09-25-2025 Q&A: STL Files, Double-Sided Bowl Issues, Tabs, Pockets, and Text on Curves

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In this Q&A session, we covered a wide range of CNC and Vectric topics including working with purchased STL files, resizing and modifying double-sided bowl projects, aligning tabs on both sides of a project, fixing witness lines in deep pockets, splitting oversized projects into smaller dovetail-like puzzle pieces, customizing box creator gadget outputs, and evenly spacing text around circles. We also discussed tool database issues, project rotation, tiling toolpaths, and download issues with Vista Sculpt.

Key Tips Learned in this Q&A:

• STL Files & Bits: Start with an ⅛″ tapered ball nose for most 3D STL files; scale and thickness adjustments determine bit size and detail.

• Resizing Double-Sided Projects: Avoid scaling existing double-sided models—recreate them at the new dimensions to maintain correct wall thickness.

• Tabs Alignment: Copy vectors with tabs to the opposite side before creating toolpaths for perfect alignment. Alternatively, use crosshair guidelines.

• Witness Line Fix: Use a smaller pocket allowance followed by a profile pass with lead-ins/lead-outs to eliminate pocket witness lines.

• Splitting Large Projects: Use puzzle-piece vectors or dovetail-style joints to split oversized designs, testing tolerances with small samples first.

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:05:18 – How do I purchase, import, and carve an STL file from an online vendor?

• 00:06:51 – How can I resize and correctly make the double-sided bowl project from Lesson 85?

• 00:12:31 – How do I line up tabs on both sides of a project and fix thin edges from round-over bits?

• 00:19:57 – Why can’t I select tools from my CNC Labs/IDC/Jenny Bit database in VCarve 12.5?

• 00:23:10 – How do I get rid of witness lines inside a pocket cut?

• 00:34:29 – How can I split a large cabinet face into two pieces using dovetail/puzzle joints?

• 00:42:46 – Can I use the box creator gadget to cut drawer sides separately instead of all at once?

• 00:46:05 – How can I evenly space 20 city names around a 14″ diameter circle?

• 00:53:10 – Is there an easy way to rotate and resize a complete sign project without redoing toolpaths?

• 00:56:16 – Vista Sculpt download seems very slow—anyone else having this issue?

• 00:57:18 – Where can I find the 3D Leaf file from Lesson 252?

Keywords:

stl files, vectric double-sided bowl, resizing aspire projects, aligning tabs, witness line fix, tool database issues, dovetail joints cnc, box creator gadget, spacing text around circle, rotating cnc projects, tiling toolpaths, vista sculpt download