OVERVIEW 01
Most projects start before you walk in the door. The tools below are what members use to design, slice, and prep files at home. Download what you need, learn it on your own time, and come in ready to make.
3D DESIGN 02
Whether you're heading for the CNC, the 3D printers, or both, the project starts as a model. These two tools handle 3D CAD and export the file formats the shop's machines need.
PTC
Browser-based 3D CAD with nothing to install. Design in the browser, access it anywhere. The free tier covers non-commercial use and integrates directly with Kiri:Moto for slicing. A solid starting point if you're new to CAD and don't want to commit to a desktop install.
Free for non-commercial use.
Autodesk
Full parametric 3D CAD plus CAM toolpath generation in one package. Use it to model parts for 3D printing, generate G-code for the CNC, or both in the same project. The learning curve is real. So is the capability.
Free for personal, non-commercial use.
CNC 03
The Avid Pro CNC runs on Mach4, and the G-code it needs starts here. VCarve Pro is the shop's primary design-to-cut workflow.
Vectric
The shop uses VCarve Pro to design projects and generate the G-code that runs the Avid Pro CNC through Mach4. 10BitWorks holds a Makerspace Edition license. That means you can download the free trial at home, design your project using the full feature set, and bring the file in to cut on the licensed shop copy.
For most 2D and 2.5D CNC work at 10BitWorks, this is where you start.
Free trial. Licensed copy at the shop.
PRINTING & LASER 04
These tools sit between your model and the machine. Get the file right before you come in and you'll spend more time making.
Prusa Research
Open-source 3D printing slicer. Import your model, dial in your settings, export the print file. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Free.
SoftFever
Open-source slicer for FDM printers, built for people who tune their machines. The calibration suite runs inside the slicer, so dialing in a new printer or filament takes minutes instead of an evening of test prints. Per-feature control over walls, infill, supports, and seams. Tuned profiles for hundreds of printers, including the ones on the floor here. Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Free and open source.
Grid.Space
Browser-based slicer that handles FDM printing, SLA, CNC milling, and laser cutting in one place. No install required. Integrates directly with Onshape. Worth bookmarking if you're working across more than one machine type.
Free.
LightBurn Software
What actually runs the laser. Import artwork in any major vector or image format, SVG, AI, PDF, DXF, PNG, and more, set power and speed, and send the job. Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Members can get LightBurn at $30 per year. Ask for the discount code in Slack or when you come in.
$30/year for members. 30-day free trial.
GRAPHICS & DESIGN 05
Whether you're prepping art for the laser or editing photos for engraving, these tools cover the 2D work. All three are free.
Inkscape
Free, open-source vector editor. SVG is the format most laser workflows need, and Inkscape is the standard tool for creating and editing it. Good starting point if you're new to vector graphics.
Free.
The GIMP Team
Free, open-source raster editor. Photos, raster images, bitmap work. Resize, adjust, and convert files for laser engraving or other shop uses. Not a drawing tool by design, but versatile.
Free.
Affinity / Canva
Professional design suite in one free package: vector work, image editing, and page layout. Canva acquired the Affinity brand and made the full suite free. A capable alternative to Creative Cloud for members doing serious design work.
Free.
Visit 08
8610 Botts Ln
San Antonio, TX 78217
Visitor Hours
WED 9am – 1pm
THU 9am – 1pm
SAT 9am – 1pm
SUN 9am – 1pm
Or by appointment
