Part 19 Website Thumb

Part 19 – Combining 3D Models

This article accompanies the nineteenth video in a series 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.

In this 19th video of the series, I’ll get a bit deeper into 3D carving within the Vectric software. We’ll import two 3D models from the Clipart Library that came with VCarve, and I’ll show you how to combine them to create the basis for a wedding plaque. We’ll create a vector around the models, then offset that vector to give us a profile to cut out after the carving is finished. Then we’ll go in and create some text, and apply that text to a couple of curves. After all of that, we’ll calculate a 3D Roughing toolpath, a 3D Finishing toolpath, and a v-carve toolpath, with the text projected down into the 3D model, then preview the project.

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.

That’s enough out of me. Below is a link to the 19th video in the series that’s geared toward the absolute Vectric software beginner.

I use VCarve Pro version 9.516 in this video, but all of the information in the video applies to 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.

SUMMING UP

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:

http://www.vectric.com/

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!