Part 41 – The Fluting Toolpath
This article accompanies the forty-first 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 the video, I’ll show you how to use the Fluting Toolpath in VCarve Desktop, VCarve Pro, and Aspire.
I’ll show you how I used Guide Lines to layout some artwork, then prepared that artwork for carving. We’ll get into creating some simple vectors, and creating a Linear Array of lines for the Fluting Toolpath to follow. I’ll briefly show you the different types of flutes available in the toolpath, and try to describe the differences between them. I’ll then Calculate the toolpaths and Preview them. Then I’ll show you how I recover from a mistake I made while drawing those vectors, then recalculate a toolpath, and Preview them all.
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 41st video in the series that’s geared toward the absolute Vectric software beginner.
I use Aspire version 10.019 in this video, but all of the information in the video applies to VCarve (both the Desktop and the Pro versions,) and Aspire software.
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
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!