Why did it turn out so bad?

[rwebcon]

I have a sign with a wave model with text sitting on top of it. I used .062 tapered ball nose to do the finishing. I my surprise the results where not what I expected. I anticipate nice share lettering to stand out above the wave model but that did not happen. Is there any way I can improve the sharpness if the text with a nice smooth outline of the text? Mine is very rough.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuHRzaExTFjohJI9Qrc ... Q?e=yIFqRV

[Bill_L]

On a quick glance, the vectors that you used to create the 3d text are made up of numerous short line segments. Go back and use the "fit to curves to selected vectors" tool and select the bezier option. You will reduce all the short segments with smoother flowing vectors.
Then you will need to rebuild the text again. This should smooth the edges. After that I would apply some degree of smoothing.

This should be a good starting point.

Bill

[rwebcon]

All except the 109 where created using Fit Curve to Vector. I fixed the 109 and recalculated. Still looks a little rough around the edges.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AuHRzaExTFjohJI9oxP ... A?e=LYUjfl

[Adrian]

This is the Cut3D section of the forum. You're using Aspire so you will get more response to questions if you post in the correct section as not all Aspire users will look in the Cut3D section.

You will nearly always get issues like that with vertical edges and a 3D toolpath in Aspire/VCarve. Generally people use profile toolpaths to clean the edges up or add a bit of draft so the edges aren't vertical.

[TReischl]

One big issue is that you used a tool that did not fit between the vectors. Or, you did not space them out properly.

If you had looked closely at the preview you would have seen the problem.

[SteveNelson46]

Something like this maybe?
I changed a lot of things and I'd be glad to share the file but I see you are using version 8 and I only have version10. The file is too big to upload. Here is a link if you would like the file anyway.

Added zero plane
deleted wave and reapplied from clipart, set it to merged, and moved it to top of components list
clipped wave component to inside border vector.
re-created components for the text and adjusted height and base
deleted profile toolpath around text
added boundary offsets for rough and finish toolpath
changed bit in rough toolpath to 1/4" EM and set allowance to .02

My ex-wife was born in Patchogue but I won't hold that against you

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Je-93U ... sp=sharing

[SteveNelson46]

Same sign with a 13% draft added to the text.