New to Fusion 360

[Anonymous]

I have purchased a BoxZy, which is a CNC, Laser and 3D printer. It includes a one year subscription to Fusion 360. I have not used 360 before nor have I used CAD/CAM software prior to this. I won't see the machine until November. In preparation I purchased another CNC machine that came with a program called V-Carve Desktop. I thought I would get more time to play with it but I had to return to work full time .

I want to learn about and how to use Fusion 360. I would greatly appreciate any comments or suggestions on how best to accomplish this.

Thanks,

Steve DiCenso

[fredsi]

Steve,

As a general comment, Fusion is developing very rapidly (major updates every 3-4 months, minor updates more frequently). As such, it is quite difficult for printed documentation to stay current. I would suggest using the menu in the upper right corner (Help, etc.) to gain access to the tutorials.

Your other friend is Youtube; however, I would caution you to use the filter to list by upload date so you see the most current videos first. Many older videos exist that look totally different from the current software version.

The Learning tab at the top of the Community page also lists valuable resources. Finally, don't be afraid to post questions here on the forum; Autodesk folk, and other users will usually respond in a timely fashion. Good luck.

Fred

[Anonymous]

Fred,

Thank you. That helps quite as bit as I get and idea as to where to start. I am a wood turner and am looking for ways to embelish my turnings. Pens, bottle stoppers, pendants, bracelets, and hollow vessels. I tried to engrave a pen using my Piranha. I wasn't bad considering the Mickey Mouse (Tape) way I held it down. Now I will have to make a better way to do that. In any case that is an idea of where i am going.

Another question. The other software I use, V-Carve has drivers specific to the CNC machine I am using. How does Fusion output its info to a CNC machine. What is the output or output file?

Thanks again,

Steve

[fredsi]

Steve,

Fusion output for CNC is usually via a post process that is machine specific (but user customizable). From what I know of V-Carve (minimal) the ultimate output to the machine is industry standard G-code. Fusion would do the same with a post designed for the machine. I took a quick look at the BoXYZ website; info is minimal but the large presence of Autodesk Fusion leads me to believe there is/will be a post to satsfy it.

The editor in Fusion CAM (Brackets) does not have the ability to connect directly to a CNC for downloading G-code programs. Once again, not sure how the BoXYZ works, whether it has a separate controller or uses the host computer to feed data to a driver box. If you can point me to some in-depth description of the unit I might be able to say more. Alternatively if you start a separate post here or in the CAM forum re: the BoXYZ unit, should be able to get some of the Autodesk folk to chime in (think I've seen it mentioned before).

Fred

[James.Youmatz]

Hi @Anonymous,

Welcome to the Fusion 360 Community!

I know when I started using Fusion 360, one of the resources that helped me the most were the modules (which can be found in the link below). These detailed a lot of steps for me and gave me a good lengthy walk through as well as YouTube links. 

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/fusion-360-ideastation-request-a/pdf-user-manual-for-fusion-360-ultimate/idi-p/5414813

Also, shout out to @fredsi for helping out! Also, feel free to post any CAM related questions you have to the CAM Forum (link below).

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/computer-aided-machining-cam/bd-p/2070

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

James,

Thank yo for the info too. I think once I get into it I'll start to find more.

Steve

Sent from my iPhone

[fredsi]

Steve,

Heard from the BoxYZ folks about their interface. Looks like Fusion will generate G-code from a BoxYZ post. That G-code can then be 'handed off' to the BoxYZ app running on the same computer to drive the mill hardware. Apparently the interface(s) to make this happen seamlessly have already been developed.

Interesting machine....will be curious to see what you create with it. Good luck.

Fred