How to Carve Multiple Layer Sign Using Easel Software

[@tommyb5217]

Hi how are you? Your videos are awesome . Im 54 and just bought my first cnc after becoming familiar with my laser engraver. Im lost lol but you are helping me and im learning the hard way. Thanks Tom

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Fantastic! Glad I am able to help you

[@uvaldoordonez8353]

Love your videos and your tutorials, they inspire me not to give up on learning this art.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Awesome and welcome to my channel

[@mikeanderson4766]

First of all, THANKS. I have had my 1,000 mm X-carve up and running for about 3 weeks. It's a long thorough process to understand everything CNC if you've never used something like this before. With your extremely friendly, detailed, and simple easy to understand videos it has made my life much easier. My hat's off to you sir, I really appreciate what you do I'm an avid watcher of all of your videos and I look forward to many many more in the future. -Mike

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate the comments very much. I can remember when I first started, I knew nothing about CNC at all! I truly wished that I had videos to refer to at the time. It would have made the learning curve much easier and saved much trial and error. I will try to answer any questions that you may have as you begin the learning process. Again, thank you very much.

[@tommyb5217]

Yes the bits are the key. I ordered a good 60 v bit because i dont have one. We'll see. Im carving one now

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

You can get the 90 and 60 degree vbit at any big box or hardware store

[@m19710310]

I just want to say you do something good, looking better at this 1 year video than 3 years ago. I binge watching your videos :)

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you.

[@brianmenard4743]

Like most others.... I am a total newbie. LOVE your videos. WOW . Packed full of incredible learning knowledge!! Thank you Sir!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Awesome, thank you! Welcome to my community. If you have questions, I will do my best to answer

[@brianmenard4743]

@@PawPawsWorkShop Do you have any instruction on how a guy would make something like keychains? to make Multiple of the same item out of the same run on the machine?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Make your design and copy in multiple times to cover the material size and carve

[@ronnorris1504]

I came back to watch t color and this video once again. My wife wants a sign just like this color and all. Would you care to help and explain your paint ideas for this sign. Thanks in advance for your help. Enjoy all your videos, been a fan for a couple years now

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

The best way to paint is to use masking. Carve and paint. Sometimes add more masking carve again and paint. Yes, it will take some planning

[@SgtQ13]

New Xcarve owner. Thank you so much for this video. I appreciate your time and knowledge. Thank you for sharing it with all of us SgtQ. USMC 1st Anglico

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you for your service. I enjoy sharing my experiences with woodworking and the CNC. I'm glad that you enjoyed them.

[@stevemoloney3430]

Well done Phil I have made several of these.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you Steve. They look great but are hard to paint.

[@stevemoloney3430]

​@@PawPawsWorkShop I use hard maple and torch mine, they come out pretty nice looking. I have done them dark and light. The light ones are easier to get the spray finish to cover them. Torching them dries out the wood and they become a sponge!

[@4-6-3DP]

Informative as always! Hope the next vid is the carving and painting of this sign

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much.

[@dmcarpman]

thanks for the video will try a couple of these tomorrow. i only have a little 3018 right now but got my feeds and speed worked out time will tell tomorrow if all is good.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Awesome! Let me know how they turn out.

[@dmcarpman]

@@PawPawsWorkShop i sure will. be some time this weekend they get done

[@ralph1533]

Martin 2E0ERY how did it work out? I have ac3018, also. Kinda like trying to run a restaurant with only an Easy Bake Oven.

[@js8479]

Hi, We have the machine (3018)but we can figure out the feeds and speeds, bits,etc. We keep having a plunging issue☹️ Any suggestions or sites that can help us newbies??

[@brandonbritt886]

I just finished making a sign like this this weekend. Ii recessed my large text below my background Very interesting.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

That is fantastic! Send me a picture when it is completed.

[@brandonbritt886]

@@PawPawsWorkShop I finally finished this. Not sure what the wood is. I put natural Danish oil on it. I need to work on my oil application. First CNC project imgur.com/gallery/ionKRh4

[@mnboilerguy6529]

@@brandonbritt886 looks really nice. I'm just getting started with CNC machines. Super excited!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Your first project looks great!

[@dangenovese8905]

I just got my little cnc machine and have decided to try easel instead of the candle that comes with the machine. Candle looked to be alot less novice user-friendly. Your videos are helping me lose some of the fear about the computer setup side of cnc.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Easel is very user friendly. You can also use UGS (Universal Gcode Sender) This is free. I use this for some of the carving that I do. The possibilities are limitless.

[@dangenovese8905]

@@PawPawsWorkShop I will check that out. Thanks for the tip!

[@daneilers739]

Could you do a video on the painting of a sign like this? I surely do enjoy your videos Phil. You are truly the Maestro.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much.

[@shelby50411]

wait a minute...so you have easel pro now.?...

[@brianconley1732]

I am making one of these signs for my sister for Christmas!!!!!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Wonderful!

[@aj.8665]

Clear instructions as always. I know I can paint MDF red 1st, mask entire project, then carve and paint carved areas next. What is your best or easiest way to paint the 2 different carved area levels that are not masked after carving (.05 Kitchen and .1 background carve) without hand painting each word? Thx

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

There is not real easy way to do it. It requires a lot of hand painting.

[@SJSSawdust]

Very detailed and easy to follow video - thank you!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Glad it was helpful! You're very welcome.

[@paulmelachrinos5699]

Great video Sir!!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much

[@johnwheeler9696]

Hi, fantastic video and very well explained for a CNC beginner like me. Please keep them coming.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much. Will do.

[@harldave9850]

Thank you so much. I learned a great deal from this.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

You're welcome. I very glad you learned a great deal from this video. Thank you very much.

[@ericmichael8283]

I did this sign and it turned out great, but having problems with the paint. would you mine sharing your technique with how you accomplished this. Love your videos and your tutorials

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

There is no easy way to paint the sign. You have to be careful. I hand paint with a small brush to get the detail.

[@ericmichael8283]

i had a thought last night before going to bed, I sank the center letters and it looks great and will make painting a breeze. Thank you for you input and all your great videos.

[@rabinshakya8199]

thanks you soo much for your guidence. Its soo helpful

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

You’re welcome

[@daveburdett3917]

Thank you as always very informative 👍🏻

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

My pleasure,sir. Thank you very much for watching.

[@mikeledee8786]

Nicely done. What cut path do you use? Thanks

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

The letters are generally cut on the outside and the recessed area is cut on the inside

[@mikeledee8786]

@@PawPawsWorkShop thanks

[@davidortiz1899]

Great video ,Great sign thanks for the tips, a fan for sure Dave the Wave

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much 👍

[@richardschultz508]

Very Informative videos, Thank you!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much.

[@joesmyth2072]

This looks easier then using v carve, Thanks. Can you show us how you painted this sign

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Yes, easel is much easier than vcarve to do this type of sign

[@tommyb5217]

Yea i have 90s in different sizes , my dilemma is im trying to figure out what bit to use for what applications so im just playing around til i get a great result

[@kurtc9687]

Did you use a 1/4 inch straight fluted router bit for clearance? I have a Bob's E4. I'm getting a total carve time of just under 5 hours.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Yes, try different bit and estimate times before you carve. You can also adjust speeds and cut depths.

[@juansalmeron1537]

Great sign pawpaw

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you very much.

[@juansalmeron1537]

What kind of material did you make the sign on?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Pine and Poplar are the most common. Sometimes oak.

[@danc1ngfyr]

This is the sort of work I am wanting to create....Which Xcarve machine is that (what size)?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

I am using the XCarve 1000

[@dougeing6521]

Silly question of the day: I just received my Onefinity CNC. I have the vcarve desktop software. Can these controllers run on both easel and vcarve? In other words I can load the g-code from vcarve on a thumb drive to run my controller. Can I also load the easel g-code on a thumb drive and plug it into my controller? I really like the way easel allows you to set up a stacked text project.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Easel can run on both machines. Vcarve does not have the ability to directly send the file to the machine. You must save the Goode and use Picsender, UGS or similar program send the file to the machine

[@eldrickboshoff6150]

Ok just a quick one I am new to cnc cutting but is this video are you cutting each job separately . Roughing out the wood is the first step byt when do you cut the word kitchen and the the rest

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

This was done in easel. It is called two stage carving, a roughing pass and a detail carving. It’s really just two toolpaths if you were to use other software

[@tommyb5217]

Can I ask you a question? The bigger the sign or letters the better the details come out? Im just practice on relatively small pieces. 10"×5" or so. Thanks for your help

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

The detail in the graphic and the use of a small ballnose bit is the biggest factor. Then the size due to the fact that you can pack mose detail into a larger sign

[@rong1706]

love these videos, thank you for sharing this info. I just got a cheap hobby cnc 3018 pro, can you recommend a good all around bit to get started practicing?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

I use the 1/8" straight bit, 1/16" both upcut and downcut along with 90 degree v bit. These are my most commonly used bits.

[@vv20-22]

Question for you. How does a 2 layer pass work? I've only been using my CNC for 3 weeks so I'm a full-on rookie. Everything you explained is very detailed but I'm not sure how you would change the bits for the second detailed pass. Does the program know to stop, and then you just pop in the 2nd bit? Or do you have to pause when it looks like the first layer is done? Please advise, thank you!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

In two stage carving using Easel, you set up both bits in the software. Run the roughing pass first. When finished the machine will be at the x,y 0 position. You will need to change the bit to the set in the program for the detail pass. You will need to use the probe and zero the z axis again, then run the detail pass. Follow the checklist in Easel. Be careful not to move the machine when changing the bit. You need to keep the x,y 0 position consistent.

[@pawpawscustomcreations6447]

My sign or Facebook page is the same as yours. I'm so sorry if you're offended. I have 23 grandchildren so it's only fitting. Since I found your channel I have put above it my name seems how you're way more experienced than I am. I watch your channel all the time and love the tips.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Awesome, congratulations on being a papa also and thank you very much

[@ChonkysWoodshop]

Does a project like this or the two stage carving require easel pro? Or is it doable in the free version?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

No, you can do two stage carving with the free version. If you chose the vcarving feature or vcarving as part of you two stage carving the. Yes, you will need the pro version

[@ChonkysWoodshop]

@@PawPawsWorkShop gotcha, and v carving refers to using v groove bits correct? sorry im totally new to cnc and plan on buying my first alienfox soon! cant wait to get it! I did also watch your maintenance video and am curious, is any type of lubrication needed on the machine and if so where and how often?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Yes, the use of vbits is typically used for vcarving. Very little lubrication is needed. The lead screw on the zaxis is all. The maintenance is in the belts and the v wheels. I have a affiliate link in the description for the FOXAlien when you are ready to purchase. I would also suggest to save for the 4040xe or the VASTO. You will outgrow the Masuter very quickly

[@Colin-Parker]

Paw Paw. I am a subscriber to your site and I would like to ask you two questions. 1. How did you zoom in on the preview page like that?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

On the easel screen there is a thin bar between the design screen and the preview screen. It is divided into three sections with a little bar in the center one and a left arrow as well as a right arrow in the other section. Hit that and you will see only the preview or the design screen. You can also click and drag the bar and open the screens up.

[@bobwilliams5506]

Great video, as usual. I'm betting that one took some time painting.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Yes, any layered sign like this is difficult to paint.

[@christopherwright1419]

You have a lot more bit options than my easel selection. Is that an upgrade of software?!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

You have the ability to add bits now. This has been in place for several months. You may need to update easel.

[@JohnColgan.]

Upgrade Easel? It's web based, you run the current version all the time

[@morgynbutler1098]

@@JohnColgan. i believe he is using Easel Pro, not just Easel. I am new to x-carve and noticed I dont have the option to use the V-Carve bits without upgrading the software which is a monthly/annual subscription

[@armandocardante1771]

great job

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Thank you

[@craig12272]

Newbie just need clarification how do you choose what tool does what I’m using easel also. I am doing pocket with 1/4 endmill with engraving with 60 degree at bottom. When I add 60 degree it simulates everything path with 60 degree. I’m sure it is something stupid. TIA

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

The 1/4em should be setup as the roughing pass in easel. Then the finishing pass will be the 60 degree bit. Run each simulation and see what each bit is doing. Do you have easel or easel pro?

[@craig12272]

@@PawPawsWorkShop thank I thinking that’s what I’m missing is setup as rough ing. Yes on pro thank u

[@Jbo-8736]

How did you change the colors in the generated preview?? Thanks!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Go to the materials in the top right of the screen. You have a selection of acrylic with two colors.

[@brianconley1732]

You’ve said you use an 1/8” bit for roughing in...would that be the same as the 1/8” 20 degree bit??

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

No, I used a 1/8" straight bit but I would suggest using a 1/4" for the roughing pass and a 60 or 90 degree v bit for the detail pass.

[@ryankatigbak4926]

Hello Sir, The Easel Software is Compatible or can use to any brand of Cnc laser machine?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Yes I it should work with most any GRBL based machines

[@michaelbritt3223]

Nice video! What was the font name for good food, friend, times?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

The font is Lavanderia. It is one of the fonts in Easel.

[@jessicabee152]

Hello! I have a question for you. When I go to add my second bit for the detail it makes for example; I have a square I want cut out with an 1/8 inch bit, but when I add the V-bit for detail it changes the cut out of square to the v-bit cut on the 3D simulator in Easel Pro. How do I know which bit will cut certain lines and can I change it ?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

When you go though the checklist you will chose the roughing pass and you will verify the 1/8 inch bit. Then when you change bits to the vbit and go through the checklist select detail pass and again it will verify the bit. Does this help or am I completely missing your issue

[@hannamacarthur3829]

Hi I am trying to make a sign like this, and it almost finishes roughing but then jumps off the board. Any idea why? I am totally new at this, so I am clueless. Thank you!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

It sounds like you are skipping steps. Something is loose or the bit hit a knot or hit a hold down.

[@curtboehmer510]

At the end of the video, how did you get your sign to show up in color in the preview

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

In the material selection there is two color acrylic. You can pick and choose different combinations.

[@curtboehmer510]

@@PawPawsWorkShop I found it after i sent you the message. Thanks

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Awesome

[@curtboehmer510]

@@PawPawsWorkShop Sure wished we lived closer. Would love for you to come over and teach me how to use my XCarve, when I get it.

[@deonjackson4495]

Hey can you make a video about adding 30 degree bits and other bits with very fine points in easel

[@daneilers739]

Hi Phil; Have you done a Multiple Layer Sign video via VCarve? I have enjoyed watching all your videos and am now transitioning over to VCarve.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

As you are aware I have been doing almost all Easel and have done almost everything that I can do. I am transitioning to V Carve and will start very basic and add to each project. A multiple layer sign will be in the mix. I also will be using UGS. Thank you very much.

[@daneilers739]

That is comforting to know; I am looking forward to watching those videos. Thank you so much. Dan

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

You are very welcome. Thank you for your support.

[@DianaFlores-ry8te]

Can you make a make-up vanity with drawers ?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

I will be making a vanity very soon. It will be a modern design.

[@stephengentry814]

I need your help. I followed this precisely for a laundry sign not much bigger than this, but no matter the bits its simulates like 150hrs. Please help

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Perhaps a larger bit for the roughing pass. Increase feed rate. Is this designed in Easel. Toolpaths are generally much slower using easel. If you have VCarve the toolpath will be much different and save a great deal of time.

[@stephengentry814]

@@PawPawsWorkShop yes i used a quarter inch bit for rouging and 90 degree for finish pass. In easel but my settings were even at 16x speed and 10in per second. Still showed like 30hrs for a simple 2 layered sign. 1st layer hollowed out, 2nd raised letters

[@frankmartinez5096]

I did a sign like this this weekend, but when I went to change bits for the detail cut the router did not go all the way down to do the detail work. I don’t know what I did wrong. Do I have to z zero in the middle of the work project or where I zero at the beginning? Please help.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

After you changed the bit you will need to z the new bit at the same position as you did the z for the roughing pass.

[@karldavidson27]

What is the name of the script font? Didn't give the name and I can't read it. Thanks.

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

The top layer is the script, it is Lavanderia and the both layer if Baskerville. Both fonts can be found in Easel.

[@tommyb5217]

Im trying to make a similar sign but tge results are not good. Practice makes perfect i guess. I have to play around with different bits

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

It does take practice to get it just right. Each time that you do one it will get better

[@chuckcook2853]

got it to work on my W7, but my W10 that runs the has me screwed cuz now I don't have internet

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

With no internet you may need to switch to USG as the sender for your projects. It is not internet based.

[@chuckcook2853]

but I ouldnt get on easel

[@MyName-mo7fw]

Do you need Pro to use two bits?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

The use of v bits and the various special fonts trigger the use of PRO. Just using two bits does not automatically trigger PRO.

[@MyName-mo7fw]

@@PawPawsWorkShop thanks

[@travlinwig]

I just bought my X-Carve and have been watching your videos. I noticed that you have a roughing pass and a finishing pass on your cut settings. I just have an automatic and manual. Why is that?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Not exactly where you are looking. If you select cut settings, the drop down menu will show automatic and manual. You can change the settings in the manual setting. The reason you see on one automatic and manual is because you only have one bit selected. If you hit the + sign next to the bit selected and add a bit, then select cut settings you will see two settings. I believe this is what you are referring to. Hope this helps you

[@travlinwig]

@@PawPawsWorkShop Thanks! I now see both a roughing and detail setting!

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Awesome

[@40mick]

I use V-carve and to do this requires node editing. Noticed you didn't need to do this correct?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

In Easel it is not required. It is simply as easy as I showed it.

[@Olivsam]

Do you use the easel pro or the free one?

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

I use Easel Pro with the four free days per month. I know that has gone away but for the old timers, we are grandfathered in.

[@chuckcook2853]

how do you move the txt into the box, its disappears

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

Click on the text. It creates a box around the text. Run the mouse over the text and you will see the crossed arrows and you can left click and drag it to your new location.

[@chuckcook2853]

oh ,I can move it , but I cant see it if I do

[@DianaFlores-ry8te]

I’m trying to build my own and I’m trying to get ideas because they’re very expensive

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

You are right, they are expensive because of the time it takes to make one. Thank you very much.

[@chuckcook2853]

nice idea , but not working for me

[@PawPawsWorkShop]

What exactly is happening?

[@chuckcook2853]

I make the rectangle , but I cant see anything I put in it