09-09-2025 Q&A: Vector Selector Issues, Rotary Carving Tips, and Cleaning 3D Artifacts

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In this Q&A Meetup, we explored a variety of CNC and Vectric software challenges. Topics included handling ghost images and vector selector problems, managing the tool database, designing spiral grooves on rotary carvings, editing noisy vectors, improving 3D carving depth and detail, and strategies for text sizing defaults. We also looked at workflow for complex signs, bitmap tracing for organic shapes, and cleanup techniques for 3D photo carves.

Key Tips Learned in this Q&A:

• Vector Selector Control: Toolpaths may accidentally include extra layers if “all visible layers” is chosen; setting toolpaths to “selected vectors only” avoids ghost-image problems.

• Tool Database Troubleshooting: If tool categories (like ball nose or V-bits) are missing or greyed out, check material settings or recreate missing categories. Screenshots help when seeking support.

• Rotary Spiral Design: Extend vectors or use the Spiral Gadget’s cove options for smoother groove transitions. Efficiency improves by trimming vectors to minimize unnecessary wraps.

• 3D Carve Detail: To enhance shallow photo carves, increase component shape height rather than scaling the model. Use “Replace Below Z” or closed vectors to clean artifacts.

• Text Defaults: VCarve remembers the last-used text height but doesn’t support a true “default” across sessions—guidelines or manual entry are required.

Questions Answered in this Q&A:

• 00:01:32 – Layers showing up in toolpaths when trying to cut a family crest.

• 00:11:48 – Tool database only showing end mills, missing ball nose/V-bits.

• 00:16:56 – Adding spiral grooves on rotary carvings with clean top/bottom transitions.

• 00:21:59 – Honeycomb file vector overlaps—solution using offsetting vectors.

• 00:22:30 – Overlaps/open vectors in downloaded file (AI vs. PS format issue).

• 00:24:34 – Setting a default font size across text boxes.

• 00:29:03 – Carving a tree image into a 30x30" sign (bitmap tracing and tool choice).

• 00:33:10 – Keeping a crab design attached in a sign while removing background.

• 00:38:56 – Aspire 12 carve of wife & granddaughters too shallow—improving detail.

• 00:54:57 – Creating a violin plate with two-sided toolpaths (2D vs. 3D vector strategies).

• 01:03:59 – Shortcut for multiple measurements without closing the tool.

Keywords:

vectric, aspire, vcarve, cnc, rotary carving, spiral groove, vector selector, ghost images, tool database, vcarve inlays, photo carving, shape height, trace bitmap, violin plate, text defaults, 3d cleanup