4-24-2024 Q&A: Using G54–G59 Offsets, Smooth Two-Rail Sweeps, and Advanced Box Creator Layouts

Note: 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!

This Q&A focused on advanced toolpath setups, creative modeling workflows in Aspire, and organizing multi-sheet projects with the Box Creator gadget. We explored how to use G54–G59 offsets in your CNC workflow, troubleshooting duplicate vectors in drill toolpaths, and how to match and merge 3D clipart into your own models using Aspire’s sculpting tools. We also touched on plate production tips for personalizing batches of projects and covered member directory questions, importing tips, and more.

Key Tips Learned in this Q&A:

• XY Offset for G54–G59 Use: Use the XY offset checkbox in Job Setup to create position references for multi-project layouts.

• Clipart Modeling Tip: Split and trim 3D clipart to match your vectors and merge seamlessly using Aspire’s sculpt tool.

• Duplicate Vectors Fix: Don’t pre-select anything—just right-click and use “Select All Duplicate Vectors” for best results.

• Box Creator Sheet Layout: Run the gadget one part at a time or move parts manually and recalculate toolpaths on each sheet.

• Copy Toolpaths Trick: Duplicate the toolpath and reassign it on a different sheet by switching active sheets before recalculating.

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:04:06 – SketchUp 2017 plugin limitations and import issues

• 00:05:29 – How to assign G54–G59 to a file for Laguna Smart Shop CNC

• 00:09:28 – Modeling a rounded bench arm using clipart, two-rail sweep, and sculpting

• 00:23:50 – Difference between Duplicate and Copy in Vectric

• 00:25:58 – Troubleshooting triple cuts and using the duplicate vector finder

• 00:37:00 – Lessons for batch personalization (plate production for custom signs)

• 00:39:56 – Using the Box Creator gadget with solid wood and multiple sheets

• 00:44:26 – Copying toolpaths to another sheet workaround

• 00:45:10 – Why you might not see your name in the community member list

• 00:47:45 – Importing files and pictures into VCarve for beginners

• 00:51:06 – Link to the SketchUp course

• 00:51:45 – What is the project lesson for later today? (Mother’s Day themed)

• 00:52:28 – Reminder on how to show dimensions directly in Vectric

Keywords:

vectric, aspire, vcarve, G54, G55, G59, job setup, spoilboard offset, sculpting in aspire, two-rail sweep, clipart merge, duplicate vectors, drill path issues, plate production, batch personalization, custom signs, import bitmaps, import vectors, SketchUp 2017, toolpath duplication, box creator gadget, multi-sheet layout, learning CNC