Tutorial videos for the DeskProto CAM software
Instruction videos for using DeskProto
The DeskProto videos are grouped by subject. Clicking on any of the groups shown below will bring you to the video page for that subject. On each page you can find a few videos, and also a free download of the STL file used in the videos, in order to run the process and create your own model !On this page:
- 1. Introducing DeskProto
- 2. Vector machining
- 3. Bottle (basic geometry)
- 4. Picture Frame
- 5. Rotary machining (4-axis)
- 6. Indexed machining (4-axis)
- 7. Five-axis machining
- 8. Coat of Arms
- 9. Lithophanes (bitmap)
- 10. Laser engraving
- 11. Jewelry
- 12. Various
Do not forget to switch on your sound before starting a video.
A number of these videos have been made using DeskProto Version 6 or an even older version. These tutorials still can be used for V7, however differences will be present ! Below each video the caption text mentions the version number: V5, V6, V7 or V8. We will create more V8 videos as soon as possible.
1. Introducing DeskProto (tips and tricks)
These videos show DeskProto topics other than toolpath calculation. Like downloading and installing, tips and tricks about the user interface, machines, postprocessors, etc.
2. Vector videos (tutorials about vector machining)
The Vector videos will teach you how to use DeskProto for Vector machining: calculating toolpaths based on curves in a 2D drawing. They will show the user interface, how to import a drawing (SVG, DXF AI or EPS file), orientate it, calculate toolpaths and save these in an NC program file. The important concept of roughing and finishing will be explained as well.
You can also find basic information about vector machining in Lessons 1 and 7 of the printed or PDF DeskProto Tutorial.
3. Bottle videos (basic geometry tutorials)
The Bottle videos give you basic information on how to use DeskProto for Geometry machining: the user interface, how to import a geometry, orientate it, calculate toolpaths and save these in an NC program file. Also the important concept of roughing and finishing is explained.
Basic DeskProto use: create a model that can be machined from one side, or like the bottle can be machined in two halves to be glued together later.
4. Picture frame videos (geometry tutorials)
The Picture Frame videos will teach you how to machine a nice picture frame, using the free STL file that comes with every DeskProto. As this is a very good way to learn using DeskProto, this same sample geometry is also used in Lesson 2 of the DeskProto Tutorial book. The two V6 videos have been made using a now obsolete version of DeskProto, the main process still applies though.
5. Rotation axis videos (featuring Lincoln, Venus, Nefertiti, ...)
One famous man (Abraham Lincoln) and two beautiful woman (Venus de Milo and Queen Nefertiti of Egypt) are used to show you how rotation axis machining is done in DeskProto. DeskProto uses the 4th axis to offer continuous rotation: the block of material rotates during machining, like the roast on a barbecue spit. In addition DeskProto also supports using your 4th axis for indexed machining.
These video's of course apply only to the Multi-Axis edition - not to the DeskProto Entry edition and Expert Edition: rotation axis machining is not possible in these editions. The Free Edition offers you the option to do rotary machining in trial mode.
The Venus STL file is one of the free CAD files that can be downloaded from this website, and is very popular.
A note about rotation axis machining: in case you cannot select "Use rotation axis" as that option has been grayed out, you need to add rotation axis support in the definition of your machine in DeskProto: Options menu -> Library of machines -> OK on warning -> Select your machine and press Edit -> Press "Advanced settings" -> Check "Has rotation axis", and enter a value for Distance to working table.
You can also read the Tutorial book (printed or as PDF) for more information:
in Lesson 3 of the Tutorial book you can find detailed instructions about rotation axis machining.
6. Indexed machining (with 4th axis)
The Indexed Machining videos show a second method to use your rotation axis. Indexed means machining from several sided, using 3-axis toolpaths for each side, with a rotation in-between. The 'V7 Corbel' video will also explain the differences between indexed machining and continuous rotation. These video's of course apply only to the Multi-Axis edition.
7. Five-axis machining
The Five-axis videos are about the options for 5-axis machining that DeskProto offers. They explain what type of machines are supported (trunnion table) and what type of toolpaths are possible for 5-axis (indexed). These video's of course apply only to the Multi-Axis edition.
8. Coat of Arms videos (3D + 2D + bitmap machining)
The Coat-Of-Arms relief videos show you how to create complex relief geometry (a beautiful Coat of Arms). The Coat of Arms STL file is one of the free CAD files that you can download from this website, and is a popular download. You can add your own text and your own image to create a customized result.
9. Lithophane videos (bitmap machining to create a lithophane)
The Lithophane videos tell you all you need to know to machine your own lithophanes. A special DeskProto application, producing amazing results - while very easy to machine.
The first of these videos shows what can be achieved using the Free Edition of the DeskProto software.
10. Laser engraving videos
The Laser videos show the options that DeskProto offers for a machine with a laser engraving option.
11. Jewelry videos (creating jewelry wax models)
Jewelry is an important DeskProto application, and the Jewelry videos will teach you how to create toolpaths for creating jewelry wax models.
12. Various videos
Of course many more applications for DeskProto can be found, these various videos show a few. For more application examples you can visit the DeskProto Gallery.