05-26-2026 Q&A: Start Depths, 3D Toolpath Boundaries, and Aspire Upgrades

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In this Q&A session, we covered a variety of Vectric software techniques and CNC carving best practices. Discussions included how to set start depths when engraving inside pocketed areas, the differences between VCarve Pro and Aspire, and strategies to prevent 3D toolpaths from plunging too deeply around model edges. We also addressed material-specific tips for carving cast acrylic, basswood, and cedar, as well as how to input pointed round-over bits into the tool database as form tools.

Key Tips Learned in this Q&A:

• Engraving in Pockets: When adding text or designs inside an already pocketed area, you must set the "Start Depth" of your VCarve toolpath to match the exact depth of the pocket so the tool properly engages the material .  If you leave the start depth at zero, the bit will attempt to carve above the newly pocketed surface and miss the material entirely. 

• Controlling 3D Toolpath Depth: To prevent a 3D roughing or finishing toolpath from plunging too deeply past the edges of a model, you can reduce the Boundary Offset or add a Zero Plane component .  A zero plane creates a physical limit in the 3D view that stops the bit from cutting deeper than the assigned plane. 

• VCarve Pro vs. Aspire: VCarve Pro and VCarve Desktop can perform almost everything Aspire can do when it comes to importing and cutting existing 3D models .  The primary reason to purchase or upgrade to Aspire is if you want the ability to create, sculpt, and edit custom 3D models from scratch using its advanced modeling tools. 

• Cutting Acrylic Cleanly: When cutting acrylic on a CNC, use cast acrylic rather than extruded acrylic for much cleaner cuts .  If soft, melted plastic is sticking to the bit, it generally indicates too much heat buildup; try increasing your feed rate or reducing the depth per pass to solve this issue. 

• Painting VCarved Text: To fill VCarved lettering with minimal sanding, seal the carved wood with shellac before applying any paint .  Next, fill the letters with acrylic paint, let it dry, and lightly sand away any excess on the surface before adding a final clear coat. 

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:04:40 - (Dan) How do you engrave the bottom of a valet tray after it has been pocketed out? 

• 00:10:39 - (Timothy) How are you able to orbit or "twiddle" the design view in preview mode? 

• 00:12:19 - (Robert) Are cedar and basswood good materials for carving?  

• 00:15:06 - (Michael) How do you fill in and adjust the hole sizes on an imported STL bass guitar neck?  

• 00:22:10 - (Gene) What is a good method to paint or fill VCarve wording without doing a lot of sanding?  

• 00:25:59 - (Dave) Is there a way to set a depth limit for 3D roughing so it doesn't plunge too deeply around the outside of the model? 

• 00:36:31 - (Michael / Mr. K) How do you taper the internal cutouts on a detailed, intertwined cross design?  

• 00:45:59 - (Tom) What is a good summary of the main differences between VCarve Pro and Aspire?  

• 01:07:07 - (Robert) How do you node edit or recreate a highly detailed, spotty scanned image like a birth certificate?  

• 01:12:30 - (Alan) How do you set up pointed round-over cutters in the Vectric tool database?  

• 01:18:28 - (Christian) Do you have tips for cutting separate jigsaw puzzle pieces using a CNC bit?  

• 01:20:29 - (Kristen) How do I prevent melted plastic from sticking to the bit when cutting clear acrylic?  

• 01:22:15 - Can you save grouped objects (like stars) as a custom clip art file in Vectric?

Keywords:

start depth, vcarve pro, aspire, boundary offset, zero plane, 3d roughing, cast acrylic, tool database, form tool, clip art, jigsaw puzzle pieces, twiddling view