cncArtistMachines / BobsCNC
BobsCNC Evolution 4 and Quantum
cncArtist for BobsCNC: CAM for Mac, iPad and iPhone
Native Mac software for designing, simulating and cutting on BobsCNC Evolution 4 and Quantum. Free to download. $299 once to cut without limits. No subscription.
Why cncArtist suits BobsCNC
BobsCNC kits are popular for first machines. cncArtist has presets for the Evolution 4 and the Quantum, and writes a GRBL .nc file.
Templates and the simulator mean the first cut is checked before it happens.
What it writes, and how to send it
GRBL post
File extension .nc. This post has no in-program tool change, so a job that uses more than one bit is exported as one file per bit (for example a -1-T2 and a -2-T1 file). Run them in order and re-zero Z after each swap.
How to send it
A GRBL sender such as Universal Gcode Sender, Candle or gSender.
Check the spindle setting and sender configuration for your kit. cncArtist's posts are checked with golden-file tests: the output for a sample job is compared with a saved copy, so a change cannot slip through unnoticed. That is a software test, not a certification on any machine. Run the simulator and an air cut on a new setup before every first cut.
Presets for BobsCNC
Pick your machine by maker and model and cncArtist fills in the bed size, Z travel, safe height and post. These are the makers' published cutting areas, and you can change any figure.
| Preset | Bed | Z travel | Post |
|---|---|---|---|
| BobsCNC Evolution 4 | 610 × 610 mm 24 × 24 in | 85 mm | GRBL |
| BobsCNC Quantum | 610 × 432 mm 24 × 17 in | 85 mm | GRBL |
Features that matter on BobsCNC
Every line checked first
The simulator plays the whole job back in wood, marks gouges on the board and lists each problem with its toolpath or G-code line, before anything reaches the machine.
Guided zeroing at the machine
Walk up to the machine with your iPhone or iPad and follow the steps for X, Y and Z, so the zero you set is the zero the program uses.
Inlays that fit
Male and female parts are cut from one design, so the plug seats tight. V-carve, pocket, profile, 3D, two-sided, tiling and nesting are all in the same app.
Restart after a broken bit
Pick the point where the cut stopped and save a restart file, so you only recut what is left.
From design to first cut
- Pick BobsCNC Evolution 4 or Quantum in Machine.
- Design and toolpath.
- Simulate.
- Export and open the .nc file in your sender.
- Set zero, air cut, then cut.
Questions
Which extension?
.nc
Multiple bits?
This post has no in-program tool change, so a job that uses more than one bit is exported as one file per bit (for example a -1-T2 and a -2-T1 file). Run them in order and re-zero Z after each swap.
Is it GRBL?
Yes, the plain GRBL post.
Coming from Vectric? Read VCarve for Mac.
Free to download.
$299 once to cut without limits.
Design and simulate as much as you like. Your first three jobs export free. Then one purchase unlocks cncArtist on Mac, iPad and iPhone. Commercial use included.
Cut 3 jobs free.
Every design tool, every simulation, and G-code for your first three jobs. No card, no time limit.
Once. Everywhere.
Unlimited export on Mac, iPad and iPhone with one purchase. Free 1.x updates. Family Sharing. Commercial use included.
Launch price $249 until 11:59 pm on Thursday, Dec 31, 2026.
No subscription.
Pay once, cut forever. A paid major version every few years, with an owner upgrade price.