As the topic states… looking for some insights on current modeling software, especially from those who have used a few to help compare.
I currently have access to fusion 360. I’ve learned a lot the past year, especially to help whip up some basic components to 3D print. Have also successfully exported gcode to test a few very basic items with my new AltMill.
That being said - seems that making more intricate items or 2.5D/3D carvings would be incredibly tough. I just finished Sienci’s own “2026 Software” YouTube video which was informative but is pretty high-level. Vectric seems like a pretty good middle of the road option… what I’m really looking for is something that can whip out CNC items pretty quick w/o struggling in Fusion 360. I’m a hobbyist, so want to dabble in everything from cabinet fronts to signs, 3D carvings, etc.
Has anyone used both of these? Others? Appreciate the insight.
I use both of these software but for different applications. But I treat both Vectric and Fusion as more of a CAM package then a CAD package. I’ve never tried modeling in Vectric, but I suppose it’s possible. But for modeling I would explore the free alternatives out there like Onshape (workflow is like Solidworks). as well
For CAM, I use the 2 software for different reasons.
Vectric for anything in wood or plastic, that is going to be an engraving or simple 2-2.5D cut and specifically in a flat stock material. Vectric makes working with those really simple, and workable with a SVG which is often the format that we received for those 2 material types.
Fusion360 I use purely for aluminum, it has adaptive toolpaths that Vectric doesn’t which makes for some undesirable loads on the endmills in certain situations such as corners for hard materials. For mechanical parts with multi depth, complex features Fusion is my go to for CAM. Either model in Fusion itself or load in a STEP/IGES file from Solidworks and do all the CAM work in fusion.
I use SolidWorks professionally, and Fusion360 recreationally. For the home gamer who really wants to get into detail design, I always recommend Fusion360. Their free license is unmatched and their CAM tools are unbeatable.
I’ve always wanted to to pivot to OnShape but their business model confuses the hell out of me. Everything you make will be in the public domain, unless you are on a paid tier, but their paid tiers are pants on head insanely expensive for what (I believe) is much worse software.
I’ll keep plugging with Fusion360 for the time being. Reading through forums (here and elsewhere), sounds like there are some really good resources on YT for walkthroughs.
There will never be any shortage in resources for the popular programs, that’s for sure. Best advice I can give is to pick a simple project, and learn only the techniques and tools needed to do that project. Don’t try to learn the whole program from top to bottom without direction. Focus on learning what you need to achieve a specific goal, I find that to help the people I train.
Thanks for this. I need to do some more research on Vectric… That’s what my gut had told me: that Vectric product might make “create and carve” a quicker process than Fusion’s intricacies.
My biggest question is whether Fusion can also do everything Vectric offers. If so, then it might be a case of buckling in to learn more about Fusion.
On numerous occasions I’ve set out to tackle a problem, but then allow the session to bloat into a much broader problem set. Then it’s easier to grow frustrated WHILE kicking off even more issues to tackle. Love the reminder to ‘keep it simple’. Do doubt this will accelerate learning. Thanks!
Vectric and Fusion 360 approach 3D modeling in fundamentally different ways, and each has its own strengths and limitations.
Vectric primarily creates 3D geometry using depth maps and relief-based modeling, while Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and Onshape use solid modeling techniques.
Creating organic 3D reliefs in Fusion 360/Solidworks/onshape can be challenging and time-consuming. Conversely, modeling complex, dimensionally accurate solid parts in Vectric can be equally difficult.
There are projects where I wouldn’t consider using Fusion 360 because creating the required geometry could take ten times longer than in Vectric. The reverse is also true for certain engineering-focused parts that are much better suited to Fusion 360. Rather than one being better than the other, they’re simply different tools designed for different types of work. Choosing the right one depends on the project at hand.
I’ve used fusion for years and years to do 3d modeling for a 3d printer, and can whip parts out quite quickly that said I’m finding the learning curve to do simple wood working on a CNC to be a bit onerous, I’m sure I’ll get quicker, but if I just want a basic design I use either Easel Pro or VCarve Pro from vectric. Things like creating the waste board were just much easier and faster with one of those programs.
Easel has a really great clip art libary and if you create a project in easel using their clipart you can download the project file as a zip, upon opening it you’ll find the SVG for the project in there which you can then load into other software to work with too which is pretty nice.
I’m VERY biased, but there’s nothing I haven’t been able to do in fusion that can only be done in VCarve. I find VCarve to not be worth the money for what it provides. If your business is largely making signs or reliefs, VCarve is likely the right choice, But if what you make is more general, you can’t beat the power and customizability Fusion brings.