New CNC User's Guide to Inventables Easel

[@buddyboy884]

Thank you so much for making this video. It really helped me out today using my new CNC machine for the first time

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks Robert -- I really appreciate the feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@therottenreviewer2326]

I have been struggling with this for a long time. I needed someone to break it down into segments and explain each part. Well played Sir, well played, and The videos are easy to watch. Thanks a ton for the help. I do have to apologize for making you repeat yourself so often. 🤪

[@cyberreefguru]

Not a problem! Thanks for the kudos and watching!

[@darren0468]

Hi thank you for showing that i have been trying to Learn. I have never done this before. So I am trying to learn everything.

[@cyberreefguru]

No problem Darren - thanks for watching! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@Mr.GucciClass1A]

Thank you for this. The information provided was very informative and straightforward. Am I understanding correctly that I don't have to specify which machine I am using for it to generate the proper code? If so, this is far easier than ever. All the other software I've tried out has a long process of entering information and selecting the machine before it can export the g-code. Thanks again!

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi there -- well, sort of. Easel will only generate gcode that is compatible with the X-Carave, which is (currently) based on grbl. The good news is grbl gcode is very compatible and interoperable since it does not use special or esoteric commands. If you have a machine that uses some specialized version of gcode, then you will need a translator for Easel. Alternatively, Autodesk Fusion (and Vectric and Carveco and others) has post processors which can generate specialized gcode for any machine. That makes Easel simple and easy to use, but also limiting when you have advanced needs. Hope this helps.

[@Mr.GucciClass1A]

@@cyberreefguru Thank you for making that point. In your video, you mentioned 1F, and I'm looking forward to trying Easel. Lately, I've been frustrated with learning CAD/CAM software, which has made the process less enjoyable, contrary to why I initially purchased my 1F. Lately, I've been pondering whether I should sell it and switch to a shaper origin because their Studio software is user-friendly, uncomplicated, and straightforward. However, after watching your video, I realized I should give it another chance before giving up entirely. I have to admit, Shaper’s Origin and Studio are appealing. I wish I had known about them before purchasing my 1Finity. 🤷‍♂️

[@cyberreefguru]

@@Mr.GucciClass1A Hi - I completely understand your frustration. But the Onefinity is completely different from the Shaper Origin. If you just need small cuts or to route a few pockets, the Shaper Origin will work great (note -- I don't own one). But if you want to make much more complicated designs with a lot less human interaction, then the Onefinity or another CNC is your best beat. So it depends on what projects you are trying to make, how repeatable you want them to be, and how much time you want to spend overseeing the actual making process. The Onefinity can operate completely unattended (though I don't recommend that), and the Shaper Origin can not -- two completely different approaches to similar problems. Hope that helps!

[@attilasipeki1418]

Thank you for your video. I would like to ask what to do if I have design when some shapes has to be cut outside the line and other ones inside the line? How to combinate? Thank you!

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi - thanks for watching. When you define your cut in Easel can define if you want to cut outside, inside, or on the line. Click on the Cut tab and at the bottom there is a drop down that allows you to select the milling operation. Is that what you mean?

[@bermchasin]

its there a way to use a v-bit with the inlay generator?

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi - not that I am aware of. You might want to ask the folks at Inventables though. Thanks for watching!

[@edenrock1017]

Where do you your place your materiel on your cnc from the start?

[@edenrock1017]

Do you have a video of where on the board do you place the materiel you are working with?

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi there. You mean on the spoil board? I don't have any set location I put the stock unless I'm batching out project, then I create a jig so the stock is always in the same position and I can return to the previous zero location. You can certainly add bumpers so your stock is always in the same location if you want. Thanks for watching!

[@DouglasAdams-x4t]

all this info work on Fox Alien CNC. great stuff you have here

[@cyberreefguru]

gcode is gcode -- assuming the Fox Alien accepts 'standard' gcode -- thanks for watching!

[@larrycurran7005]

That was an excellent demonstration of how to import a graphic for inlay work. Very helpful. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks Larry - thanks for watching!

[@tomallee6069]

Thank you for this tutorial! I'm just getting started with CNC on a 3018 and this helped so much!

[@cyberreefguru]

No problem - I am super glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@cliftonmcreynolds5872]

Great video. Effectively answered all my beginner questions. Thanks

[@cyberreefguru]

Thank you Clifton - thanks for watching!

[@rccanuck4473]

Can you use the supplied fonts to inlay. Or do you need to import a font in SVG format?

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello Zapper - you can use any object or text with the inlay app. Thanks for watching!

[@sundownhamlet1291]

the gcode wouldnt load at first in ugs then when it finally did i could get it to start making the shape but the spindle wont start automatically, is there a code i can add until i get a trim router?

[@cyberreefguru]

M03: Start spindle spinning clockwise M04: Start spindle spinning counter-clockwise M05: Stop spindle spinning But I don't understand that in the context of "until i get a trim router" - what are you using now? The gcode start and stop will only work if you (a) have a spindle, (b) you can control the spindle with your machine. A trim router does not meet any of those conditions.

[@daveyJ213]

So, once I have my Shapeoko CNC machine connected to Carbide Motion, I simply open Carbide Motion and "open" or upload the saved gCode file to my computer directly into Carbide Motion, correct?

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi David - yes, I believe that is the workflow. Though I'm not sure how it works with the non-pro version since they removed the export gcode ability. I would hope they allow you to use regular CC without buying pro if you have a Shapeoko. Something I will have to ask about. Thanks for watching!

[@daveyJ213]

I did ask, and you are correct; you cannot export a G-code file from the non-Pro version of Carbide Create. However, if I understood the folks on the forum correctly, one can simply open the regular ".c2d" file directly into Carbide Motion and it will extract the embedded G-code information. Hope that is the case. Thanks again.@@cyberreefguru

[@toddboyd41]

What a great breakdown on how to use this program. Makes life alot easier!

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks Todd - I really appreciate the feedback! Thanks for watching!

[@williamjustice1906]

what is a good cnc machine that you would recommend to a new user

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello William -- unfortunately the answer is "it depends". It depends on how much you have to spend (including all the hidden costs - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fovQp5p_edqCf7csi=kLdP3uQ4f_setJOk), what you want to cut, and how big the items you want to make. At this point there are few options under $1K that I would recommend if you are serious about the hobby. Between 1K and 2K, the original XCarve, Shapeoko 4, or Long Mill are probably the best options. $2K-$3K, the "original" Onefinity or Shapeoko Pro. $3K-$5K, Onefinity Elite primarily because of the closed loop steppers. Above $5K, well, I would not recommend spending that much for your first machine ;). Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@loydpike8528]

Do you ever do videos with the Genmitsu brand, specifically the 4040 pro?

[@cyberreefguru]

I did a video on the 3080 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpzXdGWkoKiLZsk. I don't have any of the others so can't do videos on them.

[@Chris-vc1dh]

I tried inlay with easel but they never fit together, how do you use that tolerance tab?

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi Chris - the tolerance is the distance between the inlay and pocket. I've found 0.004 and 0.007 to be acceptable depending on the rigidity of your machine. What machine are you using?

[@Chris-vc1dh]

@@cyberreefguru 6050

[@hillhousemedia9522]

I´ll start using a CNC Ocillant Knife (vibrating knife) will Easel Software will work? thank you

[@cyberreefguru]

I don't know -- the friendly folks at @carbide3d might know since they recently added one to their lineup. Thanks for watching!

[@nealpowell9507]

Excellent presentation

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks Neal!

[@unstoppableninjalol2092]

Can u used easel to generate a g-code for a Makermade M2 if so how can you do it please so frustrated with this machine need help thank you for your time

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello Unstoppable -- I am not familiar with the Makemade M2. A quick Google makes me believe it's a version of the Maslow? In any case, I found this: forums.maslowcnc.com/t/how-do-you-generate-your-gcode/8735. Hope it helps. Thanks for watching!

[@garyshearer13]

You do a great job. Very informative, very quick, thank you for sharing.

[@cyberreefguru]

Thank you for watching Gary!

[@suzannegendrot2349]

Hi am new to cnc. I have a foxAlein Masuter Pro. I have been trying to get this machine to work and am having issues. I have a 300W spindle installed. I have easel pro and when going to the process as soon as I push carve the spindle stops can you help me. It is probably an easy fix that I don't know.

[@cyberreefguru]

I am not familiar with that machine. Based on their website it seems you need to export the gcode and send it to the machine using something called Candle or use their offline controller. www.foxalien.com/blogs/news/3018-se-cnc-router-faqs. Hope that helps - thanks for watching!

[@suzannegendrot2349]

@@cyberreefguru Thank you I will look into it.

[@clintwhitsett]

That was great but do you have a video that does the next step? Everyone seems to stop at this point in their videos. I would like to see you actually connect or send the files to the cnc machine (preferably the Onefinity) and start cutting.

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi Clint - I do have other videos that show the full process; however, you cannot use Easel to send files to the Onefinity. Onefinity has its own controller that sends gcode to the machine. You need export the gcode from Easel, upload to OF, and then click 'play'. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

[@clintwhitsett]

@@cyberreefguru yep that’s great but since my OF hasn’t arrived yet I can’t enact it myself. I’d just be so grateful if someone would fill the gap and actually show me that step. I’m sure this is a no-brainer to someone with a lot of experience operating these machines. I have 30 years experience using design, animation and 3D software but this is my first opportunity to output files to something that isn’t a printer or web site video display.

[@cyberreefguru]

@@clintwhitsett Hi Clint - got it. In short, once you create your gcode -- in any CAM package -- you upload it to your OF. Either using the web interface if you have it on the network, or using a flash drive plugged into the controller. I believe I discuss this in the OF interface overview video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5K2aJ1mdruFeaM). Once you get your OF, let me know, and I'm happy to help walk you through the process. Thanks!

[@clintwhitsett]

@@cyberreefguru Thanks mate. Keep up the good work.

[@lorileacasey2617]

Great video, thanks!

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks for watching!

[@housspin1]

I have a Opnebuilds blackbox-x32 and I try to connect to easel and no success can you please help me figure it out Thank you. Love you channel

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello - looks like you need to export your gcode and use the Openbuilds software: openbuildspartstore.com/openbuilds-control/. Thanks for watching!

[@redherring5532]

Just saw today Easel is promoting a new feature 3D carving. This is a kicker cause when I got my x csrve 3years ago they promoted 3D carving but they counted V carving as 3D carving. I bought V Carve and use openbuilds cam software to run the machine and dont have to pay any monthly Bills to run my machines

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks John - excellent feedback. I've not tried the Openbuilds software so I need to check that out. Fusion 360 is free for hobbyists and does 3d well. I always recommend that (and any free SW) before investing in paid software before you know what you need. Thanks for watching!

[@redherring5532]

@@cyberreefguru I've gone thru the whole gamut of softwares and have called Shapr3D my main CAD software, mostly for 3D printing but it's excellent for making full scale items and taking them down peice by peice to project them to the zero plane and make profiles to cnc cut. I didn't care for Fusion, the work environment was uninspiring for me. And I think they may have changed their free for hobbyist thing. Or at least excludes some features for the free one- worth looking into.

[@cyberreefguru]

Yep, Autodesk has definitely neutered Fusion 360 Hobbyist version. It's still great value, especially if you are doing full product design with PCB layout, but less of a value for anyone doing 3d printing or anything in the mesh space. I like that I can do CAD and CAM in one place, and it is "native" to MacOS. "native" because it's still single threaded in some places and very limited support for M1 right now -- and no clear timeline when it will be fully supported. I think I need to re-look at Shapr3D -- I found it difficult to use the one time I looked at it, but maybe things are different now. Thanks for the feedback!

[@redherring5532]

@@cyberreefguru Shapr3D really shines bright on ipad with the pencil, they have a Windows version and I get good use out of mouse and click too, but the main thing is they update from user feedback. Recently an update contained cloud saving that shares across all used devices. I like to own my software but Shapr3D is my exception as my workflow with it are smooth sailing

[@jamesnorman8489]

The window does not display "work pieces" at the bottom (4:29) and does not allow multiple layers. Your video does not show how to open them.

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello James - at the bottom of the screen, you will see "Workpieces for "". Beside the name is a double arrow - c lick that to open the workpieces. I don't know what you mean by layers. Thanks for watching!

[@jameslockwood5113]

I just bought and assembled my 3018 and have never used a cnc before so I dont know how to just engrave simple words or numbers. Help please.

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello James - please watch my digital manufacturing series (kzbin.info/aero/PLCVvx3PnAfyf-YXNFPpK-_xpc3OTPB8nz) it will set the foundation and give you everything you need to know to get started. Many thanks.

[@aaadabi58]

Hi, it may be a silly question but Is it possible to import .gcode extension with easel? My machine does not recognize .nc Or how to convert .nc to .gcode extension?

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi - simply change the .nc extension to .gcode - the format of the file should be the same regardless of file extension. All that said, you must use the appropriate Easel post processor for it to import properly. They have post processors for most of the major CAM programs. Thanks for watching!

[@mrcannamike5636]

Great information

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks!

[@roberts3741]

I liked and subscribed. Good stuff, sir.

[@cyberreefguru]

Thanks!

[@daniellehouillier1113]

Hi.would you be interested to get on face time to help me get my laptop and CNC working..look like I can't get the touch pad on my touch screen or on my laptop..any cost for it am in .

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello Daniel - which machine are you using again?

[@hoguesignature3273]

Hi Cyberreefguru! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, it's always clear and easy to understand. Question, I have been working with Carbide Create for 4 years now and I hesitate to upgrade to the Pro version to do 3D. I trust you so I would like to know your opinion on which software to choose? I am looking for user-friendly and intuitive software. I consult the furums (mainly 1F) and I can't decide. Thanks !

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi there. This is a really tough call. If you want to do a lot of 3D, then investing in something like Vectric might be a better choice. All the Vectric applications are far more comprehensive than CC or Easel. It's just because they have been around a lot longer and have matured over time. BUT -- it really depends on what you want to do in the 3D space. I've found very few uses for true 3D milling in what I do, but I do see needs in the future. To provide a more direct recommendation -- invest in the least expensive solution, use it until you reach the limits, then upgrade. But I am frugal that way ;)

[@hoguesignature3273]

@@cyberreefguru Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it. You're right, Carbide Create Pro will be a great way to enter the 3D world for me.

[@naushadahmed664]

Iam saving my design but unable to carve ful l design carve

[@cyberreefguru]

What happened?

[@paulpeters324]

i have a dousey question for you. i made a desktop cnc and i run it using a grbl controller on my celphone. i have had to set my stepper motors and adjusted the settings in my #100,101. i done a test run using easel after i downloaded the g-code to my phone. the program completed as written however the dimensions were 50% greater. the distance from the start point to the project was 50% longer and the cut out was 50% larger. everything was 50% larger very strange. any ideas one other thing was the step over with the 1/8 bit is larger so the pocket is not cleared out it leaves a strip between the paths

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi Paul - generally it sounds like your steps/mm are not set properly. Can you enter manual gcode with the phone? If so, move the machine a set distance (say 100mm in one direction) and measure the distance. If it's 50% greater, then I would say your steps/mm are off. If it moves the proper distance manually, then I'm guessing it's the gcode, though I'm not sure how. Is it possible your drawing is scaled by 50%?

[@paulpeters324]

@@cyberreefguru yyes i can enter gcode on the phone i will try this this afternoon thanks i'll let you know how it goes.

[@paulpeters324]

bravo thanks i had to change the steps from the 800 for both axis to #100 to398.009 and #101 to 402.010. works good now thank you now i can do something

[@cyberreefguru]

@@paulpeters324 Excellent - I am glad you got it to work!

[@paulpeters324]

@@cyberreefguru thank you again. i completed my first program today. a text of my wifes name in a piece of plywood. now i can try other things. first 2d then maybe a 3d carving we shall see. i'm already thinking of building a larger machine as mine is ok but needs work.

[@longjohn9972]

I like your info on this easel, but I thought it was a free software my pro time has run out and now I cant download Gcode?

[@cyberreefguru]

I don't have Pro for Easel and I can still download gcode. Have you looked Machine > General Settings > Download g-code?

[@MrApmotos]

great help ........Inventables Easel its free ???

[@cyberreefguru]

Hi Antonio - yes, Easel is free. There is a paid version that adds some great enhancements, but you don't need to upgrade to get the basic capability.

[@frankhovis]

@@cyberreefguru It doesn't seem to be free anymore, just a free trial then $24 a month.

[@cyberreefguru]

@@frankhovis hello Frank, as I point out in a recent video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGSVf5meecalp6c), Easel is STILL free. Scroll to the bottom of the page and you will see: "Free to use after Easel Pro Trial" -- highly deceptive wording and framing. Thanks for watching!!

[@Ferdy-Perezlara]

Hola, soy principiante y estoy trabajando con Easel y en verdad es muy buen programa me gusta mucho, estoy haciendo un retablo ya en producción continua, hay que devastar 1.3 cm de profundidad y un área de 15 x 13 cm, lo hace en 4 pasadas y tarda 36 minutos con una broca de 4 filos up, muy buena por cierto, pero quisiera hacer lo más pesado con una broca de desbaste muy gruesa y al final el último milímetro hacerlo con una broca de bola o alguna que deje un buen terminado, pero no sé cómo hacer esos 2 archivos o el proceso para trabajar con 2 brocas una de desbaste y una final de terminado, si nos ayudas con un tutorial sobre esto te lo agradecería mucho y por cierto tengo un Genmitsu 4030 es pequeño pero suficiente para lo que hago

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello - if I get the gist of your post, you want to do a roughing pass and then a finishing pass, but for drilling? I've never seen anything like that for drilling -- you usually use peck drilling as the combined approach. If you mean for general milling, then it depends on the CAM software you are using. Use multiple tool paths with different clearly strategies - one for roughing, and one for finishing. Easel, Carbide Create, Fusion 360, Vectric, and Carveco all support that capability. Hope this helps - thanks for watching.

[@salvatoregagliardi48]

Is there a sequel to this project?

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello Salvatore - in what form would you like the sequel (e.g., what content)? I am always up for a challenge. Thanks for watching!

[@salvatoregagliardi48]

@@cyberreefguru You said in the video that you were going to make that project, I was wondering if you did and if so is there a video?

[@cyberreefguru]

@@salvatoregagliardi48 Ah, yes. I do plan on it but it took a back seat to other projects. Look for it in the coming weeks!

[@kalyanroy9440]

Please send the link for free easel

[@cyberreefguru]

easel.inventables.com/users/sign_in?tab=new

[@robertvandeventer]

slow down, slow down, slow down, PLEASE

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello Robert - thanks for the feedback. Timing is a tough balance between boredom and information overload. I will pay closer attention during the next one. Thanks for watching!

[@robertvandeventer]

slow down, slow down, slow down, you go to fast for a beginner, much to fast, all you guys go to fast.

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello Robert - thanks for the feedback and understood. Freely exercise the pause button :) Thanks for watching!

[@ronniemoore773]

Everybody says that Easel is free. Thats a lie! Easel has a trial period and thereafter is paid!

[@cyberreefguru]

Hello Ronnie. Easel is free to use - Easel Pro is not. See this page www.inventables.com/technologies/easel#plans where it clearly says: "Free to use after Easel Pro Trial". Thanks for watching!

[@michaelde5620]

Ya you only have to pay for pro other wise it's free

[@Chris-vc1dh]

wwell, Easel is easy but so limited really

[@cyberreefguru]

Depends what you are trying to do. Certainly more limited than Fusion or Vectric, but also 100x easier to use. Thanks for watching!

[@permvagle2452]

To mush empty talk

[@cyberreefguru]

How so?