Traditionally, woodworking was all done by hand. While this particular skill is an old and respected art form, hand carving wood pieces left a lot of room for mistakes and was very time-consuming.
The invention of power tools and machines has elevated the world of woodworking by improving the speed and efficiency at which wood products can be made.
While some folks may not like to use computer programs for woodworking, our software programs here at Laguna Tools are easy to learn on.
Once you get the hang of how each program works, you can have design files ready to import into your CNC machine within 15 minutes. Let’s explore our current software lineup now.
VCarve Pro
If you want to cut out 2D and 3D designs using one of our CNC routers, then you might find exactly what you’re looking for in a software program with VCarve Pro.
Pic Credit: https://www.vectric.com/
It comes with a full set of editing and drawing tools for you to create your own designs from scratch. You can also import 2D designs for an easy-to-customize ready-made template.
Some of the 2D functions you can expect from this program include drilling, inlays, profiling, and pocketing. If you want to produce 3D designs, you can use this program for finishing.
You can even hit the 2.5D sweet spot in-between the two routing operations to perform fluting, texturing, prism carving, and other types of V-Carving toolpaths. You can also go over a preview before you finalize the design.
Aspire
If you are looking to undertake some 3D relief modeling, then the Aspire program is what you need with your CNC router. It can handle 3D engravings on just about any type of wood product including jewelry, signage, architectural moldings, millwork, wood panels, and even doors.
Using the system’s 3D component construction tools, you can easily create your own designs or build off of pre-made ones.
Pic Credit: https://www.vectric.com/
Aspire is an intelligent software program based on the VCarve Pro system. It’s user-friendly and can quickly convert 2D drawings or even pictures into high-quality 3D designs for carving.
When you purchase Aspire, you will get access to the built-in library of clip-art and an array of various toolpaths.
You will also get a reference manual and an installation DVD that contains more than 30 hours of video training tutorials. All of your questions about using the program will be answered in this instructional video.
RhinoCam and the Rhinoceros 5.0 CAD Modeler
Another useful software program for woodworking on a CNC router is RhinoCam. This plug-in program run inside Rhinoceros 5.0 and is great for creating cutter paths. Freeform modeling is made easy with this system.
Pic credit: https://mecsoft.com/rhinocam-art/
Milling and hole-making functions include 2-1/2, 3, 4, and even 5 axis operations. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to select and display various parts of the cutting process.
You should note that not every PC can handle this software. You need an i5 or i7 processor and a dedicated graphics card for the system to function properly. Also, keep in mind that a second hard drive may be needed to store old or large files.
Mozaik
As the recent winner of the Visionary Award for advancements in software technology, Mozaik is the CNC program that will transform your design into G-Code in a flash.
This fully integrated program includes Design, Manufacturing, Optimization, MDF Door, CNC dovetail Drawers, and G-Code nesting all under the Mozaik title.
Pic Credit: http://www.mozaiksoftware.com/products/mozaik-cnc
Here at Laguna Tools, we offer a 6-month subscription with the purchase of a Smartshop CNC. CNC program that will transform your design into G-Code in a flash.
For a low monthly fee Mozaik allows cabinet makers to take advantage of a full blown production software without the large upfront investment required from other software providers.
Enroute FAB Advanced
If you are searching for the right software program that can help you produce a variety of finished products, then you need Enroute FAB Advanced. This complete system includes every step of the woodworking process from design to generating toolpaths and even output applications.
It will help you generate 2D and 3D designs, creating all the necessary toolpaths to achieve the design along the way.
Pic Credit: https://www.thinksai.com/products/enroute
This perfect CNC routing program allows you to save templates at various points in the design process. This way, you can save different toolpath strategies, tool choices, and materials for future projects.
That means you won’t have to start from scratch again. You can simply open up a saved template from a prior project and build off of it. Enroute FAB Advanced was created to make the process of 2D and 3D design for woodworking easier than ever before.
Here at Laguna Tools, we offer a few different versions of this program including Apprenticed, Advanced, and 6 Site License. We also offer training DVDs to help you get familiar with the program at your own pace.
Flash Drive
Always remember that the easiest way to import design files from your PC to your CNC machine is by a USB (flash) drive. We offer one in our accessories section of our website that has 256 MB of storage space for your files.
You can quickly export files from your software program to the flash drive, and then import those same files onto your CNC router.
CNC Routers
If you peruse through our product pages, you will find many different CNC routers including the SmartShop Series, the Swift Series, and many more. Our customers have had nothing but great things to say about these machines.
If you want to learn more about them, you can read through our blog or visit our expansive video library. We have many step-by-step tutorials and even advice on setup and maintenance.
We cover just about every machine that is available in our inventory. So, we are sure that you can find something on the machine you’re interested in.
Talk to Us
If you have any other questions about our CNC machines, software programs, or accessories, get in touch with our experts here. We’d be happy to address your questions and concerns.
