Invert Vectors?

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sudo
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 9:32 pm
Model of CNC Machine: CNC SHARK HD4

Invert Vectors?

Post by sudo »

Howdy all,

Ive got a vcarving piece that I want to paint. I had an idea of making a stencil with my laser attachment.

The stencil cuts out great, but its not quite what I was after.

Lets say that the vcarve tool path is negative and the uncarved/untouched wood is positive. Is there an easy way to invert the vectors or engraving so it cuts the positive and not the negative?

Thanks in advance.

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Mike-S
Vectric Wizard
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Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:45 am
Model of CNC Machine: Joe's Hybrid 4x4 (but 3x3)
Location: Hayesville, NC

Re: Invert Vectors?

Post by Mike-S »

Put a bounding box vector around everything and re-calc tool path.

sudo
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 9:32 pm
Model of CNC Machine: CNC SHARK HD4

Re: Invert Vectors?

Post by sudo »

Thanks Mike,

Im really green on Vcarve and Im not sure I follow you 100%

Looking through the vcarve reference manual, I think your referring to using the 'Create Vector Boundary From Selected Components' tool.

I tried selecting the entire model and ran the tool and it traced the outline. I then though you might have meant to use it on the comprising vectors individually but that results in the same cut path that I started with.

I really appreciate your response and was wondering if you could please elaborate a little on the process? Pictures are bonus points ;)

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FixitMike
Vectric Wizard
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Re: Invert Vectors?

Post by FixitMike »

Bounding box = a box drawn around everything you want to invert. Then select both the box and vectors you want to invert. Recalculate the toolpath. The box will cause a pocket to be cut around the other vectors.
Good judgement comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgement.

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Mike-S
Vectric Wizard
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Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:45 am
Model of CNC Machine: Joe's Hybrid 4x4 (but 3x3)
Location: Hayesville, NC

Re: Invert Vectors?

Post by Mike-S »

Exactly, FixitMike.
Below right has "Bounding Box" vector around other vectors.
Attachments
boundbox.jpg

sudo
Posts: 19
Joined: Mon Jan 23, 2017 9:32 pm
Model of CNC Machine: CNC SHARK HD4

Re: Invert Vectors?

Post by sudo »

Ahh I see. Just draw a box around it.

Many appreciations.

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Mike-S
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 1123
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:45 am
Model of CNC Machine: Joe's Hybrid 4x4 (but 3x3)
Location: Hayesville, NC

Re: Invert Vectors?

Post by Mike-S »

Yes, but it need not be a box. You could also offset the circle outward in the above example and get the same effect, but with no large square area cut away. You just need that extra vector around things to reverse the carve.

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