Woodgrain first attempt- looking for advice and tips

[michaeld13]

Hi all. I'm am brand spanking new to cnc routing. But I'm trying to get up and running as quickly as possible. I searched but couldn't find any answers or suggestions on this issue. I'm trying to do a woodgrain effect on a sign and many future signs I'm sure will call for it- would apply to just general texturing as well... But when I use the Texture tool and the Vector texture tool- both make the bit run into any raised lettering- I did use the vector offset and that helped- but still not what I was hoping for. I tried to figure out a way to do this, but couldn't. I posted a couple of other signs that were from other threads that look amazing and their grain runs right up against the text- can't figure out how to do that? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm using a shopbot and vcarve pro- both only a couple months old. Really enjoying learning about this stuff! In my final sign version I vcarved down the "Blue Ridge Sign" lettering because of this issue- but I'd really rather have it raised than engraved down like the photo I uploaded, but you can see the issues I think... Thanks in advance!

[edwan]

I am new to this also. I have noticed this issue in my own work also. I cant wait to see the solution. Thanks for posting the question,

[mezalick]

Michael13,
As with any issue there are several way to produce the effect you want.
Let me first say that I do not know how these signs were made, but I’m offering some ideas.

For example, using the Hamilton sign, the texture could be included as a component and the entire sign carved at one time.

As for the second example, the Studio sign, I can envision that the textured background is a separate item and the outer “frame” is layered upon it.
The letters and the hand could be cut separately and a pocket cut into the textured panel for these items to set into...

Just some food for thought..

Michael

[esteeme1]

Great points from Michael,

You can also create a platform for all the items you are getting interference with.
Expand it out at least half the diameter of the bit you are using. (This will allow the bit to transition to the next component)
Then add a draft to the platform. (this will allow for a smooth transition from texture to platform to text)

[michaeld13]

Thank you for the replies. But I'm still pretty stumped. I'd rather not have to make it in pieces that need to assembled later if possible. I guess the issue is telling the router/software to lift the bit at the right time so it does not run into the letters and so that is has a gradual lift so the grain effect does not end abruptly- leaving a round spot where the but simply lifted up. You can see that in the attached.

[michaeld13]

Getting a bit better with a different bit and the ramp option...

[esteeme1]

Put a draft on the text so the bit doesn't hit the edge If you use a tapered bit I would double that angle. If your using a strait ball nose then you will want to go even more. Make sure to use the cookie cutter to to re generate your text vectors.

[esteeme1]

One more thought would be to use the kerning tool to spread out your lettering for a more uniform look and allow your draft to splay outward without touching each other.

[RyanS]

I can't speak from experience - this is something I've started researching but never done.

I do recall someone saying they find a wood grain picture online, import it, and make a 3d model/texture out of it. That's the only way I can see that grain butting up straight against the pieces you show.

You can of course make an offset vector for the text/items you want and make sure the texture doesn't touch. It won't but up as close if you aren't careful, but it still looks sharp. I've done a couple of items this way before that turned out great.

[esteeme1]

Are you using Aspire or V Carve Pro? The first two pics in your example are 3D carved. The last one is V carved. If you are not using Aspire your best option would be to do as Michael said and cut pockets for the lettering.

[michaeld13]

I'm using V Carve Pro, I don't have Aspire. So cutting pockets for the lettering would mean the letters are cut separate and placed inside a pocket that's the shape of each letter? Esteeme1, I need to reaseach just about everything you said in you post! I'm not familiar with those terms/techniques. "Put a draft on the text so the bit doesn't hit the edge If you use a tapered bit I would double that angle. If your using a strait ball nose then you will want to go even more. Make sure to use the cookie cutter to to re generate your text vectors." <--- is this specific to Aspire? draft, angle and cookie cutter? One of my concerns is cutting time. I do not want it to take forever to do the graining. If those others were pure 3-d files, I imagine it used a pretty small bit and would have take quite a white- in both cut and setup... Thanks again all for your willingness to help. I appreciate it!

[esteeme1]

I was referencing Aspire functions. I would go with what Michael said.

[RyanS]

Yes - without the 3d carving, you won't get results like those first two pictures.

If you are wanting to do it with the texture toolpath, you can either offset everything and have a little border around it.

Otherwise, as others have said, do a full grain texture of the back, then make shallow pockets sliglty bigger than your letters. Cut out your letters and glue them in. This is actually a great technique - check out the Joe Crumley pictures online of some of his PVC signs to see what they are talking about. Plus - you can finish the letters a different color - as long as the back is clear for gluing - and make a nice contrast without having to sand off paint or use any kind of mask.

[LittleGreyMan]

Otherwise, as others have said, do a full grain texture of the back, then make shallow pockets sliglty bigger than your letters. Cut out your letters and glue them in.

If you go with this option, have a look at inlay functions (I hope they are available with Vcarve). They will automagically take care of the bit radius for cutting the letters and the pockets. See the manual and the tutorials.

As it has already been mentioned on this forum, cut letter first, so you have the ability to check if they fit in the pockets while your job is still on the machine and adjust your poocket toolpath if necessary.

HTH

[michaeld13]

I see. OK, thanks all. I hope to return some advice someday!