Vectric Customer

Tempting since I'm in your backyard, but I still have a real job that I have to attend to

I would reach out to the local Maker Works to see if they know anyone or at least put up a flyer in their shop.

You have a GRBL based laser, so if you plan on using Vectric, I would recommend downloading the GRBL postprocessor from this site. A lot of good information on how to do it.

https://jtechphotonics.com/?p=19034

I'm not sure if it would do what you want, but Cut3D would allow you to change dimensions of a STL and you could mush a face down while keeping the other dimensions. Most of those 3D scanners come with software to do the first part (split the head) and then you could bring the resulting file into Cu...

Since you can install the program on up to three different computers, can't you put both versions on your home and shop computer? Then you could use whatever version was necessary for each file at either location. Not a perfect solution, but it would work.

Unless you're getting errors or your projects aren't cutting the way the preview shows, I wouldn't worry about having the "correct" processor.

PhotoVCarve can do a pseudo 3D carving. Think lithophane but using wood and making it much deeper. The dark parts will be deeper and the light parts less so (or vice versa depending on settings).

If you don't want to reinvent the wheel: https://jtechphotonics.com/?p=19034

It won't convert JPG to an STL, but you could look into buying PhotoVCarve. It can take a JPG and carve a relief if you use the right settings. It's an older program without any recent updates, but it has its place in a CNC toolbox. It's free to try the trial version.

Not easy to find, but here is one web search result

https://github-wiki-see.page/m/grblHAL/ ... d-settings

Without a picture or file, it's hard to know exactly what is happening, but unless you're homing on the center of your material, it would be unlikely that you would want text on a corner? Even if you're homing on the center of the material, it doesn't necessarily mean you want the text in the center...

Not exactly sure what problems you're having, but this site has a lot of good information for getting Mach3 to work with a laser and they have Vectric post processors designed for lasers. https://jtechphotonics.com/ Look under upgrade instructions and software. Generally speaking, you set up Mach3 t...

According to the Sainsmart website, you would want to use one of the GRBL post processors (inch or mm)

Might want to consider GRBL?

https://laserweb.yurl.ch/documentation/ ... oothieware
http://smoothieware.org/grbl-mode

I would start here: https://jtechphotonics.com/?p=19034

I'm guessing your system is GRBL based?

I can't tell if you have PhotoVCarve or are trying to use a photovcarve tool path in VCarve? If you have the PVC program, you can make a reasonable approximation of a relief model, especially if your photo has good contrast. Using techniques similar to making a lithophane, you can do the same thing ...