10-21-2025 Q&A: Two-Sided Cutting, Cribbage Board Scaling, and V-Carve Troubleshooting

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In this Q&A session, we explored several common CNC project challenges — from preparing and aligning double-sided carvings to resizing game board layouts and solving toolpath cutting issues. Michael demonstrated step-by-step workflows for two-sided modeling setup, peg hole alignment, and tab creation. We also discussed correcting distorted peg holes on a cribbage board, troubleshooting Z-depth errors on 3D roughing passes, diagnosing V-bit cutting issues, and nesting two-sided ornament projects efficiently.

Key Tips Learned in this Q&A:

• Double-Sided Cutting Setup: Use asymmetrical peg hole placement to ensure proper flipping alignment (north–south orientation). Create peg holes in both material and spoilboard without re-zeroing the Z-axis by using the material thickness as the start depth.

• Tab Placement Efficiency: Place tabs on their own level to prevent toolpaths from cutting through them. Mirror tabs across the job center to align perfectly on both sides.

• Cribbage Board Peg Hole Fix: To preserve 1/8” peg hole sizes after resizing, use the Drilling Toolpath to recenter holes automatically, or ungroup and manually resize circles to true dimensions.

• Avoiding Roughing Tool Overcuts: Always check pass depth and model position. A single deep pass or incorrect Z-zero reference (top vs. bed) can cause the bit to plunge through material.

• V-Carve Clean-Up and Diagnostics: If a V-bit leaves uncut areas or chatter marks, try a different bit angle (e.g., 60°), check for gear/belt debris, and ensure no dust buildup in the drive mechanism.

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:00:56 – Raul: How to set up and cut a two-sided crozier staff model with proper tab and peg alignment

• 00:43:34 – Steven: How to resize an oval cribbage board from Vectric’s clipart without distorting peg holes

• 00:50:47 – William: Why did my 3D roughing toolpath plunge through the material to the bottom?

• 00:57:02 – Tim: Why does my V-bit not fully clear the top edges of an H carving and leave chatter marks?

• 01:06:39 – Tony: How to nest two-sided projects (e.g., Christmas ornaments) in VCarve Pro

Keywords:

two-sided cutting, tabs, pegs, alignment holes, cribbage board, drilling toolpath, z-zero setup, v-carve troubleshooting, roughing pass, nesting, vectric pro, aspire, cnc carving, toolpath setup