Hello,
How can I learn Microvellum without purchasing the program?
Below is what the MV rep emailed to me:

Thanks for reaching out to us for info on learning MV! If you’re looking for a job I usually suggest watching out MVU video training series to get you a good understanding of how MV works. https://www.microvellum.com/microvellum-university
We don’t offer trial versions of the software for this purchase, however.

This seems a bit vague to me.
Does anyone have any ideas how I can learn this software?
Thanks for your help.
Tom

After 17 years I'm still learning MV. Without a license you are dead in the water.

Microvellum isn't a simple product. When we purchased a little over two years ago, we also paid for 40 hours of on site training. That 40 hours was just enough to get us started, it took 6 months of me sitting at my desk to get everything dialed in as well as keep production moving.

Before our training even started I filled out some long surveys/questionaires about:
-What type of cabinetry we needed to be able to produce.
-What type of joinery do we use along with typical hardware etc.
-What machinery we use, what tooling do we use in the machines.

I understand the thought behind no trial. If you're not willing to invest in the training, its not going to be succesful. A simple trial would only leave you with more questions that answers.

They build a custom setup for each customer prior to handing over the download. Its built for you and how you do things. Asking Microvellum for sample software is a bit like a customer asking you to supply a sample cabinet built to their specs.

They did give me a great demo ahead of time. They usually do these virtually, but I got lucky and a sales rep happened to be coming to town to implement the software at a local trade school.

Are you wanting to learn the software as a new skillset to seek employment? or are you the shop owner and want to implement new sofware in your company?

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the response. I am a freelance millwork draftsman seeking to expand my skill set. I understand the program is set up for each shop and the way they build. I was thinking if I knew the how, each client would give me the why. Most ads looking for draftsmen also want them to be literate in Microvellum or Cabinet Vision. Maybe I'm asking too much.

Best Wishes,
Tom

Thomas,

If you're proficient in Microvellum, each shop could easily export their build and library to you so that you could have their products and settings. We use Microvellum and all of our drafting is currently outsourced to another company.

If you want to work as a freelancer with Microvellum, you would need to own your own license. You could potentially remote into a computer at the clients office, but this is typically less efficient, as well as they would also need a license on that workstation for you. Our remote drafter has his own license, and starts the job locally on his workstation. Once drawings are approved, the job is then uploaded to our server, and I take over making any adjustments needed after site measure. If any changes need to be made after this point, our drafter remotes into a workstation thats connected to our server. So we actually have a license on our end as well as the drafter having their own license.

Hi Jeff,
Would you mind sharing with me how much a Microvellum license costs?
If you would prefer not to share that info, I understand.
Tom

When we purchased MV in 2023 the cost was close to 50k. However that includes many things you woudln't necesarily need.

For example:
It included an onsite person to integrate MV to our CNC machine.
It included 40 hours of onsite training, they have done a lot of work to develop their online training since then.
It included the time to setup the software to our specific manufacturing requirements.

In 2023 they did not offer subscriptions, but they do now.

I'd reach out to them concerning what it would cost for your requirements.