VCarve. Can it convert jpg to a file I can engrave?

[mtylerfl]

...Also, is there a way to make the picture ready for vector engraving?

Maybe just adjusting contrast or erasing a distracting background (done in external photo editors like GIMP or PhotoShop). The line settings, depth of cut, etc. are settings you will make in the Vectric software.

Here is a thread that may be of interest. Concerns edge-lit acrylic and engraving info. Perhaps the links provided in that thread will be helpful as you do your research.

http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php? ... 15#p218754

[ger21]

Also, is there a way to make the picture ready for vector engraving?

You'll never be able to get something that looks like a photo, as the details are far too small for any cutting tools.

You can use something like Halftoner, which may work for you. http://jasondorie.com/page_cnc.html

But it probably isn't ideal for something so small. Perhaps with a diamond drag tool?

[Samson]

It depends how involved you want to get in creating the photo to carve. This can be cut with VCP. I don't know the limitations of desktop.
Spending more time, will gain better results.

[BDM]

I looked at the videos and I don't think that is what I want to do. Those videos show cutting V grooves into the material horizontally and vertically.
I don't see how photoVcarve can engrave to get similar results as the picture below. Am I missing something?

thumbnail.jpg

Do you mean like this? http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=17340

[FixitMike]

PhotoVCarve generates toolpaths consisting of lines that vary in width according to how dark the picture is at that location. When they are carved with a v bit and filled with paint, the picture appears. You can import the toolpath into VCarve Pro and add text.

[huntleybill]

FixitMike: Please tell me how you got that detail from the dog picture. It has much more detail that the results I got from PVC using my photo.

BDM: Yes...that looks nice but how did you get the picture to engrave? Are there instructions on how to do this? Did yo use PVC, or VCP, or ????
As you can see from MY results, I am getting nothing like that.

Sampson: I am not afraid of a little work. It seems you are getting a little better results than I did. I think if the dogs nose had some more detail ( nostrils showing a little better) etc, it might work but then again, it would be cutting horizontal or vertical lines and I don't think that is what I want to do. Even a drag bit would still make horizontal of vertical lines/scratches....right?

How would I be able to get results like this with PVC or VCP? Or is it not possible.

[Samson]

You can get as much detail as you desire, so if you want to see nostrils, just take the time to get the detail. I spent less than five minutes for the result I showed.
It is V-Carved, so there aren't any vertical or horizontal lines. It would look like any other VCP carve.
It could be done with a drag bit, and if set up properly, there would be minimal lines show, if any. I've done drag images, and they are uniform, similar to blasting.

[mtylerfl]

Also...that link you posted does not work.

Hi Bill,

I just saw your comment. Sorry for the delay!

I clicked on the link and it works just fine at my end. Don’t try a copy/paste of the link - that won’t work. You must click on the link directly in the post itself.

I think after viewing both videos, it will be helpful.

[FixitMike]

FixitMike: Please tell me how you got that detail from the dog picture. It has much more detail that the results I got from PVC using my photo.

Here it is: You have to manually enter a small value for the line spacing instead of using the slider.

[huntleybill]

OK...I'm going to try PVC to make a lithoplane..... just as soon as I can find some corian!

[BDM]

BDM: Yes...that looks nice but how did you get the picture to engrave? Are there instructions on how to do this? Did yo use PVC, or VCP, or ????
As you can see from MY results, I am getting nothing like that.

Some of the instructions are in the link, but I used PVC, set your depth to something small like 0.08", MANUALLY enter a small number into the line spacing box (8-15 should work) and use a small ballnose or 30 degree vbit to cut with. I would use cast acrylic if you want a night light. Use the preview to experiment, it doesn't cost anything to try different combos.