired dimension.

[@ernestoserrano484]

I don't think I caught the part of how to set the machines starting point. I just set up my pro xxl and I have it set to be at the bottom right corner. How do I tell machine to start where I placed the wood?

[@carbide3d]

Hey Ernesto: All of your questions may be answered over at My.Carbide3D.com We have more than 5 hours of video training covering everything someone new needs to get started and find success. All the way through your first five projects. Give it a look.

[@velocityacoustics]

Pricing wise, carbide create seems to be in the midrange, hence the limitations it has. Should i just get the more expensive software from the start and learn on it? will V carve pro work on the shapeoko CNC?

[@carbide3d]

V Carve Pro definitely works with Shapeoko. Software selections are often based on the project goals of the operator. Often people have a couple of CAD platforms they use regularly. Often CAD simplicity yields quicker results for some projects. Create Pro strives to offer a compelling suite of tools and capability at an accessible price.

[@t2pt554]

Hi Kevin. Im planning to buy the CC Pro 7. Im now working w the trial version. My trial project is a bird house roof with a cedar shaker texture. 4 in x 5 in. Im not getting a 3d carving. Just a flat pocket. Does the trial version have the same functionality of the commercial Pro 7

[@carbide3d]

The trial is identical to the paid version. The only limit is the duration of the license.

[@atmm89]

can you please show how to up grade to the latest version of 7, thank you

[@carbide3d]

Go here: carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/download/ Select your operating system / download and install.

[@user-kv4dn4xx5q]

I'm confused by the "rest machining" part. Why after duplicating the tool path and selecting a smaller bit does it only cut out the corners?

[@carbide3d]

REST Machining allows you to use a larger cutter to do most of the work, then bring in a smaller cutter to get the minor details. This saves a lot of time on some projects, particularly with signs containing text and logos.

[@JeffBenedict]

Great video. Wish ya would have done it 2years and 6 months ago.. :) Question, what would be a good offset if using the 302 60deg vBit? I'm guessing maybe a 0.5 rather than 0.9 ?

[@carbide3d]

Hey Jeff, We're happy you enjoyed this one. For the 60°, we've done a .7mm offset with success. The ideal offset will be determined in part by the available depth of the cut. If you are chamfering a shallow pocket, you'll want an offset closer to the edge that is to be cut. This will keep the cutter's tip from digging into your pocket while producing the desired amount of 60° chamfer. For an outer edge or deep pocket edge, you can simply run the DOC deeper, along that same .9mm offset, to get contact from the angle of the cutter. Run some test pieces to experiment with the narrowest offset possible. Write it down and keep it handy when you are finalizing your designs. Real-world testing and experience are the best teachers.

[@JeffBenedict]

@@carbide3d, thanks, that gives me a starting point.

[@acerjuglans383]

Do you typically use 15° for a ramp? I usually use 30°, but it's just a number I picked one day, I really don't know what an efficient ramp degree angle should be.

[@carbide3d]

Great question. The angle I choose is primarily based on endmill size and the material being cut. 15° is probably super shallow for entry to walnut. I've been doing a number of metal projects recently. That's why the number jumps to mind. The chosen angle can only be too steep. There's no penalty for entering at a "too shallow" angle. As a guide: Larger the endmill = Steeper the Angle Harder the material = Shallower the Angle

[@acerjuglans383]

@@carbide3d Thanks for that bit of info.

[@arthurwilson4124]

Hello Kevin. Great video and very well done. I have two questions at this time. First you mentioned ramping when you are making a plunge cut. I believe I have the terminology correct. Could you explain how that works. Second, there are numerous design files on line that you can download DXF files either for free or a minimal fee. Will Carbide create accept those files and allow me to create and save a G code file for my dedicated laptop for my machine. I am totally new at this and I hope I have used the right terminology to explain what I am asking, Again great videos and I am learning so much. Art from Sunny Florida

[@carbide3d]

Hi Art, Ramping allows you to control the angle of plunge into your material. Without ramping, the plunge is done at 90° or straight down. With ramping enabled, you can specify an angle of descent. This lessens the shock to the endmill, particularly when cutting metals, composites or hardwoods. DXF files can be imported to Carbide Create. Under the "Import" Tab, the far left button has a box with an arrow through the top of it. That Import will allow you to bring in the DXF. As with any project, you will have to assign toolpaths and tooling. Experience and experimentation will be your best guides to learning the world of CNC. We're glad you're here.

[@arthurwilson4124]

@@carbide3d thank you so much for your quick response. I am sure I will have more questions along the way. I am in the early stages of this. At this time I am trying to decide on which machine I would like and more importantly what brand. If you have thoughts I would definitely appreciate that. Again thank you so much.

[@carbide3d]

Art Join our forum community (it’s free). That also allows you to view all of our educational material. (Again, for free). You will not find a CNC manufacturer more dedicated to your success. Whether that success is CNC business, hobby or art, we have content and resources to help you achieve your goals. Do your research. We’d love to have you join the family.

[@chchchscott1]

Any plans on iPad support?

[@carbide3d]

Not at this point

[@user-iu8mn9de8n]

can i use my paid subscription with my foxalien 4040ex pro.

[@carbide3d]

Carbide Create Pro is able to export G-Code.

[@gryzman]

21:24 - align them with the outer, what ?

[@carbide3d]

The Outer Contour. That centers the group of elements within the body of the part without altering the relationship of the elements to themselves.

[@andrewgoodall2183]

It's not silly if you like displaying coins :D

[@carbide3d]

This is true

[@MattOckendon]

No more gCode for the rest of us. Well it was nice while it lasted.

[@carbide3d]

GCode export is included in Create Pro. Exporting GCode is no longer required for Shapeoko or Nomad users.

[@JavierViramontesR]

An hour video to get started...

[@carbide3d]

Javier, if you’d like more segmented content, check out My.Carbide3D.com That’s our educational hub. It contains a topic by topic breakdown of getting started with Shapeoko and Carbide Create.

[@frankhovis]

What the hell goes on with the audio??

[@carbide3d]

We have not had other complaints about the audio. What are you experiencing?