How To Make This Wooden We The People US Flag - Carbide Create Tutorial

Follow along with this Carbide Create tutorial as we design and program the toolpaths for this We The People flag. We will be using version 449.
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[@PaulMorel]

Good job Chris. It's really great that Carbide Create is constantly improving. The downside is it's constantly changing.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It can be a little frustrating at times, but it always seems to be for the better.

[@stephenenglebright]

I was following along fine until the 5:15 mark or so when you did the 'copy' of the outlines. Can't seem to figure out how to do that. I'm sure it something very easy, but I'm at a stand still. Would you mind explaining that part to me step by step. BTW, your videos have really helped me along, and for that I Thank You sincerely!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Ctrl C should just make a copy of them. You just need to make the copies because when you subtract that feature, it will disappear.

[@stephenenglebright]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Thanks, Chris. I 'thought' that I had tried that, but maybe I didn't. BTW, I don't have the 'paid' software for Carbide Create. I just have the basic software. That shouldn't have any bearing, I hope ? Thanks again, and appreciate you!

[@mikegaines7213]

I really want to do this flag. New to cnc work so all of the videos I can watch definitely helps. Thanks for putting this out there.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks for watching.

[@provenwoodworks8520]

THANK YOU!!!! Awesome video. No pause, just straight confidence. Followed it to the "T". Nothing better. Im new to the CNC world and this simple video has opened up alot of stuff that was blowing my mind in Carbide Create.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped.

[@mikepetitt9624]

Hey Chris! I just got my shapeoko XXL trying to get a grip on carbide create. Thank you very much I found your video very helpfull !

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks for watching! Glad it helped

[@solomonwehr387]

I owe you a drink brotha! haha new to Carbide, i've been creating my designs in Illustrator (pretty fluent in) and generating my own svg files to generate g code for my CNC. however I was doing all the complex node editing in adobe end. had no idea it was that easy to do in Carbide... with the outline and boelean stuff. Thanks for the vid!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Some stuff like that is pretty easy in CC. It’s a little limited though.

[@Shipwreck15151]

I am about to get my Shapeoko XXL and have been messing around with Carbide Create. I was wondering how I was going to do the stain on these flags but now I wonder no more! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!

[@Olivsam]

Chris do you have a video on tiling with carbide create?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Not yet. I do have one planned though.

[@troymartin252]

Great videos I enjoy learning new things with the carbide program

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks

[@jnick67a]

Hi Chris, I am clearly doing something wrong. Have tried repeatedly to trim the edges of the stripes by .25 but I keep having pieces left over that I cannot seem to delete without impacting another Stripe. I am also getting confused by copying a stripe and dragging it down. So am I basically dragging and dropping? I am a PC user. Also noticed this new version of CC does not have 'group elements' check box. Is this the same as grouping vectors?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Yea that should be the same. Just make sure you’re selecting stuff in the right order. It makes a difference.

[@jnick67a]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Hi Chris sorry for the constant questions. A version of your CC is different than mine. Contour and pocket are two different buttons now in the tool path selection. For the Stripes, I did a pocket at .08 depth. I also noticed that the max depth for my Stars is .75 same goes for we the people. When I simulate the job P in people also looks weird and I cannot figure out why. Unfortunately no ability to post a screenshot in youtube. Thanks.

[@jnick67a]

@Chris Powell disregard the above. I figured out my issue. Copies of we the people were not precisely aligned and sitting on one another. Also, did a pocket and left the v carve depth untouched. The simulation looks good. I'll see how the cut comes out. Thank you for all you do.

[@kylehart3595]

I’m running through the simulation and when I got to the “we the people” part my tool paths are tracing the letters on the lines. While yours is cutting through the middle of the letter. Do you know what could be causing this?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

What kind of tool path are you using? Is there an outline around the words?

[@shakes620]

how do you know what size to make your union? I have a file that I resize depending on the stock so my union changes constantly. Single color flags are no issue but when I want to do red, wood and blue, I don't know how to calculate the size of my union to be able to stain prior to cutting. Any tips on how to figure that out?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You can just scale them to the size youneed in your cnc program, CC in this case, and draw a rectangle around the union. Personally, I cut my stripes first, and then apply the stain. I thought I showed that in this video. If not, check this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5eQi4B9eauco8k

[@krishershberger2442]

Did you stain or paint the stars? If so, how do you prevent overspray on the red and blue areas?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

No I just leave them as raw wood. If you wanted to paint them, you could mask the other areas before cutting the stars. I like using Duck shelf liner.

[@charlaverdiere8034]

Chris, How can I get a copy of the flag you are using?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The parts to make it are on my website.

[@charlaverdiere8034]

You are amazing. And thank you for video’d my husband is learning this because of your greatness. Side note he took over it’s my Birthday Gift lol 😂

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Haha well wish him good luck. Let me know if you guys have any other questions.

[@rylch44]

Very cool man. I use a different program but just watching your tutorials I'm able to convert it over to the program I'm using. Thanks again man.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

What program are you using?

[@rylch44]

@@ChrisPowellFSD vetric

[@heathersmith524]

Why can I not see my design when I go to show simulation? Very new to carbide create.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Sometimes it can take a while to load.

[@jnick67a]

I know this post is old but if you have not yet created tool paths show simulation will basically just come up blank. You have to have at least one tool path created.

[@diydadworkshop6123]

Learned something? Unbelievable video. Informative and good pace, easy to follow!

[@diydadworkshop6123]

Thank you so much. Can’t wait to try it!!

[@stevescustomcarving1175]

Awesome video! I followed along and now have the CC and GCode files for this flag. Learned a lot. Thanks for all the images on you site too. They are a great help to a newbie like me.

[@mrwilson4909]

how do you get the paint to be metallic? love the rich coloring

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It’s just red and blue stain. I torch it after staining.

[@Patricksworkshop]

thanks for the lesson Chris so do u have links to the bits you use ?

[@melsantos3401]

What kind of wood did you use for this flag?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Pine

[@emilydowns2690]

Great Video. Do you have a video on Tiling in Carbide Create? I’m trying to to make a flag similar to this as a 36x19.5

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Sorry I don’t have one yet. I plan I’m doing one. It all has to be done manually because they don’t have an option in the program for that.

[@emilydowns2690]

Chris Powell I would love to see you do one! You are so helpful. I couldn’t have done what we do so far without your videos. I did do a manual Tiling last night. It wasn’t 100% great but it worked. I now know what to change next time. I’m sure you have an easier way! Thank you for all the videos and help.

[@samf6989]

Chris what was your max depth for your stars and log? Great work

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

They’re just regular full depth v carves. There’s no max depth set. If you have to set one, just set it to something like .5” or the bottom of the material.

[@kevinstebner5523]

Hey Chris. I followed along and programmed this flag in carbide create, not Pro. I tried to open the program on my Shapeoko 4xxl and it cannot find the file. Can I assume that since it has a vcarve in it and I don't have pro it won't save the gcode? And if i upgrade to pro will I have to reprogram the whole thing? m not super knowledgeable on my cnc yet so I'm not sure if I'm missing something. I've created projects and made them before and I'm thinking the vcarve is the only different thing. Thanks in advance and thank you for making so many tutorial videos.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The v carve should work fine. They’ve made a lot of changes to the program. I’ve stopped using it because it’s too hard to keep up with.

[@kevinstebner5523]

In the programming it only gives me the option to save the toolpaths, not gcode. Any thoughts on how i can get it to work? What program do you use now. Vectric by any chance?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

@@kevinstebner5523 I use Carveco Maker. I have some videos on it

[@djwreck2176]

I got ? In carbide create I have flag that's saved for my template but when added a picture and want to save, how do we save without losing original flag and saving new project

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I just do save as. I have a couple master files that are just a plain flag. As soon as I open it, I say save as and put the name of whatever the new design is going to be. The only toolpaths I have on the masters is the stars. Everything else I do after the design is complete.

[@thomasmays7635]

how do you make a copy of the we the people part?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Ctrl or cmd c

[@resorter66]

I was able to follow you video until you got to the off set. Did you copy and past the off set 3 times and at what point did you ungroup the stripes. trying to follow along in vcarve pro to design the flag.

[@resorter66]

Sorry i did not include my name Jeff

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Hey Jeff, I copied it 2 times so I had 3 of the outlines. That was just because it covered 3 stripes. In CC, when you do a Boolean subtraction, it removes the piece you’re subtracting. You need the copies so you can do each line. The grouping can be off for all of this. I just keep the actual words We The People grouped to make the toolpath setting section easier.

[@resorter66]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Thanks . I will try it again. Jeff

[@kyleh5221]

Great work on this video Chris.

[@mikegaines7213]

What did you set the depth for on the stars and wtp?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It’s just a regular v carve. The max depth is as deep as it needs to go to carve the required width.

[@jorgebaca7571]

The National guard logo . What tool bit do you use ?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

1/8” 2 flute mortising bit for the larger clearing, 1/32” ball for the detail, and 60 degree v for the v carved parts.

[@RuffKutmedia]

Awesome tutorial as usual. Question, when you take the material for staining, after you took pathed the flag, how do you set the zero to the exact location with the X and Y axis?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I use a fence, so I just push the material up against that. It’s always in the same location.

[@RuffKutmedia]

Chris Powell thank you for the clarification.

[@davidcolley273]

Learning so much from you with my XXL. However, finding free svg files is a challange. Notices that not all the images you show in your video are showing up when I go to your web page. Was interested in the USN logo.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I had to remove some of the images. You can find that one by searching on google images.

[@noteoneone11]

What happened to showing the finished product? Thought this idea up and plugged it in and of course someone already thought it up too, nice, kinda...Drivin to get into cnc, because of the art of it but the computer side is hard for me to understand the terms they usewithin the programs.....it will take alot of work to familiarize and learn... That's ok... Great job and thx for the video/learning.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Once you learn what the different buttons do, it gets easier. Carbide Create is pretty simple and a good starting place for beginners. It’s lacking a lot of options, but that’s not a bad thing when starting out.

[@noteoneone11]

Thanks for the positive response. I'm sure I'll watch this and more of your videos because of it! WeThePeople....much respect brother...

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you. I appreciate it. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions if you get stuck. [e-mail]

[@frankfinch9404]

Another great video Chris! I don't see any of the SVG on your website other than the flag, we the people, and the waves. Did you take them down?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. I had to remove them for now.

[@michaelpalmowski7335]

Thanks for this wonderful video, quick question if you don't mind. I see you have your stepover set to .25 while the default on my CC is .062 should I leave it or change to what yours shows? thanks

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

What bit are you referring to? Generally you want step over to be about 40%.

[@jnick67a]

Such a great video Chris. Thank you. I am a newbie as well and I think the tool paths have been the biggest challenge. I would like to make one of these but I am curious what are you using for stock? thank you.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. I use premium pine 1x12’s.

[@williamtracy1766]

What are the dimensions for the union on this size of flag? so for when I paint

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Not sure. I cut the stripes first so I know where the union will be. It never seems to come out right when measuring and painting before cutting.

[@bobbyjordan7927]

Chris.......just got may Shapeoko and am trying to follow you on the We The people build. When I go to your web site and save the flag out I can't change the format of the file to SVG. When I look for the file it is greyed out on my MacBook pro and I can't import it in to Carbide Create. Any suggestions? BTW, Love your channel and your work. I have really learned a tremendous amount of information. Great job. Thank you so much for all that you do.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Just make sure you’re selecting “save link as” and not “save file as”. That will save the actual svg the thumbnail is linked to. The thumbnail is a jpg and won’t work in CC. Glad to hear you’re learning a lot. Thanks!

[@bobbyjordan7927]

Thanks. That worked.

[@psemond72]

What is the vinyl that I've seen you use over the paint? Do you have an Amazon link by chance?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It’s just vinyl adhesive shelf liner. I get it from Walmart in the Home section.

[@psemond72]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Ha! Dude, how do you come up with all this stuff??

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Patrick Emond it’s a combination of being cheap and impatient. No time to wait for online orders.

[@psemond72]

@@ChrisPowellFSD You've got it down to a science for sure, I'm cutting a flag right now with my fire dept. logo. Your tips were invaluable, thanks!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you!

[@jorgebaca7571]

Thanks for the quick reply. For the US army logo you have on your site . “Star with US Army “ do you use just a v bit ?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

For the official seal you would use a v bit. For the Star, I use a 1/8” end mil.

[@thecreator1455]

I need a full stream designs sticker for my shapoeko.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I need a way to send people stickers without me actually having to send them 😂

[@juansalmeron1537]

Really cool design..what kind of bits did you use to carve this out?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

A 60 degree v for the stars and words, and a 1/8” end mil for the stripes.

[@juansalmeron1537]

Chris Powell thank you very much!

[@sythe827]

Chris, Thank you so much for this, I have learned a lot. One question I have, what wood are you using? Plywood? Or are you doing glueups first?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. It’s a single piece of premium pine 1x12 cut to 21” long.

[@rickpate3490]

Awesome job. How long was carve time?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

About 45 mins.

[@pipetwister]

Another great one...thanks Chris,

[@markcrook5935]

Chris.. great video as usual.....just getting started...XXL together, no enclosure yet, absolutely hate CC!!! Is it possible that I have a bad version of CC? I don’t seem to have the buttons you have. Do you have to unlock other screens? Looking forward to moving onto to better programs.All I have is settings, design, tool path across the top.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

This is version 449, which came out a little over a week ago. carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/download/

[@PaulMorel]

@@ChrisPowellFSD I'm wondering if he's noticing the difference between Carbide Create and Carbide Create Pro?

[@ricknutz7139]

Thanks Chris. Being a noob, this really helped me to learn and also make a great project. Question though. Could you stain everything first before carving. That way you wouldn't have to be so careful. Just wondering or is there a reason you cant or shouldnt?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

That’s how I used to do it. I just never seemed to get the lines between the red and blue perfect though. That’s why I do it this way now.

[@gcrecon]

What are the dimensions of these flags

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

21x11”

[@jasonchance2480]

Hey Chris. Great videos. Are you running similar feeds and speeds on Pine, or what modification do you make? I notice you always select the MDF functions. Keep up the great work!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

This is pine. The material selection in CC doesn’t mean anything. I always set my own feeds and speeds because the factory ones are very slow.

[@awesomesauce2935]

How many passes is your v-bit making on we the people? My first shot I mustve selected the wrong line set or something and ended up having the v-bit plunge way to deep and make way to many passes on the stars and wtp. They came out ill defined and, well, way to deep.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

2. I have my depth set to .156 per pass I believe.

[@awesomesauce2935]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Your Reddit post that led me here shows using a 1/4" diameter v-bit is that still accurate in this video? I am using a 1/4" shank, 1/2" diameter v-bit. It looks like Carbide Create selected .1 as the default for this bit.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I just modified the 302 bit(I think that was the number). You should be able to step up that depth per pass a little. .156 was what the old version used to set my v bit at, and it’s always worked well for me.

[@awesomesauce2935]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Thank you very much for your mentorship. I'll dial it in and see if I can get similar results.

[@awesomesauce2935]

To anyone that is having a problem with a Shapeoko V-bit carving too deep AND you're using the Carbide 3D probe to zero: Put the whole probe box ON TOP of the workpiece in the middle somewhere if you're just doing Z, not the corner where you set XYZ. It was my problem all along and caused hours of frustration.

[@brendaboyce9967]

Very helpful video. Clear and concise.

[@1stresponsevideo]

thanks for sharing

[@bobbyjordan7927]

Chris.....just tried to duplicate your WTP flag> I followed your instructions but my flag did not turn out like yours. The starts have rounded edges (I used the 60 degree v bit) and the cut is very deep (I think). The WTP is carved very deep and doesn't look as crisp as yours. Where do you think I went wrong? I call myself following your instructions verbatim but I must have missed something. I have reviewed the video several times and don't see where I went wrong. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Sounds like the z was set too low.

[@bobbyjordan7927]

I used the carbide probe to set the z. Should I have used paper to set it?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I use paper myself. Also, make sure you’re using the correct bit. If you set it up as a 60, make sure what’s what you actually use.

[@bobbyjordan7927]

I used the #302 bit. Is there something else I need to change

[@bobbyjordan7927]

Would you mind looking at my Carbide Create file?

[@davidcochran934]

If you see this comment I am going to need to update this process yet again. haha. I have watched the old one and this one and evidently some small things have changed. I have matched your tutorial keystroke for keystroke and it just isn't coming out correctly around the WTP wording. Gets frustrating when kind people like you show us how to do something but it gets messed up by programmers. :(

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It’s hard to keep up with the changed they’re constantly making. Maybe you can email me the c2d file and I’ll take a look at where you’re at. [e-mail]

[@davidcochran934]

@@ChrisPowellFSD I emailed you today. If you don't see it check your spam. Thanks.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Got it. I’ll take a look in the morning.

[@htmn4hire176]

Just got my MPCNC running. BIG thanks for those SVG files. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You’re welcome!

[@stevetami1]

Appreciate your channel. I’ve found a great XL for sale locally. How often do you find yourself really using the max capacity of your xxl?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The 21x11” flags are what I make 99% of the time. It is nice to have that extra room when I need it, like with the Charleston map table. I would probably buy an xl if I found one for a good price.

[@stevetami1]

Chris Powell thank you. I think I’ll commit to it and subscribe to your website. Appreciate your info.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you!

[@stevetami1]

Well he sold the xl before I got back to town. Have you looked at the Mill Right any? If so what are your thoughts...

[@dodgeram2500ism]

awesome video ty for posting

[@anthonywindle7503]

Thank you for doing this walkthrough. I really appreciate it. I hope to churn out a few of these to pay for the Shapeoko!! You are amazing!!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you. Good luck!

[@foreverangler8724]

How did you make copies for we the people

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Ctrl C

[@bobbonham4823]

Thanks. This has helped a lot.

[@MKSWoodcrafts]

What do you use to record your desktop video?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I just use the screen capture function that comes with the Mac. It usually works pretty well, but it gave me a hard time when making this video. It would stop recording after a few minutes, but didn’t say anything. I might need to look into other options.

[@johnchattley9900]

Hey, awesome video!! I just recently made the upgrade to the shapeoko xl from my dremel 3000. I'm still trying to learn carbide create. Any way I can reach out to you for some pointers with programming some custom fire department logos over the union with stars? Thanks in advance.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. Email me at [e-mail]

[@davidlittleton7021]

i was wondering how to convert an image to svg

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

For simple ones I use www.Convertio.co For more complex ones, I use Carveco Maker. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m53IiYWgdriEbqs

[@GARYCARLTON1]

Thank you for sharing.. I've learned so much from your videos and its much appreciated. Keep up the good work..

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you!

[@jessica4194]

LMBO off at intro! I JUST got used to the older version lol. Seriously---nice tutorial!

[@YESSLEEP42]

Thanks for another great video!! Keep the videos coming and keep making me wanting a cnc machine!!

[@davidjennings2733]

Chris, Another great video and yes, I did learn something. Keep um coming.. Cheers, David J

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I’m glad people are getting something out of this stuff. I have a pretty good list of ideas that keeps growing.

[@Lsteezy]

This is Great Brtha👊🏼. Im doing my 1st Project on my shapeoko xxl and even though i am a bit intimidated i am going to give this a try. Thank you again and will come bck here to let you knw how it went. Wish me luck🙏🏼 and Thanks again brtha👍🏼👊🏼

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Good luck. I look forward to hearing about your results.

[@Lsteezy]

@@ChrisPowellFSD cant figure out grouping and this boolean subtraction. I think its align vectors to group but whenever i get to boolean subtraction i get stuck. IT ungroups top half of flag and downhill from there smh been at it for like 4 hours now. I have to take a break and step away before i smash this computer. smh. I knw it is something so simple and i tried google n forums etc and they keep saying "press shift" press shift and what??? and watched you video 1000 times (feels like it) and i just cannot get it. Guess this version of cc changed the way its done. Your Version seems 1000x easier. Feel like i am in kindergarden (Special ED group). haha. anyway i got to step away and get bck at it in a few.

[@Lsteezy]

Day 3 and still cant get this done. Haha. The journey/struggle continues🕺🏼🤦🏻

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

@@Lsteezy whenever you subtract something, it will subtract the second piece you select and remove it. Have you made multiple copies of the part you’re subtracting?

[@Lsteezy]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Hello chris. Yes i made multiple copies. Total of 3. I am going to go back at it right now. Took a 10min break. I will keep update when im complete it. Hopefully soon👍🏼

[@mattguzman73]

Where’s the final product? Nice tutorial! But man wish I could’ve seen the product

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. Just trying to keep it a little short. I can easily get carried away and make every video an hour long haha. I’ve got some other videos that get into staining and finishing a little more in depth than this one.

[@mattguzman73]

Chris Powell oh I hear ya! I just purchased my cnc last week. Back ordered till December so learning as much as I can till I get it. My first one so really excited!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Cool. What did you get?

[@mattguzman73]

Chris Powell onefinity.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Those look nice. December will be here before you know it.

[@Golfexpertbelieveme]

you should remake this video to the present as Carbide Create doesnt look anything like this now. I am new and trying to learn but there arent any present day videos out there of this type of stuff. Everything is a year or two old. Even the tutorials are old.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

This is one of the reasons I stopped using CC. Trying to keep up with their constant changes is exhausting.

[@andoidjohn]

Super wyszlo, lajkpanel pl pozdrawia

[@dandixon4034]

🤙

[@starrstroh3578]

You can use woodprix to build it in the cheapest way.

[@samuelcardenas8682]

See my Dome BB kindness needed a fucken million programs not han do made

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Well said 👏