I'm slowly getting some of it, but it's been very frustrating. I've done all the early tutorials and the first 6 that came with Aspire and even though I'm getting some of it, I feel very insecure with what's been presented. I don't think I could construct and machine even a simple shape on my own at this point.
Hang in there and don't be afraid to ask questions. I think it was about 30 or 45 days before I had the AH-HA! moment where it made sense and started to feel as natural as V carving.
Aspire is a stunning product. The other day I was able to help out someone who needed a 3D design for a project. I was able to provide him a design in under 5 minutes. That collaboration can be found
->here
One thing that helped me was to take a very basic V-carve design and the change it into 3D. For example:
Start with V-Carving
1. open a new project
2. draw a box and type your name as you would if you were going to V-carve it
3. select the letters and toolpath with a 90 degree bit and preview. This should be the same as V-Carve pro
4. Delete the tool paths and go to the next step
3D Carving
1. select the letter vectors and click on "Create Shape from Vectors"
2. Choose the angular (pointy) profile and specify a 45 degree angle
3. Click "Add"
4. Press the <Page-Up> or <Page-Down> keys to look at the 3D view along with the vectors. Note how the letters look like a reverse V-Carve. This is a "working model"
5. Click "Make Component" and use the default name (the working model has been changed into a component)
6. Click "Close" on the Create shape dialog box
7. Select the box vector (this is important)
8. Click the Switch to Toolpaths Tab button
9. Click on "Create finishing toolpath" and choose defaults ("OK") in material setup
10. Specify a 0.125 ballnose bit
11. Click Calculate (it may take awhile)
12. Click Preview toolpath
You have now seen how to make a sign with either V-Carve or reverse V-Carve (prismatic) letters.
Now try this approach with other basic shapes. Try them as a V-Carved design, and then try them as a prismatic or domed shapes.
Play with base height.
Use a circle or ellipse rather than a square bounding box.
Watch what happens when you choose Subtract rather than Add
Ask questions and post examples of things that are confusing.
Post examples of small triumphs.
There are others like you with similar questions. Your messages help them too.
