Big Change to Carbide Create 7 Free Version! NO More GCode export. Plus some other new features.

[@EdS808]

WOW!! I am new to CNC cutting machines and I was looking at CC but not so sure now that I can not save the Gcode. Thank for the update

[@coteythiem-adaptivesportsm3460]

❤ You have saved my bacon sir! I updated my carbide create, and lost all of my gcode, and saves! Your link to v6 got it all back for me. Thank you so much for that!

[@D.E.Hammer]

I hate those moments when you feel like you lost all that work. Glad to hear your back up and running.

[@randogame4438]

I'd like to see you continue using CC pro with step by step designs and settings I can follow along with. My wife just got me a 1 yr sub for xmas and I'd like to make use of it.

[@jez6345789]

I have used the free version for two year so on a non carbide machine so i reckon the guys deserve some coin for the work I did not buy their machine so for something I use week in week out for simple work then its money well spent and probably long overdue.

[@brankomirkovic1647]

Was a matter of time. Lots of open-source machine builders used this as a non-monetary means of gcode generation. A damn shame, I just learned how to use it.

[@villageidiot8718]

Thanks for the demonstration. Haven't powered my 3018 since moving and still recovering financially from my move so can't order the Longmill yet. I like Carbide Create, but now I guess I'll be shopping for a new solution. I always prefer a free version that gets the job done. If I have to pay for software, I want to pay once and not for periodic updates. I'm even willing to use an older version without the new features (as long as it 'gets the job done'). I'll be interested to see what you come up with.

[@D.E.Hammer]

So the cc6 free version will still generate gcode. It just will not have any of the new features. So I would get a copy and hang onto it, if that just in case moment happens and you need to generate some gcode until we all find something else to replace it.

[@anthonybates5030]

Shapeoko are saying on their forum they will have a web page that we can upload v7 c2d files to and it will decrypt the gcode for use. This apparently is in response to huge push back from their user base.

[@D.E.Hammer]

I did go look for that, and they are saying they will offer that feature to anyone who purchased one of their machines.

[@villageidiot8718]

@@D.E.Hammer downloaded 652 installer and saved on the NAS.

[@villageidiot8718]

@@D.E.Hammer Unless they make one better than the Longmill before I can buy my MK2, I'm not buying one.

[@gerritvisser]

According to their posts, the gcode is now inside the c2d file, and is compressed. That means it can be decompressed and show the gcode. Even if 'encrypted' there likely are ways to find the key. Personally they could have solved their support issue by asking for a customer number upfront, and politely declining everyone else. But a more complex solution seems best :-)

[@D.E.Hammer]

Yes, and it will be intresting to see if anyone attempts to extract it. Yes there were simpler options available, but I have noticed when a company makes a move like this, they are more likely to dig in to that position than finding an easier solution.

[@vtellez01]

I just purchased a Shapeoko Pro XXL. I’m certainly in Stage 1 Green-Just-Starting-Out-of-the-gate- Tin-Horn Beginner. I noticed the Dallas sign in the background. Are you in the DFW area? I’m in Hurst.

[@D.E.Hammer]

I am in Dallas, its been a while since I was in Hurst. How are you liking the Shapeoko?

[@vtellez01]

@@D.E.Hammer I made a couple of trays and was very happy. Then I tried to make book markers out of 1/8” birch and I couldn’t get the vcarver to cut wording or the logo. I then took 3/4” stock and the logo and wording was carved into the wood. I think I will glue some thin material to a 3/4” stock to trick the CNC into thinking the material is thick enough to get cut. Do you have any ideas on what I could do to avoid glueing the thin stock to the thick stock? If you are in the area could we talk on the phone. I’m retired so any time is good for me.

[@D.E.Hammer]

So to raise the piece, you can put painters tape on the back side of your top piece and top side of your thicker piece, then super glue the painters tape. So on the thin material is it showing in your CAM it will cut? If not and using a v bit, it may be going to deep to get the width of the lettering. Or is it that it's to low for your z axis to reach?

[@vtellez01]

@@D.E.Hammer I used the painter’s tape/super glue process to hold down the thin stock to my table. I didn’t understand why the v-bit wouldn’t deep enough to cut. I even paused the router, lowered the bit, reset the bit on my bitsitter and it still wouldn’t cut. Tomorrow I’ll get more stock and tape it to the 3/4” stock to see if I can fool the router. I’ll let you know what happens.

[@D.E.Hammer]

@vtellez01 you can comment here or email me at [e-mail]

[@jaredhusband8430]

i have not found a solition except carbide create and easel being im a mac user.... i was planning to go pro on carbide create but i am keeping a eye put for other software that will work on mac.

[@Todd-W]

VCARVE works perfectly on any MAC

[@jaredhusband8430]

@@Todd-W with parallels or on its own?

[@davidstoddard707]

Show useful things in pro, but if you have freeware that produces decent G-code, please share your ideas, techniques and thoughts. Thanks for the channel.

[@brappineau4161]

If we don't update, will we still be able to export? This sucks. I just made my first cuts last night. I'd like to see some free software comparisons if you have a list!

[@D.E.Hammer]

If you stay on v6, it will not effect you. I am working on a list of free alternatives and will update once I can test them all.

[@JeffChoppah]

of all softwares have tried so far C3D was the best but this gcode thing is such a pain, worst part even the 14days free trial of PRO still has no gcode. who has the installer exe file of v6 to share. seems i arrived late into the part the v7 is not long since released.

[@D.E.Hammer]

Here is the link to v6: carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/download6

[@editorglueitcom]

let's find something else, their 180 on this has made me lose faith in them - I just lost 2 hours after upgrading to V7 and then creating artwork to only find no gcode and the c2d file not being read in V6 either

[@D.E.Hammer]

I have been looking, just did a video on Estlcam. While it does not have a CAD, inkscape or something paired with it could be an option. Still trying out different CAMs to see which way I'm going to go.

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

Design in new version then open in old verson and create toolpaths.

[@gdonham1203]

I have a Shapeoko and when I read the V7 post I did not like that they were moving the gcode inside the c2d file. After I thought about it for a while and seeing what the management of C3D said I can see their point that non paying customers are getting support from C3D without paying for it. That is not smart business. Since I have a Shapeoko and the Pro version of Carbide Create it really does not effect me. However I started out with a Shark and that has no software. You can buy expensive Vetric, Carveco, Fusion 360 and other I used the Carbide Create and modified the gcode to work with my Shark. The Shark did not like some of the commands that C3d put in the gcode. This was before they added the generic gcode and gbrl post processors. I liked C3d so much I bought a Shapeoko 3 and have been happy every since. I sold the Shark because it has so many limitations and none of the features that C3D has got like the BitSetter. I see C3D's point about supporting customers that have no investment in C3D but as a consumer I see that it was free and now not so free. You can keep the 6.x versions running and still make gcode in a separate file. The V7 still makes gcode but it is encrypted in the c2d file. After using the V7 Beta versions I really like what they are doing.

[@Todd-W]

not sure I understand how non-paying users (not customers) are getting free support out of the product. It's a simple business philosophy really; you as a company do not support the freebie version only the paid version, it's not rocket science. If the end user does not have a valid license for software (and you ask for that when they are calling or emailing in) then they get zero support other than the FB groups, plain and simple. IMO, this is just another ploy by C3D to support the salaries of all these new people they've brought on over the past 2 years

[@randogame4438]

@@Todd-W Well, personally as an employee I'd appreciate getting a salarie from a company I work for. Just sayin!

[@dcstang67]

You can open the .c2d file in Carbide motion and there is an option to generate a gcode file from there. All still free

[@LudoTheGreat]

Thanks for the video. It's a shame that they are doing this. Bad business practice, IMO. I get having paid features, but disabling a required function of the software behind a paywall is going to prevent people from ever trying it. I am the perfect example as to why. I am getting my 3020 tomorrow and came across your videos. I would have downloaded it and used it, following some of your videos. If I liked it, I would have bought it. I wont do either now. Knowing I eventually wont be able to generate code means I need to move on to find another solution. I would suggest you do so as well if you want to keep new users coming back.

[@D.E.Hammer]

So I have been searching for new CAM software (free), and it's coming along, just slowly. Version 6 free still allows export of gcode, but who knows how long that will last. (Them making it available for down load)

[@LudoTheGreat]

@@D.E.Hammer That is my worry. Even if it doesn't go away it's going to get out dated and support is going to go away. What other software are you looking at? I am very interested in what options are available. Maybe a review of all the free software you are looking at would make a good video? Pro/cons of each one, etc.

[@andrewcorson3165]

I also have a recently purchased Genmitsu 3020-Pro Max. I started with the free version of Easel mostly because it was a simple place to start and they have native driver support for Genmitsu products. Unfortunately, my projects are designed around small scale super fine details in thin sheet metal stock (0.016") requiring micro bit sizes (1/64"). Once the Easel free trial is up I wont be able to use it any more since only the paid Pro version supports custom bit sizes smaller than 1/32. I was going to try CC since I have already downloaded V6 but would have to generate gcode since there is no native driver support. Candle is what comes with the 3020 and has a driver for native support so I'll probably experiment with that next. I'll also have to play around with the Fusion360 CAM features but there is a bit of a learning curve there as apposed to the easy to use click and go interface of Easel. In general my 3020 CNC is going to require a lot of learning and experimenting to find the best/easiest workflow path with whatever software tools happen to be available. Good luck with your 3020. Edit: I was mistaken about Candle. I don't know why I assumed it was a basic CAM software instead of a GRBL interface. So I guess the workflow for that would be using CC v6 to generate the gcode and then open it in Candle for sending to the 3020. If CC ever stops working for me there is also freeware at OpenBuilds.com for generating gcode.

[@zaplocked]

@@D.E.Hammer have you come up with any other options? I lead a very basic set of classes for using the cnc router at a local makerspace - I had just moved from easel to carbide v6 (the limited free features and the changing of easels gcode export to be less useful on our mach 4 machine (non standard eof syntax makes you either manually fix the file or manually hit stop at the control panel side) and found out about the v7 limitation when he had to download this software to a new machine. I've advocated for this space to get a makerspace license to vcarve pro, but they're being cheap about it.

[@D.E.Hammer]

I just did my first video 9n an alternative, EstlCAM. It is CAM Only. So you could do CAD in Inkscape, then import that to EstlCAM. Now EstlCAM is not free, it has a 1 time cost for the most current version of $60.00 that gives you tool path for basic and complex cuts. 3 different photo engravings, and 2.5D (import stl) tool path creation. I have not tried the photo or 2.5d yet. So far this is the most cost effective and robust CAM software, besides some web based ones. Once I get done going thru EstlCAM, I am going to try out PixelCNC, price jumps up to $250 on that

[@michaelbruner3555]

Yeah, NOT happy with the enclosure they have decided on. They have done a 180 from everyone to just their machine users. I too have an MK2. I have decide to move completely away from CC because of their attitude. I am looking but I am leaning heavily to Vetric. Yes, that means paying. They are a CNC CAD/CAM software company only so that means it won't be stuck to a certain machine. If I go that route, I will start with the Cut 2D Desktop and move up as I get better or need more cut area. I only have to pay the difference not the whole amount. This software ties very well with gSender.

[@D.E.Hammer]

I looked at Vetric when first starting out, but as I use illustrator and already pay for it for my day job, did not need a powerful CAD. Have a few on my list to look into, just need the time to sit down and try them out.

[@iwannaapple7190]

I have the version just before the MK2. Watch out for their glitch! Bit every now and then crashes into the aluminum block. I got to where I used paper instead. I still like to hit the "Go to z" button just because I like to see the accuracy. I get a kick out of it. every now and than it still crashes into the wood. Then I got to where I went off the wood and test the z height. It has gone past the start depth of the wood and would have crashed if I wouldn't have tested off the work area. Currently I have a broken nut that cracked during the last crash. didn't fully realize what it was till I loosened them to align it with the table. Now I have to send in a video of me trying to tighten it showing it is broke in half from their glitch that they do mention. Their solution is to change to millimeters from inches when setting zero. I am not completely buying this. I believe it is not converting correctly and their variables aren't resetting to zero so the variable accumulates and makes the bit crash. They call themselves continuously giving updates but I am not seeing it happen. Gsender doesn't even tell you when the update is over and they won't even fix that. However, once hoops are jumped through with video they do follow through unless you are out of warranty.

[@genesishep]

I suppose it will depend on where you want your channel to go and how, or if, you want it to grow. It's not a choice of ours to make. To be completely honest I'm not a subscriber yet but I do watch a number of your videos. I tell you that because I want to be honest and you may want to give more weight to the opinions of your current subscriber base over those of potential subscribers. I do not own a Shapeoko nor do I use Carbide Create Pro. If you continue to use CCP only, for me, your content MIGHT become less helpful so the likelihood of me continuing to find your channel as useful may decrease. I personally don't know yet and would have to see over time. As a strong supporter of free software I am, of course, disappointed but as you said it is their choice to make. All we can do is choose how we respond. Thank you for the update, it is appreciated.

[@D.E.Hammer]

First thanks for watching, and tottaly understand on the sub part. Yeah they caught me off gaurd with this announcement, so did think to hard on it. I am trying out other CAMs and seeing where it takes me.

[@Todd-W]

CC program, albeit a free or paid version, was always lacking and just frustrating end users anyways so honestly, no great loss here. You're better off using VCARVE or CARVECO anyways, much more robust and productive platforms than Carbide Create could ever dream of being! C3D seems to just continue pissing off their customers in one way or another. If not with the crappy quality builds of the two top of the line (when purchased) machines when I bought them, then software. Is exactly why I moved on from them and sold both machines. Rather actually use the machine I own than spend time fixing what shouldn't have been design problems in the first place.. Good ridden C3D

[@D.E.Hammer]

For a newb it was a cheap and easy entry point. Before I jump on the vcarve/carveco band wagon, I am trying out some other CAM programs. Working on ESTLCAM right now.

[@JustinTyme1966]

They screwed everything up. Im selling my shapeoko and getting Onefinity

[@derekhawley9660]

Carbide Create is useless. What dummy designs software that draws rectangles from the center? I use Lightburn with my laser and their editor is brilliant. If they extend their capabilities to cnc, I will be happy the BUY the software.

[@amanitephalloide]

I am thinking of going with vertric Vcarve Pro. The free version is only limited by the size of the work (24inx24in I think). Great for hobbits like me. Check it out