A few small projects

[DHDeitrick]

Have been trying to learn more about Aspire and other software during the current downtime. Here are a few small things I have done. I think the signs need to be bigger to get more detail with these particular models.

[mtylerfl]

Thank you for showing us the pics of your projects, Dave! All look great!

The next time you do a VCarve-style sign, you may want to cut a little shallower to help keep the lettering separate and not quite so bold. You can set a Flat Depth in your VCarve Toolpath settings to keep the Bit from going too deep. Run a Toolpath Preview to monitor what different Flat depth settings may look like. Some VCarve jobs don’t need a Flat Depth - just depends on the job, bit angle, vector gaps, etc.

Thanks again for sharing the photos!

[meflick]

Thank you for showing us the pics of your projects, Dave! All look great!

The next time you do a VCarve-style sign, you may want to cut a little shallower to help keep the lettering separate and not quite so bold. You can set a Flat Depth in your VCarve Toolpath settings to keep the Bit from going too deep. Run a Toolpath Preview to monitor what different Flat depth settings may look like. Some VCarve jobs don’t need a Flat Depth - just depends on the job, bit angle, vector gaps, etc.

Thanks again for sharing the photos!

Michael - could you give some idea as to how much of a flat depth generally is good when trying to do this. I think this may be an issue I am having. I will play around with it but your insight would be beneficial. Thank you for pointing this out.

[mtylerfl]

Hi Melanie,

There are so many variables, it’s hard to make a specific recommendation for a Flat Depth amount.

For vcarving small lettering and certain designs with narrow gaps between the closed vector shapes, no Flat Depth may be needed at all. For “bigger-gapped” vcarving, a Flat Depth will stop the V-Bit from carving too deep and is often desirable. Also, the bit angle determines depth between vector gaps, as well (a 60-degree Bit will reach deeper than a 90-degree Bit, for example).

This is where your Toolpath Preview comes in so handily. You can experiment to your heart’s content with various bit assignments and Flat Depths until you visually confirm which bit and settings look best to you before actually carving.

I always start with no Flat Depth to begin with, run a preview and then go back and adjust settings, if necessary, then preview again until satisfied. (Conversely, on very delicate design/engravings, I may also specify a small Start Depth to make allowance for final sanding after running the job so that thin, delicate engraved lines and sharp points don’t disappear during sanding,)

FYI, I set my Z-Zero to the Top surface of the material for the vast majority of my vcarving projects.

Anyway, if you have a specific project you’ve had trouble with and need some help, I will be happy to look at it for you and make some specific recommendations.

[Todd Bailey]

These are so cool!!! Thanks for sharing all of them.

Love that you gave the VCarving of the coloring page a try and it worked out OK. I agree a bit larger may make it look a bit less bold... but still nice as it is!

Again thanks so much for sharing!!!

Todd

[meflick]

Thank you Michael for taking the time to give a detailed explanation. I didn't get to mess with it again yet. Maybe today.

[Creation in Wood]

I like the way the box top opens