Basic Bitmap Trace and Node Editing - Part 14 - Vectric For Absolute Beginners

Basic Bitmap Tracing and Node Editing - Part 14 - Aspire Cut2D and VCarve For Absolute Beginners
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This is the 14th in a series of videos geared toward the person who has never worked with CAD or CAM in the Vectric Software before.
In this video, we’ll go over the basics of Bitmap Tracing, then get into cleaning up vectors using Node Editing in the Vectric software.
If you’ve already watched my earlier video on what exactly a vector is, that will help you to understand a little bit more about what we’re trying to accomplish in this video. If you haven’t seen that video, and I highly recommend you do, here’s a link to it: • CNC for the Absolute B...
As usual, if you have any comments or questions, please put ‘em in the comment section below.
Link to the photo I traced in this video:
commons.wikime...
Thanks for watching!
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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 Cut 2D, VCarve, or Aspire, visit the Vectric website at:
www.vectric.com/
This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only.
Some of the link above may be affiliate links. Using these links will help support me and the content I provide for free. Thank you very much for your support!
#Aspire #VCarvePro #Cut2D #Tutorial #Beginner

[@carlmainwaring4349]

Mark is the best. Man I’ve learned so much watching his videos. Very grateful for all the tutorials. Natural teacher.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for the kind words, Carl. I really do appreciate it. I'm glad you're finding them helpful.

[@sakesan13]

Wow. Thanks Mark. It's as if I enrolled in a VCarve course at my local college. Great teaching style and very easy to follow, even for a retired Marine pilot!!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Adam! I really do appreciate the kind words. And, as a former Army helicopter mechanic, I'm used to explaining things in a language pilots can understand... :D

[@SkullyWoodMetal]

I have been working on converting a bitmap into some thing usable on the CNC and the Laser and fighting it for almost two days. I remembered this video and watched it again to solve my problem. Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@olddeadguy507]

honestly, thank you so much for this. I've watched a bunch of stuff already, but this is exactly what I've been looking for. Keep doing what you're doing man, we've all learned a great deal from your experience. I also really appreciate how in-depth you explain everything.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I hope you find it helpful!

[@austinlyons2558]

You are a great teacher. I've found enormous value in every single one of your videos. Thank you.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks Austin! Glad you're finding them useful!

[@phyzxengrmoore6928]

This is the heart of using this system in matching the detail to the routing! The detail editing of the nodes parallels the performance in routing time and router bit life of any table routing exercise. Thank you.

[@georgejo7905]

after looking for instruction videos for some time your's are concise and intuitive .Riight to the point

[@ligngood3787]

Wow, this is EXCELLENT! Vectric ought to sponsor you!

[@cook6052]

Mark, you are a master educator! Thanks so much for your thoroughness and detailed explanations. I feel like I'm setting in your classroom.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Well, I don't know about master educator, but thank you.

[@southernyankeewoodworks]

Great content, always

[@wduquette-nb7zx]

Thank you, another video that does a good job explaining the task at hand.

[@johnnyspropshop]

Mark really appreciate the thought process behind the editing, easy to understand and increased my learning by leaps and bounds. Enjoyed my Sunday morning coffee, time well spent. Have a great day.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, John! I do hope you find it useful!

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

You are a good teacher Mark. Very helpful.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much!

[@sparkydoodles4440]

Sooo glad you covered the actual router bit to use and profile. This was indispensable! Thanks so much! 😀👍

[@johncaldwell3994]

HI Mark, Have been using V Carve since ver 8 then 8,5. Another persons knowledge and their viewpoint, including some of the features in the newer versions have made me think it maybe time to re-consider an upgrade to the latest version. This is an excellent video. Things you forget, or never really knew how they affected an image until you zoomed in very close. I will definitely be stopping bye more often. Keep up the good work Thank you. John

[@stevegronsky8904]

Once again you put out a MOST helpful video. Thanks Mark, for all you do for us in the CNC community. AND I bought a t-shirt !!!!!!!!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for the kind words (and the t-shirt order!) Steve!

[@janetpersons8030]

Very good explaining of the job capability thank you for your great teaching.

[@jimhester2004]

Outstanding. As usual, you've addressed a subject that I've been struggling with. Just yesterday, I was fighting a bitmap tracing and trying to use node editing to correct a couple of things. I watched your previous video about Joining Vectors that Just Won’t Join, and that was a big help. And I've seen some things here today that will help further. For example, when you added the rectangles during the node editing phase, it opened up some new possibilities that I didn't know about. Thanks for the explanation of what the different adjustments in the vector tracing dialog box actually do. I've dallied with changing them in tracings, but didn't know what changes to look for, so probably didn't see what changes were being made. I'm very much looking forward to your future video about using node editing. You've already demystified a couple of things, like the effect of dragging the green start square to move to repostion a vector line. Again, thanks for all you're doing. It must take a lot of your time, and you're doing an excellent job.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Jim. The videos do take a bit of time, but not as much as one might think. What takes the longest is finding suitable images to trace that won't get me flagged for copyright violation. lol The next video or two will be much more in-depth, so stay tuned!

[@robllewellyn]

Another VERY useful video Mark. Thank you.

[@lapassionedellegno.1632]

Complimenti !!!! Da quando mi sono iscritto al tuo canale ho imparato tante cose che non conoscevo,i tuoi video sono bellissimi graxie!!

[@cheridaily1804]

Loved this video

[@B348111S]

Thanks Mark, Got me off to a great start!!

[@davidames2265]

Very good teacher. I'm new to cnc and new to vcarve pro. I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for your time.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out, David! I hope it helped!

[@BrianW2979]

Good video, very clear and easy to follow

[@Lobzik67]

Thanks really appriciate your video.Learnt a lot.Using Artcam and moving to Vectric now.Found that this software very similar ,but better built so far.

[@dyonight]

I just wanted to stop by and thank you for your work. This is so useful for me I can't express it enough. Thanks, a lot!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for watching! I hope you find them helpful!

[@kimexton9979]

Awsome Job Mark

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you so very much!

[@tonycruz2302]

The oval in the center of the windshield is the rearview mirror.

[@jasonyannuccelli2499]

Thank you so much. You are amazing mate. Such a great teaching style. 👍

[@justcruisin109]

I had my first attempt at this two days ago and while it worked OK, there were some aspects I didn’t understand. Your video has cleared those up so thank you. I’ll be looking forward to the more in-depth videos to follow. Cheers

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helps you out.

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Thank you Mark. Very well explained. I learned heaps - cheers.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Scott!

[@georgekenner6588]

Loved it... thank you for taking the time to make it...

[@davekolp4552]

Good job at explaining things!

[@dptp9lf]

Thanks tons Mark... this will help me to flounder less during this process!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for hanging in there with me, Lyle!

[@rodbritton6918]

Thanks so much for the explanations, very easy to follow and very helpful . If you can make it understandable for an old telephone man, I think most anyone can learn from it. Thanks again!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for watching, Rod. I hope it helps you out!

[@JohnCaseSlingIn360]

Great info!, thanks for sharing

[@mr.Bruutt]

Very helpfull and good information, i just subscribed! Thank you.

[@tonywilliams1720]

Mark, Thanks for the video. Those little rectangles haunt me and I'm sure using the noise filter will save hours on future projects.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks, Tony! I'm going to bring it up again in next week's video, but don't be afraid to experiment with that noise filter. Adjust it, preview it, adjust it again, etc... until you get something you can work with. The Bitmap Trace won't actually be done until you click that APPLY button, so preview the heck out of it before you commit.

[@JS-rp7qb]

Made a 2D relief map of key west yesterday and spent the better part of four hours fighting the bitmap tracing issues. Once I figured out the tricks it wasn’t bad, map came out fantastic, but it’s quirky as hell with no prior vector experience.

[@bert5929]

Thanks Mark, great tutorial for starters like me

[@unclebob8746]

Excellent video and instruction. Subscribed.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you so much!

[@oswaldwabbit8986]

Just Excellant Thank you, for me personally it is a Perfect presentation, Thanks heaps :)

[@donaldtimmons6002]

Thank you Sir, very well explained. Keep up the great work...

[@michaelpollina8034]

I was hoping to find some good teaching for my newness to cbc with my new xcarve. I am sitting in bed recouping from replacement hip surgery. Wow I stroke pay dirt. You at a great teacher. I've got a week to go, then I can go back into my shop.I promised my bride I would not push it.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for the kind words. Glad to hear you're on the mend, but do what the doctor says, and heal up before you get back in the shop. Hope you feel better soon!

[@michaelpollina8034]

I hate spell checker

[@hubedrou]

Very good tuto and your engish is very easy to understand . English is not my first language

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I also put English closed captions on my videos, and some people find them easy to translate into their native language. Maybe that will work for you too.

[@HarnealMedia]

Nice job explaining the process Mark. Getting lost in the minor details has always been my problem

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks, Steve! It's REAL easy to do. I do it all the time.

[@nguyenbaolongvn1236]

Thanh you

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Great work Mark!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks, Eloy!

[@4dan2]

Very good! Thank you!

[@RickSwartwood]

Excellent Tutorial! Thank You!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you! I hope it helped!

[@TheAusherGuy]

This is very helpful.

[@alglommen8490]

WOW amazing , the only question i have after watching this part 14, was when the vectric shows both the inside and outside of a vectric, do we need to do anything with this prior to running ?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Just remember that the v-carve toolpath will carve away what's between the inside and outside vectors. Calculate the toolpath, then preview it to make sure you're getting the result you want. If you're not getting that result, look at the problem areas to see what's wrong. The most common problems are open vectors, or a bit that's too large to fit into the area you want to carve. If the bit is too large, try a bit with a steeper angle. For example, if a 90° v-bit is too large, try a 60° v-bit, etc... Once you get the result you want, save G-Code, and you're ready to go.

[@alglommen8490]

wow i really liked this video, de to some for seen details in my life, do you do any one on one training ?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm sorry, but I'm not in any position to do 1 on 1 training. I just don't have the time.

[@johnnicholson6178]

excellant, I'm going to see if he has one for making a 3d from a bitmap

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

If you mean me, no I don't. I would refer you to my 3D Guru, Michael Mezalick. He has several videos on that subject. Here's a link to his channel: www.youtube.com/@mezalick

[@jsburklow]

another great tutorial, as always thank you for sharing this.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@ljgault]

I did get something out of this video. Thanks.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks, Larry!

[@brandonpeters1987]

So it doesn’t matter if the line drawing creates an inside and outside vector, thank you for this video

[@TC-rw1kf]

Mark, I enjoy your vids. Question, How do I 3D carve a portrait ( daughter holding baby on wood using Aspirr? What video number if it's covered.?

[@edwaynick5015]

Well done! Thank you.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@MyJburns]

Great information

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@Mtbeaver9]

When you select the tool do you just type it in or do you go click select and go to tool bit selection? I can't get it to show up on the selected. tool

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You would use the Select button and go into the Tool Database. I demonstrated this at the 19:58 time mark in Part 2 of the Vectric for Absolute Beginners series. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHXCgGWoeK2pfKs I would highly encourage you to watch all of the first 7 videos in this series to get the basics down. Here's a link to the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLLuYLaC3-QRNuVTej2P5emp1D4_Tm774p

[@joeygonzo]

GOLD!

[@MegaTopdogs]

AS, always, nice video.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you Geert!

[@maryrebeckahcarlson7200]

Hi Mark, your videos are extremely helpful! Can you tell me how you are zooming in and out? Thanks!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I'm using the scroll wheel on my mouse to zoom in and out.

[@maryrebeckahcarlson7200]

@@MarkLindsayCNC I guess where I am having difficulty is when I am Node editing and have to get in very close. I have a hard time keeping my place. It seemed as if you were able to zoom in and out of the area you were node editing, even when you were as close as you can get. I really appreciate your willingness to help those of us who are new to the craft!

[@23fields]

another good one man

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Frankie. I do appreciate it.

[@Phantom_Workshop]

Hey mark, have you ever been to aspire camp at Jim mcgrews or at the IWF in Atlanta by any chance because I feel like I remember your name for some reason? but this is the first time I’ve seen your channel.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

No I haven't. You may be thinking of that singer from the 60s group Paul Revere and the Raiders. And no - I'm not him.

[@resorter66]

Thanks Mark . Where did you look to find the VW image. Keep the videos coming. Do you have any simple starter videos showing how to set up to carve a piece of clipart . I want to do a box lid with a Fler de lif on the top . Jeff

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking the video out, Jeff! I'm going to start a series on 3D files in VCarve in a few weeks. I have a few more videos for this Bitmap Tracing series to do first. For the image I used in this video, I did a Google Image search for VW Beetle, and changed the TYPE to Line Drawing. Here's a link to the pic I used commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Real_bug.png

[@williamdoll367]

I am a beginner. I am on vcarve pro 11. after I leave "trace bitmap", I click on a rectangle, and the entire drawing turns pink. if I press delete, everything is deleted. what am I doing wrong?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You have Group Vectors checked at the bottom of the Trace Bitmap form, so the vectors are grouped. To ungroup them, select them all, then click the Ungroup Vectors icon under EDIT OBJECTS, in the first row, second from the last icon. Click off, then select the vector you want to delete, and delete it. If you don't want the vectors grouped when you trace a bitmap, make sure that box is unchecked before you click APPLY.

[@ronsimpson571]

Thank you .. done step by step importing bitmap, cleaning up detail etc etc. . . but when comes to calculating toolpaths I get a warning that it will cut through material. . ? ? ? I have set material 10 mm thick and using 60 Dreg engraving bit. what am I doing wrong ? ? ? . . . great videos learning a lot, but please forgive very new hobbyist

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You'll want to carve to a flat depth if you're getting that error message. I demonstrated that process in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6SyZIGiaNxql9E

[@MrFlasshhh]

Mark do you have an affiliate link for to order the vectric software ?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Sadly, I do not. Vectric does not have an affiliate program. You can get more info on Vectric software and purchase a license at vectric.com

[@st0mper121]

i have 2 issues After right clicking and selecting all open vectors a box comes up just like yours, (none are found) then i right click and select all duplicate files nothing happens, No box, nothing.. I tried hitting my del key thinking if they was selected it would del? then tryied it once more to same result. 2nd issue when i select a vector. It selects all vectors not just one what did you do to that? 20:20 mark I had to stop

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

It sounds to me like the vectors were grouped when you did the bitmap trace. There's a checkbox in the Trace Bitmap tool, down at the bottom, that will automatically group them for you when you do the trace. In the future, if you don't want them grouped, just uncheck that box before you click APPLY. For right now, select all the vectors, right click, then select Ungroup Objects, then select Ungroup Back Onto Original Object Layers. That should ungroup them so you can select them individually. Then check for open vectors and duplicate vectors again. For reference, you can tell if the vectors are grouped by selecting them and looking at the vectors. Grouped vectors will appear as solid pink lines when selected. Vectors that are not a part of a group will appear as dotted (dashed) pink lines when selected. Note that text objects will also appear as solid pink lines when selected. Text that has been converted to curves will appear as dotted (dashed) pink lines when selected.

[@st0mper121]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Thank you. found the check mark :) impressed on how good this thing traces. and thank you once more for the lesson.

[@farmlender1]

Learning so much from your video- I have a is flag I’m working to get the stars just right - is there a way to duplicate node editing across all the stars or do I have to do each one ? Thanks

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You can do one, then copy that one over to replace the next one in line, and so on. Or you could do one, then use the Linear Array tool to place them all (that'll take a little bit of figuring on your part - may be do all the rows of 5, then come back and do the rows of 6.) Or, yes, you can do them one by one. As far as "Batch Node Editing" is concerned, I don't know of a way to do that as it sits right now. I will look into it though.

[@farmlender1]

Mark Lindsay CNC thanks so much

[@JOHNSMITH-ug2mt]

Great vid...learnd another. What machine do you use?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you. I use a Gatton CNC. I have a 13 part series on building it if you check my channel...

[@markomarko2257]

great video...you said no open vectors..... goood! is this a problem if there are open vectors?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Good question! It's a problem if you're going to be v-carving, pocketing, or drilling. All 3 of those operations require closed vectors to function properly. If you're going to be cutting profiles, you do not need a closed vector. I'll get into this further in the next video.

[@michaelwaters453]

when i trace the pic and has no open vector it wont let me select just one part so i can fix it it still selects hole pic highlighted how i fix it

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You must have had a checkmark in the Group Vectors box at the bottom of the form. That one gets just about everybody at one time or another. Just select all of the vectors, and click the Ungroup icon under Edit Objects. You should be all set after that.

[@michaelwaters453]

thanks that worked

[@michaelwaters453]

thanks that worked .when u v carve bit and its leaving cut at bottom any way to fix i tryed useig 90 vbit and 60 v bit both do same

[@abrahamvazquez5432]

I have a shapeoko I want to use this software besides vetric what else should I download?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Your best bet would be to go over to the Shapeoko Support Community/Forum through their website and ask about the motion control software that's best suited for your machine. I don't have a Shapeoko, so I would only be guessing. Those folks know your machine best.

[@abrahamvazquez5432]

@@MarkLindsayCNC oh ok thanks is just hard to find someone who answer

[@georgenoble6615]

thought this was good information but have you done or do you plan to do a color photo Bitmap trace...Thanks

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you George. Not yet, I haven't, but I will eventually. It is on the list.

[@bentebrunsvelt319]

Thanks for lesing👍👍👍♥️

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@rzjjt5]

mark great video will your will this also work in vcarve desktop

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Robert. Yes, it should be identical in VCarve Desktop.

[@kenmac6888]

Mark, every time i go to vcarve a vector on a 5/8 inch board with a 60 degree bit it warns me that maximum cutting depth is over 5 inches. i dont want it to cut through project. how do i change depth for it not to cut through?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Here's a link to the play list of my V-Carving for Absolute Beginners series. If you haven't already watched them all, I would recommend you check them out. As for this specific question, you want Part 3 in this list - Carving to a Flat Depth. kzbin.info/aero/PLLuYLaC3-QROVf1Ua9BhGCzBty2FhZFmE

[@kenmac6888]

Mark but i want to use the vcarve the vcarve toolpath to engrave. In your videos you never have to adjust the depth of cut that i have seen. plus the 60 degree v bits shouldnt be at 5 inches of depth when im have a 5/8 thick board. is there a way to change that depth? sorry to bother you

[@brianconley1732]

If you had one site at the top of your list for relief carving patterns or programs

[@MrManta2012]

have you seen jfif picture format, I changed the extension to jpg and it works, windows gave me warning.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I've heard of that format, but never run across it myself. It's rarely used. Changing the file extension can work sometimes, but not all the time. If that worked for you this time, that's all that's important right now. If your imaging/photo editing software can't convert it for you, there are several online converters that work well.

[@dirkvalcke7430]

Hey Marc, Is it possible to explain how to draw a line of a certain length. Square, circles are shown ......... but not a single line. How to make a triangle? Thank You!!!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Certainly, Dirk! I went back through, and it looks like I totally missed those! I'll get on it.

[@dirkvalcke7430]

Thank You :-)

[@phoenixcinder]

Side note: The larger dimensions of an image you use the better it will convert into vector

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Absolutely, Andrew. That's what I meant when I said to find the highest resolution image possible. I guess I could have clarified a bit better. Thanks!

[@brianconley1732]

I’m no cnc genius but I’m getting lost in some spots and I know you take things out of a design but if it was not to confusing or waste of wood I would love to see what happens when you don’t change the design

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Generally what happens when you don't change the design is the toolpaths won't calculate correctly to begin with. Open vectors, vectors with overlaps, intersections, and zero length spans prevent the software from calculating them correctly. You never even make it to the point of cutting material without pulling half of your hair out, and some of us just don't have that much extra hair to spare.

[@user-dh7ek1qd7j]

👍👍

[@eagle2D2]

Where’s parts 1 - 13?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

There's a link to the entire 50 part Vectric for Absolute Beginners playlist in the description.

[@dpgedward5947]

Good video. Rather than say "a vector", says a "vector line".