#292: 3D Modeling a Cross with Hearts
Jun 18, 2026Note: You must be a member of the Learn Your CNC Academy Community to watch this replay. Benefits include weekly Q&A Meetups, weekly project lessons, monthly CNC challenges, an active community of Vectric users, past replay lessons & project files, and so much more!
✝️In this project-focused lesson, we are jumping right back into the second part of our 3D cross project! We build upon the foundation laid last week by learning how to take this design to the next level using advanced sculpting tools. You will learn the art of digital sanding using the smooth and smudge tools to soften hard edges, blend shapes seamlessly, and create an elegant, custom crease around the intertwining hearts. We also deep dive into the critical step of toolpath setup, covering material boundaries, raster settings, 3D roughing, and how to safely utilize pocket toolpaths for those intricate internal cutouts. This custom project is perfect for intermediate to advanced carvers looking to create a beautiful, custom gift, and while we model it from scratch in Aspire, we also detail how VCarve users can achieve the exact same look using an imported STL file!
Keywords for this lesson(helps with search):
vectric, aspire, vcarve, 3d cross, intertwining hearts, sculpting tool, smooth brush, smudge tool, undo brush, preserve transparency, digital sanding, base height, model thickness, material setup, draft tool, 3d roughing, 3d finish, tapered ball nose, end mill, model boundary, boundary offset, machining allowance, 3d raster, pocket toolpath, vector boundary, profile cutout, toolpath optimization, stl export
#3dmodeling #advanced #aspire #beginner #doublesided #giftidea #instructor-kyle-ely #intermediate #love #productivity #projectdownload #toolpaths #vcarve #vectricfeatures
Not a member of our Learn Your CNC Academy Community? Join over 1,500+ students today! Benefits include weekly Q&A Meetups, weekly project lessons, monthly CNC challenges, an active community of Vectric users, past replay lessons & project files, and so much more!

