I am interested in getting some software to use with my Glowforge. I am not familiar with any of the programs you mentioned that you are using in your shop.
Adobe Illustrator
Inkscape
Fusion 360
123D Make
Sketchup
What I have is Photoshop which, as good as it is, is not very practical for this sort of application is my guess.
My main interest is working with leather. Generally the material is 1/32 to 1/4 inch thick, sometimes a bit more. What I’m looking to do is create a number of templates which would include edge cutting, holes, groves and light markings as a starting point.
- Is one of the programs you’ve mentioned a practical starting point for this and if so, which one?
One cut I have trouble with is a V groove that is one half the thickness of the material. Along with this, I’d like to be able to make flat bottomed groves and areas. 2) What would be your program choice for this sort of engraving, same, different?
A question about contour tracking. I’ve seen a picture where you etched an image onto some cloth which is essentially impossible to lay flat, leather rarely lies flat too. 3) This leads me to assume that etching an image onto irregular surfaces at a specified depth is a standard feature, yes?
A feature of leather is that top side is quite smooth while the back is quite rough, this is where I usually use the V grove mentioned above. 4) How does the software deal with rough or textured surfaces? I imagine that it averages out fine textures vs contours. I’m sure a certain amount of personalized calibration will be inevitable.
I’m pretty excited with the possibilities the Glowforge demonstrates, enough so that I’m going to put seven months of earned and pension income into getting one, I can hardly wait. (Don’'t worry, I’ll still make sure I eat properly!) Not really too big of a gamble for a hope and a dream.
One further thing. I’m off the grid so have a limitation on many things like an internet connection and electricity. The batteries I have are very limited although I can get 1000 wats from them for a short time - Glowforge + modem + router + computer, a bit of a stretch. The generator makes 1200 wats at about 70 cents an hour, not bad but it adds up quickly. To put that in perspective, running for 8 hrs a day for a working month equals 20% of my combined incomes.
I’d be interested in any updates you have on power consumption when you get them. Perhaps a “developing spec sheet” page on you site would be nice, as though you need another suggestion of something to do.
I have no illusion that I have signed on here in the development phase with all it’s excitement and potential risk but I’m not sure there are any adventures worth reading about that don’t have significant unknowns and challenges. I’m looking forward to the outcome being more exciting than the ride.