Tutorial Video Guide - Passionate About · PDF fileTutorial Video Guide A guide to the...

Tutorial Video Guide

A guide to the Tutorial Videos for use with VCarve Pro 7.0

Vectric Ltd. Document V.1.1

Copyright © 2013 Vectric Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Page | 2

Contents

CONTENTS .........................................................................................................................................2

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................3

GETTING STARTED - A ........................................................................................................................4

THE BASICS - B ...................................................................................................................................5

2D & 2.5D CORE CONCEPTS AND FEATURES - C ...................................................................................6

2D & 2.5D TECHNIQUES - D ................................................................................................................8

FEATURE REFERENCE VIDEOS - G ...................................................................................................... 10

DISCLAIMER ..................................................................................................................................... 12


Introduction

There are over 15 hours of videos tutorial supplied for use with VCarve Pro 7.0. This document provides

an overview of all the videos and how to use them along with a summary of each example.

Most of the videos have been designed to provide step-by-step instruction which you can follow along

with. You may want to pause the videos while you carry out the steps that are being demonstrated. An

ideal setup if you have it is to use two monitors, one to display the software and one for the video –

although this is not at all essential.

Below is a summary of the type of videos you will find in each tutorial section.

Getting Started – A

These videos are designed to get you up and running with the software, to give you a guide to the

typical work-flow for a job and to introduce you to the tools and interface. There are short and long

versions of each example, to start you can watch the short version to familiarize yourself with that

example then use the longer version with more in-depth explanation to work through it yourself.

The Basics – B

Once you have worked through the Getting Started the videos in this section will give you broader

overviews of what the software can do, give you a more detailed guide to finding your way around the

interface and also explain where to get help and how to use the clipart.

2D & 2.5D Core Concepts and Features – C

This section has a set of 2D and 2.5D example parts which will expose you to the majority of the vector

drawing and editing tools and how to use this data to calculate the standard toolpaths for creating cut-

out parts, V-Carved lettering, drilling, textures and other important features that are the main-stay for

most CNC users. The skills shown in these videos will be fundamental to working with the software

regardless of your main application.

2D & 2.5D Techniques – D

This section continues to work with the drawing and 2D and 2.5D toolpath functions but focuses on

specific techniques such as trouble-shooting problems with imported data, nesting cabinet parts, the V-

Inlay technique, rotary machining and two-sided part cutting.

Feature Reference Videos – G

This section has detailed videos on specific tools or topics to show all the options available within these

particular features. These will help to fill in knowledge gaps or to add detail to your understanding or

specific areas of the software.

Note: Not all video numbering is continuous – videos which do not apply to this product will not be

included so there may be gaps in the sequence.


Getting Started - A

A01 - Bulls Head - Import Vectors & Toolpath (34 min)

This video covers importing a 2D design, adjusting the material size and position of the part in job. Then shows how to calculate a VCarve toolpath and output this for use on the CNC. It also shows some basic vector editing and recalculation of the toolpaths on the edited data.

A02 - Open Sign - Vector Design &Toolpath (34 min)

Covers setting up a new job, creating basic vector shapes, importing and positioning 2D clipart. Toolpaths include; "Flat Bottom" Vcarve with 2 tools, chamfer edge profile, drilling and profile cutout with hold-down tabs.

A03 - Liberator Logo - Image Tracing & Toolpath (25 min)

This shows how to import an image file (Bitmap, Jpeg etc.), adjust size and use the tracing tool to fit vectors to its color boundaries. This data is then uses to create a Vcarve toolpath and also looks at smoothing and editing the vectors.

A07 - Importing 3D Toolpaths - Edit & Toolpath (37min)

This video covers the process of laying out vectors for sign layout in VCarve Pro. Then a 3D toolpath is calculated on a 3D model using Vector Art 3D Machinist software. The toolpaths are saves and Imported into VCarve Pro and then combined with V-Carve and Profile toolpaths to cut the rest of the part. These are then all previewed in the software.


The Basics - B

B01 – VCarve Pro Overview (15 min)

This video describes what the software is designed to do, the types of applications customers use it for and the general process for working with VCarve Pro to make parts to cut on a CNC

B02 – Guide to the VCarve Pro Interface (26 min)

A detailed guide to the VCarve Pro interface and how to navigate around the Tabs, icons (functions) and View windows within the software.

B05 – Getting Help

This video covers where to find information to make learning and using the software as easy as possible.


2D & 2.5D Core Concepts and Features - C

C01 - Rocket Nameplate - Drawing (15 min) & Toolpath (16 min)

This example has two sections; the first shows how to create a new job and draw the vectors for a curved nameplate. The second video takes this design and uses it to create Pocket, Texture, Drilling and Profile Toolpath.

C02 - 3 Legged Table - Edit Vectors (25 min) & Toolpath (21 min)

Shows the process for importing a DXF (vector) file and editing it to add dog-bone fillets for assembly. These shapes are then nested to create multiple copies on separate sheets. In the second video Profile toolpaths are calculated to cut the parts out and techniques shown to edit the pass depths, add ramping and adjust the toolpath ordering.

C03 - Vectric Widget - Vector Drawing (30 min) & Toolpath (41 min)

The first part of this video covered drawing a part using many of the vector creation and editing tools. In the second the Layers are used to organize the vector data and associate toolpaths with the items on each Layer. Finally the nesting is used to make multiple copies of the parts and recalculate the toolpaths automatically taking advantage of the layer association.

C04 - Five Star Coffee Sign – Drawing (33 min) & Toolpath (21 min)

The first section covers drawing a sign layout using a number of the vector creation tools. In the Toolpath videos there is a brief discussion of how to get good results with V-Carving. Then toolpaths are calculated and options shown to preview them with different colors. At the end the drawing of dimensions on a part is also demonstrated.

C05 - US Buckle Photo - Drawing (27 min) & Toolpath (22 min)

The first videos starts with importing an image then shows how to use the guidelines to create snap points to help draw good quality, accurate vectors over the image. The node editing is used extensively to edit the vectors. The toolpath section looks at the calculation of Inlay toolpaths to allow parts that would be cut separately to fit together.

C06 - Howling Wolf Sign - Toolpath Creation (40 min)

This example takes a pre-drawn sign design showing how to open the file and setting up the job to fit this. A large selection of toolpath strategies are used in this example including; using two tools to clear out a pocket, V-Carving with two tools, prism carving and profiling for cut-outs. When saving the toolpaths the technique for appending those that use the same tool is shown.


C07 - Gothic Quatrefoils - Drawing (27 min) & Toolpath (40 min) X

This is an in depth drawing and toolpaths example coving a lot of different techniques for creating a decorative part. The first part of the tutorial shows the technique to draw the layout for the part. These are constructed from simple vectors but show how these can be positioned, copied, arrayed and welded together to make more complex outlines. In the toolpath section Pocket, Profile and Vcarve toolpaths are calculated using different depths and tool geometry to create a "3D" effect from 2.5D toolpaths.

C08 - Raised Panel Door - Drawing (18 min) & Toolpath (20 min)

The first part of tutorials shows how to draw the outline shape for a raised panel door using the snap grid and imported 2D clipart. The Toolpath video shows the process for creating a V-carve toolpath for the graphic on the panel then how to define a specially shaped "Form" tool in the tool database (to create the edge profile on the panel) and finally calculating a profile toolpath to cutout the panel.


2D & 2.5D Techniques - D

D01 - Working with Imported Vectors (20 min)

This video contains a demonstration of the three ways to import vector data into the software and the differences between them. It includes a discussion of the most common issues encountered from imported 3rd party file types and how to fix them.

D02 - Toolpath Tiling (13 min)

This example demonstrates how to cut designs that will not fit on a single piece of material, or are larger than your machine's bed size. This utilizes the Toolpath Tiling Manager to automatically divide the toolpaths into smaller panels which can be saved and machined individually.

D03 - Importing 3D Toolpaths (13 min)

This example shows how to set up the 2D design for 3D toolpath import. Multiple sets of 3D toolpaths are created in Vector Art 3D-Machinist and imported into Vcarve Pro, adding a Pocket cut around the 3D areas and finish with profile toolpath and cutout. (Process would also apply to Cut3D toolpaths)

D04 - Importing PhotoVCarve Toolpaths (13 min)

This video demonstrates how to create and incorporate a toolpath into a design which has been created in Vectric’s PhotoVCarve software.

D05 - Working with Nested Cabinet Files (37 min)

This covers the process to import cabinet design vectors (DXF) and associate toolpaths with vectors or features on specific layers. The toolpaths are then saved as a Toolpath Template for use on other similar parts. To demonstrate how this is used a cabinet part is imported Nested and Toolpaths calculated from the Template.

D06 - Rotary Job Setup and Machining (32 min)

This video shows how to setup a part for cutting on a rotary axis using the specialty Wrapping Gadget tools. This also covers layout for fluting vectors or spirals and how to create a toolpath to size and shape the material blank.

D07 - VCarve Inlay Technique (18 min)

This example contains a demonstration of the technique to create inlays that overcomes the usual limitations of a round cutting tool by using a v-bit to cut matching inserts and pockets. This allows for very fine detail and sharp corners on an inlay part.


D08 - Two Sided Machining (22 min)

This videos looks at the basic concept and tips and tricks for setup and alignment when cutting a two sided part. An example is examined to show the process for setup for two sided machining and the important steps to get a good result with this process.


Feature Reference Videos - G

G01 - Text Creation and Editing (38 min)

This tutorial covers methods for creating and editing text including accessing single line fonts, adjusting text parameters, creating text in a box, text spacing (kerning), text on a curve, converting text to vectors and distortion.

G02 - Layer Management (41 min)

This video shows the general concepts involved with using Layers, what they do and how to use them. It contains a very detailed demonstration of all aspects of using Layers to manage 2D data.

G03 - Nesting (20 min)

This video has two examples covering all the options available when nesting multiple parts into sheets of material so as to minimize wastage.

G04 – Plate Production (30 min)

This example shows how to create a name badge design template which can then be used to automatically create sheets of unique badges and toolpaths using data that is imported from a spreadsheet or database.

G09 – Profile Toolpath (47 min)

This video is a very detailed description of all the options available in the Profile Toolpath strategy, beginning with the most commonly used features and moving on to cover the advanced settings in the second half of the video.

G10 – Quick Engraving Toolpath (9 min)

This video shows the process for creating a Quick Engrave Toolpath, designed for etching or marking using a diamond drag or floating head engraving tool.


G11 – Fluting Toolpath (20 min)

This video contains two examples demonstrating the options available in the fluting toolpath strategy.

G12 – Inlay Toolpaths (13 min)

A focused look at the techniques and tools required for creating straight and stepped inlays.

G13 – Toolpath Administration - Time Estimates (21 min)

A detailed examination of the options available for viewing, analyzing, editing, duplicating and organizing toolpaths once they have been created. Also shows docking options for the toolpath tab.

G14 – Tool Database – Form Tools (22 min)

Detailed overview of managing your tools using the tool database. Shows how to add new tools (including Form tools) and methods to organize and group the tools.

G15 – Preview Toolpath (18 min)

Demonstrates all the options available for previewing toolpaths in the 3D preview.

G16 – Save Toolpath Options (7 min)

Demonstrates the final step of saving toolpaths for a particular CNC machine. Includes discussion of automatic tool changer support and tool numbers.

G18 – Application Data Folder (12 min)

A demonstration of the how to locate, modify and extend the resource files used by the software on start-up to customize some options and default settings - including the toolpath preview materials, the tool database and post-processor list.


Disclaimer

All CNC machines (routing, engraving, and milling) are potentially dangerous and because Vectric Ltd has

no control over how the software described in this manual might be used. Vectric Ltd or any associated

Resellers cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage to the work piece, machine or any

individual, howsoever caused by misusing the software. Extreme care should always be taken and the

output from the software thoroughly checked before sending it to a CNC machine.

The information in this manual may be subject to change without any prior notice. The software

described in this manual is supplied under the terms and conditions of the software license agreement

and may only be used in accordance with the terms of this agreement.

Vectric Ltd The Coach House Upper Skilts Farm

Gorcott Hill, Beoley Redditch

Worcestershire B98 9ET

UK

www.vectric.com E-mail [email protected]

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