Part 2 – Zoom, Material Setup, and The Profile Toolpath
This article accompanies the second video in a new series I’m creating on my YouTube channel. If you’re not subscribed to my channel, here’s a link. Come on by and check it out. Hopefully you’ll find something you like.
THE ABSOLUTE BEGINNER SERIES
While this series might seem like going back to the basics to the seasoned veteran, people who are new to CNC in general, and CAD/CAM software in specific, are joining Facebook groups and message forums every day. I frequent a lot of those forums, administrate a few Facebook groups, and am a member of several others. As a result, I’m seeing a lot of posts from beginners who have never done anything in CAD/CAM software, asking questions on some of the very basic tasks involved in using CAD/CAM software.
I’ve often thought that these people were a segment of the home CNC hobby that was being overlooked in the video tutorials provided by most of the major software companies, so I’ve decided to take it upon myself to try to help fill that gap.
THE SECOND VIDEO
In this second video of the series, I demonstrate several ways to zoom in and out of the 2D view. I then move from the CAD side of Vectric software, and venture into the CAM side by getting into Material Setup, then demonstrating the Profile Toolpath.
The section dedicated to the Profile Toolpath is LONG. I know that. There’s a LOT of info to absorb in it. I know that too. I did pare it down as much as possible, however the Profile Toolpath is one of the most complex toolpaths in the software, mainly because there are just so many options available. It would be an injustice to the viewer to not at least attempt to talk about the options that are necessary decisions that need to be made in every project. Topics like cut depth, tool selection, machining options, etc… have to be at least described to save the user a lot of grief later.
SETTLE IN FOR A LONG RIDE
I know that long videos like this aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I did get one complaint about the length of the first video in the series. I can’t wait to see what he says about this one – it’s 12 minutes longer. Still, the info I demonstrate in the video is necessary to successfully use it.
I talk about making future videos to discuss several topics and options in this video. You can be sure those videos will be forthcoming, but I’ll try to tie them into a project, so the viewer isn’t just sitting there. I’ll apply those topics to a real life situation.
NOT A BEGINNER?
For the seasoned veteran; I would ask that you please remember that none of us were born with this info. We didn’t just magically start knowing this stuff. Every one of us had to learn it. So if something seems like it should be common sense to you, remember that the person who taught you thought the same thing. No, you probably don’t need a lot of the info contained in this video, or even in this series. But if you decide to check it out, hopefully you’ll pick up a tip or pointer here or there, or at least get some insight into what the absolute beginner wants to learn. Maybe you could start sharing your expertise with others as well. This hobby can never have too many teachers.
BEGINNERS: TAKE IT EASY
For the absolute CNC beginner; don’t stress over any of this. It’s supposed to be fun, remember? You CAN learn this. You CAN do this. It’s not always super easy, but it’s never really super difficult, either. Just like anything else you want to do, there is no replacement for experience – and the only way to get that experience is to practice. Get into your CAD/CAM software, and learn it. Draw in it. Calculate toolpaths. Generate g-code. You don’t’ have to cut anything with it – it’s more important that you learn how to use the software than it is to start making chips.
LET’S GET ON WITH IT
That’s enough jabbering from me. Below is a link to the second video in the series that’s geared toward the absolute Vectric software beginner.
I use VCarve Pro version 9.015 in this video, but all of the information in the video applies to Cut 2D, VCarve, and Aspire software – both the Desktop and the Pro versions.
As usual, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to comment! If you don’t wish to make a public comment, click this Contact Us link, and submit it to me privately. I read ALL of the messages I get through my website, and I answer as many as humanly possible – unless you’re a spambot. Spambots get blocked – so there.
Remember, beginners – relax, take your time, and enjoy the process. It’s supposed to be fun, remember? You can do this. I’m living proof.
This is not an endorsement, paid or otherwise, of VCarve Pro, Vectric Ltd, or any other software or company. It’s just a demonstration of how I work. For more information on, or to download a free trial of VCarve Pro, visit the Vectric website at:
Remember to click that link up at the top of the page to check out my T-Shirt shop!
Until next time, take care and have fun!