Distortion tool modifications

[wdwkr53]

I am trying to create the "liquid plywood" effect and am unable to crop only the part covering my work surface. When I post to my CNC, it thinks it needs to follow all the paths, even those off the work surface. After I create a distortion with the envelope modification, it seems to bake it and render it unmodifiable. Is there a way around this? It would be nice if I could crop out the desired section or at least use the node tools.

[mtylerfl]

Perhaps draw a rectangle the size of your sheet, then trim off the excess vectors using your rectangle.

NOTE: I don't know if you need the vectors all closed or if this design is cut with all profiles where open vectors would be ok. Either way, you can still trim, then close the vectors if required.

[FixitMike]

The Trim selected objects to a boundary tool recloses closed vectors when it cuts them off. I found this out by accident, but it sure can save a lot of time.

[mtylerfl]

The Trim selected objects to a boundary tool recloses closed vectors when it cuts them off. I found this out by accident, but it sure can save a lot of time.

Yes, but only if the vector is already a closed vector. If the vector(s) is open, then trimmed with the Trim to Boundary Tool, it will remain open after the trimming.

[wdwkr53]

It seems that after I use the Distort Object tool, it must Bake the design so I can't modify it. I can't even ungroup it. It is all or none. Therefore, the Trim Selected Objects and Create a New Boundary tools don't cut the design along the rectangle. Any other suggestions?

[Adrian]

Once you've done the bake you can use the trim tools to cut. If the distortion is still in transform/edit mode then you can't. Are you sure you've applied the bake? Also make sure that you don't have any grouped vectors amongst those you're trying to cut or cut to as that won't work, all the vectors must be ungrouped.

If you want to be able to modify later then you could copy a pre-bake version to another layer that you can bring back for editing later.

[Ms Wolffie]

I have googled "Liquid Plywood Effect" but only found videos showing the finished effect.
What is it and how is it made?

[wdwkr53]

I found that I ASSUMED the Distortion was BAKED automatically. Then after your post I decided to CLICK BAKED & magic things started happening. I was able to delete outside the box. Thanks for your patience and help. I can now go make sawdust!

Here is a link to where I first saw the idea of using plywood and its multiple alternating layers to make some interesting designs.

http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog ... to-plywood

[Ms Wolffie]

So, if I understand you right, you are cutting through the different layers of plywood to use the different timber colours for the gorgeous patterns?

[wdwkr53]

Yes. I am laminating 2 layers of 3/4" plywood and going to try to cut 1" deep in some spots so as to expose multiple layers of light & dark. I'll post a picture when I get it done.

[Bmr1]

Very cool looking it will be interesting to see the finished product.

[wdwkr53]

Here is my first attempt with 60d VBit 1.25' depth on two 3/4' baltic birch plywood with Teak oil. (Sorry I couldn't figure out why the picture kept coming in side ways.)

[mtylerfl]

That is an amazing effect! Looks great!

[Ms Wolffie]

(Sorry I couldn't figure out why the picture kept coming in side ways.)

It depends which way you are holding your phone when you take the picture but don't worry, it auto corrects when you click on it.
Looks absolutely amazing.
Is the wide angle effect it the carving or just in the picture?

[wdwkr53]

The picture is straight on, so it shows what you really see. The distortion of the rectangles was created in Aspire, then VCarved to a depth of 1.25' into 2 layers of baltic birch glued together. This is 12'x24' so I couldn't get many rectangles on it. If I did a full sheet, it would show the distortion better.