10-15-2024 Q&A: Vectric User Group Highlights, Chip Carving Tips, and New Finishing Techniques

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In this Q&A, Kyle shared insights from the recent Vectric User Group meeting, including a sneak peek at upcoming features in Vectric 12.5 and notable presentations. We discussed adding borders to imported models, options for juice grooves, advanced carving techniques, and a UV-curable wood finish.

Key Tips Learned in this Q&A:

• Adding Borders to 3D Models: To add a border around imported 3D models in VCarve or Aspire, create a vector boundary first, then apply the offset.
• Setting Material Thickness for Multi-Sheet Projects: For different thicknesses in a multi-sheet project, edit each sheet’s setup individually.
• Juice Groove Creation: The fluting toolpath is excellent for juice grooves that vary in depth, creating a linear ramp for smooth, angled drains.
• UV-Curable Wood Finish: CleanArmor 757 offers a durable finish; curing with a blue UV light creates a highly resistant surface but is more costly than standard lacquers.
• Blender STL File Trick: Combining STL files in Blender allows multiple models to be imported as a single object in VCarve Desktop.

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:04:30 - Highlights from the Vectric User Group meeting and sneak peek of V12.5
• 00:22:00 - Adding an offset border to a 3D model in Aspire
• 00:27:45 - Adjusting material thickness per sheet in a multi-sheet project
• 00:30:20 - How to create a juice groove that drains to a deeper pocket
• 00:32:00 - Zeroing for roughing on material surface but cutting on table bed for final cutout
• 00:35:25 - Using CleanArmor 757 finish and UV curing for a hard, durable surface
• 00:38:13 - Locating files for Tim’s chip carving clock face
• 00:44:30 - How to carve a filled monogram instead of just an outline
• 00:53:11 - Font identification for decorative monograms

Keywords:

 vectric, uv finish, vectric user group, juice groove, chip carving, stl import, monogram font, cleanarmor, uv curing, blender