08-07-2025 Q&A: Tiling Molding Toolpaths, 3D Scanning, Post Processor Edits, and Inlay Previews

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!

In this Q&A session, we covered a range of topics including how to tile long molding toolpaths, methods for creating 3D scans for rotary projects, editing post processors to change file extensions, and ways to preview inlay projects for customers. We also discussed linking CNC and design PCs without internet, bit recommendations for ultraHEX plywood, material sourcing tips, and the pros/cons of low-end CNC machines.

Key Tips Learned in this Q&A:

• Tiling Toolpaths: Use the Tile Toolpath Manager with feed-through X or Y options, adjust tile height to fit machine capacity, and include overlaps if needed. Lessons #199 and #200 cover tiling methods in depth.

• 3D Scanning for Rotary: Use a dedicated 3D scanner to create STL files of people or objects for rotary carving. Some newer phones with LiDAR may work with scanning apps.

• Post Processor File Extensions: Change extensions manually after saving toolpaths or edit the post processor file itself to output the desired extension (e.g., .nc, .txt). Always ensure the correct post processor for your machine.

• Inlay Project Previews: For VCarve inlays, create a shallow VCarve pass for color preview or use Aspire’s 3D components with different materials to simulate the final look.

• Cutting ultraHEX Plywood: Use a compression bit to minimize chip-out; Frost CNC tooling is recommended for industrial-level performance.

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:01:07 – How to tile a molding toolpath for a long bar rail project.

• 00:06:12 – How to 3D scan yourself for a rotary project.

• 00:10:26 – Copying toolpaths between sheets and version 12.5’s new “Copy To” feature.

• 00:14:27 – Changing post processor file extensions for older machines.

• 00:23:14 – How to create a preview image of an inlay project for a customer.

• 00:34:14 – Apps for 3D scanning with a phone (link shared).

• 00:34:57 – Linking design PC to CNC PC without using a flash drive.

• 00:37:24 – Bit recommendations for cutting ultraHEX plywood.

• 00:42:36 – Baltic birch plywood sourcing and pricing discussion.

• 00:43:14 – Advice for people considering low-end CNC machines.

Keywords:

tiling toolpath, molding toolpath, tile manager, 3d scan, rotary carving, stl model, post processor, file extension, vectric 12.5, copy toolpath, inlay preview, aspire 3d, ultrahex plywood, compression bit, frost cnc, pc networking, baltic birch sourcing, cnc accessories, low-end cnc advice