Have you ever previewed a project in Vectric, thought everything looked great, and then had trouble when you actually cut it?
Here’s something that’s easy to miss: the finished preview shows the result, but you also need to watch how the bit gets there.
In my common Vectric mistakes video, I showed a 3D carving that looked great in the finished preview. But when I slowed things down, the small finishing bit was dropping over the edge and cutting a tall sidewall in one pass.
That’s a lot to ask of a small bit!
Before your next carve, try this:
-
Reset your preview. Start with the uncut material.
-
Preview one toolpath at a time. Run them in the order you plan to cut them.
-
Slow down the animation. Turn on “Draw Tool” and “Animate Preview” so you can follow the bit’s movement.
-
Watch the tricky areas. Look for unexpected deep cuts, plunges over edges, or material left behind for the next tool to remove.
This applies to more than 3D carving. Pockets, profile cuts, and V-carving all deserve a closer look.
The question to ask is: “Does this look reasonable for the bit I’m using?”
A few extra minutes watching the preview can help you catch a problem before it costs you a bit or a piece of material.
Watch the toolpath preview example →
Happy carving!
Kyle Ely
Founder/Instructor
Learn Your CNC Academy
Ready to take your CNC skills further?
Whether you want to learn Vectric step by step or get ongoing help with your projects, here are two ways I can help.
Learn Vectric step by step
The Vectric Master Training Course walks you through VCarve or Aspire with easy-to-follow lessons and practical projects. Learn at your own pace, build your confidence, and revisit the lessons whenever you need a refresher.
Keep learning with live classes and Q&A
Want new project ideas and a place to ask questions when you get stuck? Join our Live Vectric Group Training for live project lessons, Q&A sessions, and a library of past classes you can watch anytime.
Looking for something else?
Explore all courses and training options →
Responses