help with operating masuter pro

[keith cage]

I would like to know the best way to convert bitmaps and vectors into 3d designs that are compatible with my cnc machine. and any advice on using a masuter pro foxalien

[Grandpadave52]

14 hours ago, keith cage said:

I would like to know the best way to convert bitmaps and vectors into 3d designs that are compatible with my cnc machine. and any advice on using a masuter pro foxalien

First, welcome to The Patriot Woodworker Community  Keith. Glad you found us and came aboard. Looking forward to your on-going participation.

 

I'm CNC impaired but hopefully some of our resident gurus will stop by shortly with some suggestions. @4DThinker, @difalkner, @honesttjohn, @KevTN

[4DThinker]

I'm not familiar with the masuterpro foxalien, but the software I use is Aspire from Vectric.com and has the ability to turn bitmaps (grayscale work best) into 3D models as well as closed vectors into 3D models using their modelling tools.  It is expensive and checking Google likely twice the cost of your CNC though.  They also have several video tutorials on how to go about those operations.  For less expensive options you'll need to wait for advise from the other gurus around here. 

4D

[difalkner]

Like @4DThinker, I'm not familiar with masuterpro foxalien.  I use Fusion 360 and Carveco; Fusion is free for hobbyists and Carveco has a monthly subscription if you don't want to pony up for the $8k full version (ridiculous pricing!).

 

I believe with Blender you can do height mapping and create 3D images but I don't use it enough to tell you how to do that.

[KevTN]

Welcome!! Beware CNC can become addictive!  I use Vectric Pro the only way I know how to make 3D is by using Aspire. Do not quote me on this I *think* Easel can do it but not sure. Paw Paw's WorkShop (YouTube) has a lot of information on FoxAllen CNC, BUT you better come back and show some of your projects!! 

[Cal]

Welcome aboard Keith, glad to have you here.  Looking forward to some of your projects and advise...

New guys usually bring the donuts as an initiation.  Do they have jerk donuts down your way?  If not I'll settle for a blueberry

[KevTN]

You can do bitmap to vectors in most softwares. There is also a website I use sometimes that will convert into a lot of other files but does not do 3d.