cncArtistMachines / Centroid Acorn
Centroid Acorn (CNC12) and Sequoyatec
cncArtist for Centroid Acorn: CAM for Mac, iPad and iPhone
Native Mac software for designing, simulating and cutting on Centroid Acorn (CNC12) and Sequoyatec. Free to download. $299 once to cut without limits. No subscription.
Why cncArtist suits Centroid Acorn
Centroid Acorn is a capable controller that is often paired with larger routers. cncArtist has a post for it, which writes tool changes (T M6) with a tool-length offset (G43 H).
It is the default machine in the app.
What it writes, and how to send it
Centroid Acorn (CNC12) post
File extension .nc. The post writes the tool change into the program, so a multi-bit job stays in one file and pauses where you swap bits.
How to send it
CNC12, Centroid's control software on the Acorn. Copy the .nc file to the machine's PC (USB stick or network) and load it in CNC12.
Rotary output has golden-file tests but has not been run on a real rotary axis. 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 Centroid Acorn
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sequoyatec 1325 · Centroid Acorn | 1300 × 2500 mm 51.2 × 98.4 in | 200 mm | Centroid Acorn (CNC12) |
| Avid PRO 4848 · Centroid Acorn | 1240 × 1240 mm 48.8 × 48.8 in | 200 mm | Centroid Acorn (CNC12) |
Features that matter on Centroid Acorn
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.
Rotary
Wrap a design around a cylinder for candles, handles and turnings, or index around it, if your machine has a rotary axis fitted.
Nesting with tabs
Pack parts onto the sheet to waste less wood, with tabs that hold each one in place.
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 Sequoyatec 1325 or Avid PRO 4848 Centroid Acorn in Machine, or edit the figures for your router.
- Design and toolpath.
- Simulate.
- Export and take the .nc file.
- Load it in CNC12, set zero and run an air cut.
Questions
Which extension?
.nc
Does it do tool changes?
The post writes the tool change into the program, so a multi-bit job stays in one file and pauses where you swap bits.
Can I edit the post?
Yes. Copy and edit it from Export or Machine.
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.