5-2-2024 Q&A: Addressing VCarve and SketchCarve Issues, Enhancing CNC Techniques, and Optimizing Projects

 In this CNC Q&A Meetup, we tackled a comprehensive array of challenges and questions centered around Vectric software, particularly focusing on the new features in Version 12 and practical CNC techniques. The session began with addressing precision in setting flat depths in SketchCarve, exploring workarounds for discontinued tools like the draw curve tool, and troubleshooting pocketing issues. We also discussed how to enhance designs on clear acrylic using specific bits and shared tips on exporting and reusing vector designs across projects. The conversation extended to managing and copying toolpaths between files, utilizing two rail sweeps effectively, and customizing toolbars in Aspire. Furthermore, we explored methods to measure carving depths accurately and strategies to reduce cut times on complex projects. This Q&A provided invaluable insights into navigating Vectric's updates and maximizing CNC project efficiency, making it an essential resource for any CNC enthusiast looking to refine their skills and workflow.

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:02:59 - When setting a flat depth in SketchCarve to 0.0625, after calculating it changes to 0.062. This doesn't occur when setting this flat depth on the VCarve toolpath. While 0.0005 is pretty insignificant, I was just curious if you think it's a bug since it doesn't happen with the VCarve toolpath.
• 00:08:37 - What do you feel is the best workaround for the discontinued draw curve tool?
• 00:10:36 - I've tried to create this pocket in both version 11.5 and version 12. Every time I try to pocket out the drillie box it does one magnet profile okay and the other one wrong. What am I doing wrong?
• 00:12:37 - Is there a bit that can be used to etch on clear acrylic, like a drag bit?
• 00:14:49 - I created a shaper trace, had to do a bunch of editing through node edit to get it cleaned up. I would like to use this on other projects. How do I export it from the design I just finished to be able to use it on other projects?
• 00:20:25 - Can you show us how to copy a sheet and its toolpath from one file to another?
• 00:31:38 - Are there limitations on two rail sweeps for the number of transitions and change in shape,width and height?
• 00:32:23 - How did you move align objects to its own?
• 00:33:06 - Help with a chair file.
• 00:36:38 - In Aspire version 12, when I click on a node to make the start point, it is grayed out. How do I make it work?
• 00:40:00 - I just upgraded to version 12. One feature of 11.5 I used all the time was the ability to resize a file to fit the wood I plan to carve. I cannot find this feature in the update. I buy files from Etsy a lot, and they may be designed to carve on a piece of wood much larger than what I have. In 11.5, under transform objects, I could put a dimension in either the width or height, and the job size would change. This looks completely different now. Also, I thought I could have version 12 on my desktop along with 11.5. So if I got stuck I could easily go back to 11.5. But it looks like both icons on my desktop are updated. So you should still have both versions on your same computer, as long as they were both installed on that computer.
• 00:44:40 - Is there a way to measure how deep a VCarve or Sketch Carve is?
• 00:51:54 - Using a two rail sweep to make a simple molding for a veneer project. The cut time is very long. What can I do to reduce the cut time?
• 00:52:37 - Do you have any lessons on splitting 3D models if they are two sided? How does that work?

Keywords:

sketchcarve toolpath, flat depth precision, discontinued draw curve tool, pocketing issues, clear acrylic etching, export vector designs, copy toolpath between files, two rail sweeps, align objects, chair file adjustment, node start point grayed out, resizing projects in Vectric, measure carving depth, reducing cut time, splitting 3D models, Vectric version 12 features, troubleshooting Vectric software, stream deck setup, CNC techniques, node editing tips, carving adjustments, Vectric community challenges, project setup optimization.