I’m a new owner of a CrossFire Pro. I intend to use it mainly for designs for gates and sign. What software is best for designing? I have been playing around with Inkscape on a few projects, but i am wondering if Fusion 360 is better in the long run, once I learn the program. What about the Adobe design software?
Welcome to the forum. I use Fusion exclusively. It has a significant learning curve but is very powerful in the end. With Inkscape, you will still need a program like Fusion or SheetCam to post-process the file into FireControl.
I use SheetCam to post process with Inkscape. Inkspace seems limited and clunky. I dont want to waste a lot of time trying to learn a bad software is my concern.
Inkscape is a great tool also with an opposite learning curve. What works in Inkscape won’t work in Fusion. I have used it. In the beginning, I took a class on it. At night, I did the same thing with Fusion at a local state college.
Welcome to the forum. If I was looking to go into the Sign Business with a CNC Plasma Cutter, I would first ‘invest’ in Affinity Design (and maybe the entire Suite) for a fairly low price for lifetime license. Couple that with SheetCam to convert designs to code for your CNC system, again, a one time low price. Both are relatively simple to use and powerful for 2D graphics.
Ignore the Macho Men who think you need Fusion 360. You don’t unless you’re doing 3D work OR significant Sheet Metal (folded designs). They like getting you frustrated and then ‘helping’ you out.
Depending on your learning style, look for a program that has resources (such as YouTube) that will help you when you don’t know how to do something in it.
I use Fusion and really like it. I have also dabbled in Solid Edge.
Whatever you pick, try to stick with it until you feel comfortable going from start to finish with a simple bracket with precise dimensions.
If you are going to bend metal with the dimensions, check out the sheet metal designing in Fusion 360. Fusion will make the bends and use the rules of bending metal based on the thickness of the metal.
Jimmy, did you know we are now Macho men, according to @TomWS? I knew it. I keep telling Mrs Bigdaddy2166 that I was. It is now confirmed.
I cannot wait to tell her.
I don’t think I get to use that term: I am a dog who doesn’t have a cigar, remember?!
She already knows!!!
Remember this shot we got of you?:
BOY WILL SHE BE SURPRISED!
She will. Thanks, Tom. That recommendation was just what I needed.
@2007kenton hopefully this will help you make a decision on your design software!!!
Sorry. We mean well.
When I got to end of this post I forgot what the question even was. Then after that picture of big daddyo I felt sick to my stomach.
I appreciate the feedback and comedy