Embedded Files
V-Carve is designed specifically to prepare files to drive CNC routers (specifically the Forest Scientific and Techno Davinci CNC routers). It has a variety of creative toolpaths ranging from standard profiles and pockets, to V-carve, inlay, and Photo V-carve toolpaths.
V-Carve is designed specifically to prepare files to drive CNC routers (specifically the Forest Scientific and Techno Davinci CNC routers). It has a variety of creative toolpaths ranging from standard profiles and pockets, to V-carve, inlay, and Photo V-carve toolpaths.
V-Carve can work with files created in either 3D modeling software (such as Solidworks) or vector software (such as Illustrator). Designing can also be completed in V-carve itself. It's design tools have been optimized for work normally completed on a CNC router.
V-Carve can work with files created in either 3D modeling software (such as Solidworks) or vector software (such as Illustrator). Designing can also be completed in V-carve itself. It's design tools have been optimized for work normally completed on a CNC router.
While V-Carve can create 3D toolpaths to make 3D carvings, you cannot directly create 3D models in V-Carve. Solidworks, or some other program, needs to be used to create the 3D model first.
While V-Carve can create 3D toolpaths to make 3D carvings, you cannot directly create 3D models in V-Carve. Solidworks, or some other program, needs to be used to create the 3D model first.
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
Determining Proper Tool Feed Rates (Wood & Plastic) (Use this document to replace the default feed rates (which are really slow) with more appropriate feed rates.)
Recommended Tools and Tool Settings for Processing King Colorcore plastic on a CNC (Use these settings for the shown bits when using V-Carve to prepare CNC files).
Amana Tool Spektra-Plastic O-Flute Speed & Chip Load Chart (one of the common bits used to mill plastic)
VIDEO TUTORIALS
VIDEO TUTORIALS
If you cannot find a video below, try going to Vectric's Tutorial Page.
CREATING FOREST SERVICE SIGNS WITH V-CARVE:
CREATING FOREST SERVICE SIGNS WITH V-CARVE:
Creating Vectors in V-Carve for a Sign (This video illustrates the basic steps that need to be used in V-Carve to create the vectors required to make a sign for the Forest Service. Importing other vector files is also illustrated.) (Length: 28:37)
Creating Previews and Posting Toolpaths Using V-Carve (This video continues the previous one and illustrates how toolpaths and previews are created, as well as how toolpaths get posted and converted to the file type used by the CNC machines in the shop.) (Length: 34:01)
GETTING STARTED VIDEOS:
GETTING STARTED VIDEOS:
How to Create a Simple Sign in Vectric Software (This is a good place to start if you have never used V-Carve before.)
How to use the profile toolpath in Vectric Software (Profile toolpaths are usually used to cut shapes out of material.)
How to use the pocket toolpath in Vectric Software
How to use the V-carve toolpath in Vectric Software (These are toolpaths designed for use with V-bits.)
How to Create a V-carved sign in Vectric Software (A good video to understand what a V-carved toolpath does instead of a more typical pocket or profile toolpath often used with straight bits.)
How to add clearance tools to v-carving in Vectric V-Carve (Clearance tools are used to rough out most of the wood first. Then a V-bit is used to create the sloped sides of larger spaces and cavities. The use of clearance tools before a V-bit will save lots of milling time, and will also make the bottom of larger cavities look better. It will require a tool change between toolpaths however.
How to preview toolpaths in V-Carve (The ability to preview what your toolpath will do is essential in getting the CNC to produce what you want. Tools you learn in this video will also help you control the preview of your cut design in the software. Having an accurate preview can be important to show a customer so they know what they will be receiving BEFORE making it.
How to save toolpaths in Vectric Software (With your design complete, the last step is to save the toolpaths you have created in V-Carve into files the CNC's in the shop can read and follow.)
Importing vectors and creating profile toolpaths in Vectric Software (Profile toolpaths are used to cut shapes out of material. Vectors can be created in V-Carve, but they can also be imported after being created in other programs, like Illustrator.
INLAY VIDEOS:
INLAY VIDEOS:
How to use the auto inlay toolpath in Vectric Software (For use in simple, straight inlays.)
How to use the V-carve inlay toolpath in Vectric Software (Watch this before attempting a V-inlay.
Using V-Carve to Make a Straight Cut Inlay (by Cutting it Close) Straight cut inlays are good for simple inlays without too much details, and are faster.
Using V-Carve to Make a V Inlay (by Cutting It Close) V inlays generally look better, can handle finer detail, but take longer to mill.
PHOTO V-CARVE VIDEOS:
PHOTO V-CARVE VIDEOS:
How to use the Photo V-Carve toolpath in Vectric Software (Photos often do not have enough contrast for laser engraving. However, this type of toolpath can usually make CNC engraving a photo into wood possible. Note: creating the toolpath is explained in the video. If you want to do this, typically what you will also need to do is seal your wood with two to three coats of shellac BEFORE CNC milling so the paint you apply AFTER the CNC milling does not soak into the wood. The applied paint will go into all of the CNCed areas. Once dry, a finish sander with 320 grit sand paper can be used to remove all over-sprayed paint from the wood's surface, leaving only the CNCed areas with paint.)
3D CARVING:
3D CARVING:
How to import and machine a 3D model in Vectric V-Carve. (This video discusses how to make the toolpaths required for 3D carving.)
How to make a 3D project with pre-made 3D models in Vectric Software (This will show you how to import 3D models (that must be made in some other program) into V-carve and manipulate them to a final design. This does not discuss the toolpaths that will be required to cut them.)
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