How To Program This Wood USMC American Flag - Carbide Create Tutorial

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

With all of the changes Carbide Create has been going through lately, I decided to do a new flag design video. You can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4fcgYOKps-Ng7c

[@bigkremey]

Jumping into this CNC crowd with both feet brother, I appreciate the step by step process. SUPER HELPFUL!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you

[@GunnerAl9]

Mr. Powell, being a new learner to Carbide Create, you solved some issues I have been having. Thank you. Very informative and don't worry about length when you providing such a great product. You maintained a steady speed, enough for viewers to keep up, stop the video and take time to think. I had to write down some notes for the problems you solved. I'll also check out your new video to see what changes CC has implemented. Thanks again for a great video. I have subscribed....

[@Bvfd1505]

Very informative video. I just got a Shapeko and have not made my first project yet. I am learning Carbide Create and your video really helped clear up some questions that I had. Thanks for the Lesson and keep up the awesome crafting.

[@semperparatus3685]

I am 100% Combat Wounded Disabled vet. My wife and I bought a CNC as part of my rehab and to have fun doing something together. We're starting a business creating flags, military appreciation gifts (we live near a base), shadow boxes, ect. We appreciate you taking the time to walk us through your process. Your time and effort will help us shave off some of the learning curve. We'll send some pics of our stuff once we get proficient. This is an official Attaboy from us!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks! I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Good luck and don’t hesitate to ask any questions.

[@MrKly123]

Thanks Chris. I have been so frustrated trying different things in Carbide Create as a beginner. I believe in learning the software the right way, but the extra help you give in this tutorial refueled my desire to create different things in Carbide create. It was just what I needed! Thanks again.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Glad to hear it. I’ve always been critical of CC, but I’ve learned a lot of work arounds. I’m excited for the new pro version to come out.

[@MSGAirborne51]

The old addage applies give a man a fish he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish he will eat for life. Thanks for doing this. I'd much rather have the skills to make my own then just a file for one thing. Awesome job and keep it up! Thank you!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you! This is why I make videos like this.

[@atomcooper]

Chris, I can't say thank you enough for this tutorial!!! You are the man!!! My Shapeoko arrives tomorrow and I'm going to try to make Christmas presents for family. I don't think I would be as far along in my learning experience without your videos. We are stationed @ Fort Jackson. I'm guessing that your somewhere here in SC. If you are ever around Columbia, I owe you a beer or several! Thanks again for the amazing content!!!!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. Glad it helped! I’m in Charleston.

[@atomcooper]

Jordan as soon as It's up and running I'll let you know. I'm still in the process of building it. I'm a stay at home dad with a 4yr old and a 6 month old so I don't have a ton of time to work on it. Usually after dinner and the kids are in bed. But so far... I can tell you that the quality of the parts are amazing! I'm super impressed. It's physically together as of last night, Now I have to wire everything up and tune it. Once I get my waste board flattened its off to the races. I'm hoping that I can make my first cuts tonight.

[@davidyoung4312]

Thank you for sharing how you did this in Carbide Create. Appreciate how you showed how to use several different tools in the software.

[@ChrisVZ77]

Thank you. I've been seeing people carving these online, but wasn't finding too much information on the actual process.

[@dapper98374]

The best video I’ve seen yet on creating flag designs!

[@DavidGarcia-sx8th]

THAT WAS VERY HELPFUL...AND VERY DETAILED....VERY COOL....HOPE TO USE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS ONE DAY.....

[@gerardsaxbury7299]

Perfect timing I have been fighting this for over a week now. I was so frustrated that i was almost to give up. Didn't help matters that CC was crashing on me every other time I made some progress. Thank you for sharing

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It crashed on me just as I was bringing the EGA into CC. That’s why that part of the video is messed up.

[@BelleChasseHome]

Thank you for this information and reasoning on why you don't give away a completed file. As a Marine vet, this is a perfect 1st project for me to make and a chance to use the software while learning my cnc. Thanks again. USMC-retired

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you

[@furiousfurby]

Awesome video. I do all my flag building by hand for now. Once I’m able to actually use some of my profits, I’ll be purchasing a CNC to expand to what you’re doing. Great tutorial.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you!

[@davidjennings2733]

Hi Chris, Just wanted to say thank you for posting this as I was able to create the flag with a Navy Emblem doing the same process. I also used Vcarve instead of Carbide Create. The tool paths and 3d image looks great, however I cannot run the paths until I get my new Shapeoko XL this coming Tuesday, delivery day. Yeah.. Thanks again, David J.

[@TruckinBear1]

Good video Chris. I followed the video making one change. Instead of drawing each individual box for the white stripes, I drew one for the short stripes then copied that box and drug it to its respective place. Same for the long stripes. Shaves off a little time.

[@mickeymallette2663]

Thanks fort this type of video. Learning the programs is much more useful than giving someone the file

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@3Dgifts]

Nice tutorial, and yes, I agree, why not learn how to do it. It’s a skill.

[@kennethspivey9530]

Thank you for this video...This is the best at showing where to find and use the software...Great Job

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I posted a few of the files I use on my flags on my website. They’re already in svg format. I’ll keep adding more, so be sure to check back from time to time. You can see them at: fullsteamdesigns.com/maker-resources/

[@Broinwood]

Beautiful work and some excellent tips, I have never tried epoxy in my cutting boards.

[@chriscook6148]

Chris, I cant thank you enough. Great video tutorial. Very helpful.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you

[@MarkTomey]

Great video. Just started with CNC router work a few months ago. This was very helpful.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you.

[@michaeldegripp6337]

Excellent video on using Carbide Create. Your work is superb! Question: Where do you get your bits from?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Mostly amazon.

[@JohnColgan.]

Great design. Quick Q. What o/S is your computer running? Linux (Flavour) or Mac ?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Mac

[@chrischurch4551]

Waiting for my shapeoko. I appreciate this video immensely.

[@rashryock]

Thank You Chris, I'm new to the CNC world and using Carbide Create. Your video tutorial got me off to a running start. Do you mind if I copy your EGA flag to use for Christmas presents for some of my former Marine friends I work with? Thanks again for the wonderful tutorial. Semper Fi, Deerik

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I don’t mind at all. That’s why I did this tutorial, so people could use the design. This was one of my first designs, and it helped kick off my business. I hope others can do the same.

[@kylebess6002]

This video was the exact help I needed. Thanks for the work!

[@davidjennings2733]

Hi Chris, I looked at your other flag signs on your website and have to say they are awesome. I take it you paint or stain the reds, blues or black colors before running them through the CNC? That is what I would do but was not sure if that is what you have done. Thanks, David J.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Hey David, Yea that’s usually what I’ll do. I will cut details like the stripes first on some of them so I know where to put the blue and red. I have another video showing that process. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5eQi4B9eauco8k

[@mikebohannon6928]

Great Video!! Thank you very much for walking through this process. It helped me with my project so much. Question. How are you doing you color(s)? before/after carving? colors? How you doing it? Thanks again!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

When I do a black one, I do the black before carving. The one in the thumbnail is dyed epoxy, which was poured in the machined areas after carving.

[@cliff5240]

Great video and I appreciate you not providing the file. I have learned so much walking through it with you

[@scottstevens814]

Chris, I enjoyed your video. I wish I had seen it when I first got my Shapeoko XXL a few months ago. Question - Do you ever have a problem carving stars on larger flags? I have made a few flags that are roughly 20 inches tall and 39 wide (using glued panels from Lowes and 90 degree v). If the board is not perfectly flat then there can be a difference in the size of the stars from one end of the Union to the other. Have you ever experienced that with your 11-inch flags?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The key to a perfect v carve is to have your panel as flat as possible. It’s hard to find perfectly flat wood in the big box stores, so I usually position them with the bow facing down in the middle, and pull the edges flat against the wasteboard with clamps.

[@tholand8440]

Hey Chris, Watched several of your videos, great work by the way. Can you answer a question for me. Why do you initially set the parameter at 21.38 inches but you cut your stock to exactly 21 inches. I saw one of your videos that showed you cutting the stock at exactly 21 inches. Please let me know Thanks

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It’s just easier to measure that. If your stripes look shifted to one side, you can just shift them a hair in the program.

[@dustinhergert9499]

Thanks for the video instruction!

[@zachofalltrades1111]

I’m use this same technique on lightburn to use my laser same software basically I can translate what you were teaching here for my software!

[@zachofalltrades1111]

Ok I almost got it I’m trying to do a cool don’t tread on me snake on top of a weathered flag when I get to the part boolean operations I can’t figure out how to get some extra lines deleted that aren’t connected and trying to close some that need to be with nodes it looks wonky 😂 but I’m almost there like so close if I can figure those two things out I will have it mastered. I’m sure I could do this better with affinity designer or procreate on my iPad. I’m definitely rewatch your video a few more times and maybe I’ll get it.

[@hhhhhhhhhhh686]

NEWBEE, would love to see a video on the process of changing bits on the same project. thank you and great video.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I run these depth stop collars, so I just remove one and install the next one between operations. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5_WYp-Ef96Uj6s

[@PoposWoodworks]

Out of curiosity, how long does it take to cut the marine flag in this video. I just bought a shapeoko and designed my first flag and the cut time is absolutely crazy!! I know I probably need to adjust my feeds and speeds but that is still Japanese to me right now lol. Great video btw!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The factory settings are set very conservatively. I updated my feed rates in the description for this video. Check out this other video too. I go over my updated feed rates a little more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4fcgYOKps-Ng7c

[@dustins12345]

Good day Chris what is your max depth on your stars and EGA? thanks great work keep it up!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The max depth is calculated based off the width of the part it’s carving. You can’t set a bottom depth in CC.

[@larryschmitt2513]

Chris how do you stain your flag? Do you stain the board black before you start carving? If so how do you deal with fuzzies? Thank you!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Here’s a video in my process. Torching before takes care of any of those, but there shouldn’t be many if your feeds and speeds are right. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5eQi4B9eauco8k

[@sakesan13]

Hi Chris. Great videos, thanks. I watched this one and the one that shows you staining and burning the pledge flag. One thing you didn’t mention is where the color in the EGA comes in. For the EGA flag fo you carve the EGA first and then paint it black and then sand, before carving the stripes? I’m sure there’s more than one way to do it just wondering what your method is. Thanks again

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

For the black flags, I always paint them before any machining. For the EGA flag with the red and blue epoxy, I machine those first, then spray them with a few coats of lacquer to seal them. Then I fill the carved areas with the dyed epoxy. After it cures, I sand them smooth and apply a few more coats of lacquer.

[@alexanderritsema9431]

Thank you so much for taking the time to create such a detailed video Chris. I've been messing around with the program and learning how to use it and this video certainly helped. I also had issues with the boolean feature but you gave a solution in the comments. Could you please add a link or picture as to what specific bits to use/buy? I'm waiting on my shapeoko to be shipped to my house and I'm trying to find the specific bits for the best price/quality. I know you said 1/8 inch endmill bits and 1/4 inch vee bit (60 degrees). Could you add a picture or link to find the specific bits please? Thank you again for the amazing walkthrough!

[@7Westwood]

Great Video... Thank You for sharing your knowledge!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thank you!

[@worleyfab8450]

Thanks for sharing this. Very insightful

[@carlosmriverajr2]

Great videos what CNC machine are you using?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. It’s a shapeoko xxl.

[@billb4338]

How long does this take on the machine using those speeds and feeds? Nice video by the way, very easy to follow and learn from.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Around 1.5 hours. I usually turn the feed rate up to 200% once it’s running. I’ve also started turning the feeds on the 1/8” bit up to 60 ipm feed and 40 ipm plunge as well as doing .050” doc.

[@akwright886]

Great video, I learn something new all the time, making the multiple copies makes so much sense, seems like a bit of work, but hey that's what needs to be done if that's the cut you want. By the way the video was a good length of time, if you went any faster I would get lost somewhere along the line. Andrew

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks for the feedback. It’s hard to balance a video that’s long enough to get all of the info you want into it, but not so long that you lose people’s attention.

[@marcosrivera9598]

Awesome video. Very informative and helpful. You explained the entire process really well. Thank you. I will try this one very soon. As a side note, how long does it usually take you to carve one of these flags once you get the wood set and fastened?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Usually about 1.5 hours.

[@marcosrivera9598]

@@ChrisPowellFSD man, I made one, but it took 3 hours. I wonder what settings i may have gotten incorrect

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Marc Riv I usually turn the stripes up to 200%. Give that a try.

[@marcosrivera9598]

@@ChrisPowellFSD this may sound like a dumb question, but how do I turn up the stripes to 200%

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Marc Riv in Carbide motion, there should be buttons on your run screen that say feedrate +10, feedrate reset, and feedrate -10. If you keep clicking +10, you can turn it up to 200%. I just do this so if I’m cutting harder materials, like oak, I can leave it at 100%. Sometimes I’ll even turn the v carve sections down if it sounds like I’m putting too much load on the bit, or it isn’t cutting smoothly. The numbers in the video are a good, safe starting point.

[@frankfinch9404]

Hey Chris Nice video! I'm new to the Shapeoko and have a quick question about the carve times for this project. I didn't see the estimated carve times displayed under each of the tool path you configured. I tried to reproduce what you did with the same or similar bits and feeds and speeds, but mine shows 2 hrs and 48 minutes. With 1hr 40 minutes of that for the Marine Logo. Is that about what yours would have been. I did the logo with the Carbide #302 60 degree bit. I tried with a .25 inch 30 degree v-bit for the Logo, but that would have taken over three hours just for the LOGO. Does this seem correct to you?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I made some adjustments to my feeds and speeds. They’re listed in the description.

[@shortirons]

Really nice job on the tutorial & detail.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks!

[@habieber8315]

Chris, great video. Just what I was looking for. I looked at the time it would take and the EGA alone was 87 minutes. I know you said check feeds and speeds, I have them pretty much matched to your design. The issue I this in the svg has alot of extra nodes. I can't post an image here, but when I grab the same svg as you (wiki commons) and import it into carbide create, some of the individual lines are now "outlines", each of the black hashes around the globe in your image are just a straight line, when I import they are now rectangles, meaning 4 nodes to a line. If you send me an email or a way that I can share the images maybe you can help me figure out how to fix it. I have looked at the svg in carbide create, vectric and fusion 360. ( i have a trial of fusion). I have the same issue with a squadron patch logo that is an svg, the ring around the patch shows in the svg as 2 circles (inner and outer). -Thanks Harold

[@tonyfrescas6060]

first love the video and instruction, question the flag template.. is there a video on how you made that?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I didn’t make that. I just found an image online. I have it posted on my website.

[@jeffreymaddalena9890]

As always great video but whata your run time for each operation? Im at 2.5 hrs for pocket and 1:45 for v. Same size flag. Just curious thx

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I can knock out most flags this size in 30-45 mins with the tool change. Last time I kept track of the time, I was doing a union in 7 mins. Stripes are pretty quick too. The logo is the main factor that changes the total run time.

[@aceyallan]

Great video Chris but the video jumps at 4:05 straight into the EGA part.

[@TheMrbballref]

Mr. Powell do you sell these flags? If so, how much do you sell them for and where can I order one from?

[@donwires5793]

Dude! this was awesome. Thanks for the detailed video. I followed along and I did it correctly. Made me feel competent. I'll make one with Army emblem as I'm 71-73 21 month vet. Got out early to continue smoking dope and chasing girls in college.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Glad it helped. Can’t fault you for that.

[@jerrystringer4023]

Excellent video!! I'm grateful that you took every step and explained it in detail. I'm a definite rookie to this and up to this point I have only used my CNC for cutting some slots for trophy bases, but I'm eager to venture off into exploring the potential of the machine. I watched this video twice to get the overall idea and then watched it one bit at a time while I created the artwork on another computer while pausing this one. I think I did everything correct, except I didn't have a 1/4" 60 degree V bit but programmed in for my 1/2' 60 degree V bit. I don't see where it will matter since the angle is the same and the depth is programmed the same as the 1/4' bit. When everything was said and done I noticed that the time for each stage is as follows: Stripes - 1 hour, 26 minutes, Marine emblem - 10 hours, 39 minutes, and stars, 11 minutes. Please tell me I've done something wrong!! I can't believe this would take over 12 hours to complete! Thanks for a great video!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. I’ve updated my feed rates in the description. Check them out and try turning them up a little.

[@jerrystringer4023]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Thanks for the reply. I ran the job today. The stripes came out perfect but I think the V carving had two problems. First, I think the 1/2" V bit has a flat tip on it rather than a full point which was noticeable at the tip of the stars. Also the bit cut too deep. As it was working on the detailed area of the emblem, it was completely taking out many of the adjacent tiny details. Oh well, sometimes the horse throws you but you just have to get up, dust off your hat, and say "&%#($%" and get back on. :) Thanks again for your help!

[@biggmoney31]

Thanks for the video. It was very helpful

[@ryandonnelly97]

Great video and a great design....I’m finding it very hard to create this on Easel...any advice?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I’m not too familiar with Easel. You can download Carbide Create for free and save the files as an svg to use in other programs. That might help you if you can’t get Easel to do everything in its own.

[@ryandonnelly97]

Chris Powell thanks I’ll try that....great work on your videos...keep it up

[@dwightkschrute0441]

So would you do the stripes in one file with 1/8” bit then the stars and whatever emblem you could use a 60 degree v bit in another file? Or do you not use a 60 degree on the symbol? Thank you for all the help through your videos!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

That’s exactly how I do it. Stars and whatever logo as one file, and then stripes as another. Thanks.

[@elevator9592]

Great video. Thanks for the content.

[@darkmask123]

How do you run separate programs for the bit changes? Do you just generate separate gcode for each milling or do you cut and paste the full gcode into separate files to run? I just you have to make sure you conserve your home zero for each run.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Yea just disable the toolpaths that use a different bit.

[@stevegronsky8904]

I use Vcarve Pro V-10 but these instructions should be pretty much the same. Thanks for the well done video. Subbed............................

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks! Glad it helped

[@CaptainChris69]

Great video. Very informative.

[@710Ken]

Thank you Chris! Wondering if there is a way to select all stripes and boolean subtract outline all at once??

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It never seems to work right with Carbide Create. It either doesn’t delete anything, or will delete half of the lines you want to keep. I fought with this for a long time and now just do it this way.

[@psemond72]

How long does it take you to carve these? I'm getting some crazy numbers with the feed rates you gave.....like 9 1/2 hours??

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

About 30 minutes for most flags. I updated the feeds and speeds in the description.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You will probably need to adjust your doc for the bit also. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIi3dn6gosd6ms0

[@psemond72]

Chris Powell ahhh ok, thanks!

[@dandoesthat2602]

Hey Chris There was a glitch in the video I didn’t see what you did to get the picture on the canvas area. Did you import the image as a background and tracing it? And the size you made the image on the canvas?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I’ll have to fix the video tomorrow. If you go to the part where I move the EGA to the side, you can see how I bring the flag in. I do the EGA the same way.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Forgot to add that the size of the EGA was 10.5” tall.

[@Olivsam]

Chris, my cut times seem extremely long on carbide create. I have my speeds and feeds set at good levels for a v bit but it is showing something like the Marines logo (5 inch) taking 10 hours? Any ideas

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Your depth of cut is probably set too low. Check this video out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIi3dn6gosd6ms0

[@Olivsam]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Thank you that was helpful

[@RickSwartwood]

Great tutorial! Thanx Sir! I'm not familiar with Carbide Create but that looks relatively easy! (I say that with a grain of salt, of course)

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of what different buttons do.

[@i_eat_RED_CRAYONS_]

I really enjoyed your video. I'm new to this and am trying different platforms out to see how user-friendly the are to create designs before I buy one of these CNC's (leaning towards the Shapeoko now). I just tried making this flag using Carbide Create, following your video step by step. I'm sure it'll get easier as I familiarize myself with this program. I spent about 2 hours on this. My biggest issue (time waster) was finding a Flag SVG file that uploaded all of the stars. Many files didn't. At the end I uploaded a similar image like the one you used into Inkscape and made it into an SVG file. Carbide Create also stalls alot. I had many moments where the program "wasn't responding". Other than that, I think you explained the process well. Thanks for taking the time to make the video!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I actually put the flag on my website. Let me update the description. It was a pain for me too. And don’t get discouraged if it takes you some time. I promise you it took me days and weeks to get the first one right. Just keep working on stuff and eventually you’ll be able to knock new ones out fast. Thanks for the feedback.

[@johnross9369]

Marc Riv asked how long it took to carve and you said about 1.5 hours. My tool paths tell me it will take about 7 hours. That seems like a lot and I will speed up the stripes as you indicated but any other suggestions? Thanks again for all of the video support you provide.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Did you adjust the feed rates in CC? The factory recommended speeds are pretty slow.

[@johnross9369]

@@ChrisPowellFSD I'll give it go this weekend. Thanks.

[@tonyfrescas6060]

Can you give me some advice/help. I tried using a v- bit ( rc-1148) on a logo. It cut extremely deep and basically made firewood, twice. Can you explain to me how to set up depths, I’ve watch you videos and I do amazing stuff. I just want one flag to not be firewood.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You really shouldn’t have to set a depth for doing v carves. Your z zero might be set too low, or you might have the wrong zero selected. You can select the top and bottom of the material for the start point. Make sure you’re selecting the top of the material if that’s where you’re setting your z zero. Also, it’s very important to have flat material and a level wasteboard. Make sure you’ve surfaced your wasteboard. I find most material has a little twist to it, so I position the bowed part down in the middle and use clamps to pull the edges flat.

[@tonyfrescas6060]

@@ChrisPowellFSD I actually used your videos for waste board. I've watched them ummm seems like a million times. (fyi-Meant to say YOU do amazing work) Question can I probe Z with a v-bit? will that help me at all? or should I do the paper thing, then just leave setting alone in the depths etc… Thank you so much for your time and response. You really do put out good work and informational videos. Thank you..

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks I really appreciate the support. Honestly, I don’t use the probe, but I have heard of people running into issues with a v bit. I just use a piece of paper.

[@genegeorge6703]

Thanks for the great video. Very informative. One question i cant seem to get past, on the logo am I correct that you ungroup the the design and the border you copied prior to setting it inside the flag. I think I followed you direction step by step. Once I have placed the design inside the flag and do the boolean subtract function and delete all the extra lines I go to the tool path and with the design ungrouped I cant capture the entire design because it was ungrouped. Hope this makes sense. I am sure this is operator error, but this has me stumped. Any help would be great for this newb

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks. Yea I ungrouped it. You can actually create 2 groups. If you group everything inside the ega together first, then group that to the outline, after you move it you can just ungroup the outline from the ega.

[@Flacjeezy_The_Lions_Den]

So Ive been having trouble with my vee carves esp when doing stars. How are you making sure your boards are 100% flat? Do you run them thru the planner first?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

No, I position them so the bow is facing down in the center and pull the edges flat with clamps. A level wasteboard is key.

[@Flacjeezy_The_Lions_Den]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Do you have a video or picture of the clamps you use?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I use the PwnCNC toe clamps

[@krisbradford9690]

GREAT VIDEO!! I have one question. I've input your settings on this project exactly and I'm gettting a calculated completion time just for the EGA of 6-1/2 hrs!! That's crazy. How fast can I safely increase the feed rate?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You’re v carving it? I used the factory setting on that v bit. My dpp is .139, stepover .113, feed 60 ipm, and plunge is 30 ipm.

[@krisbradford9690]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Yes v carving the ega and stars but flat end mill on stripes. The time calculation for the stripes using your exact settings was over an hour. I'm confident on how fast I can increase the stripes but I'm new to v carving so I wasn't sure how much faster I could push beyond what the default speeds in cc are.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Did you try the settings I posted? Let me know if that speeds it up. I’m curious to know what they’re set to.

[@KTMGUY95]

Just to clarify...you jumped around a bit on the tool settings at the end. For the stars, what is the feed, speed/rate?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I think they were originally 60 feed/40 plunge. I’ve started running it at 80/60, and turn it up to 200% if I’m just doing my normal pine flags.

[@MrMrbrianbechtel]

Can u give a quick explanation of what Snap to Grid does?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It locks the location of your design to points on the grid.

[@christopherwilson143]

Are you using a carving//engraving bit? Also what is the times for the process? I'm getting like 16 hours to complete.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I responded to your message in the Shapeoko group.

[@howiedoitwoodworks]

How long is it taking to cut your flag? Just curious. I have done a similar setup for a Navy Flag and the simulation is estimating over 2 hours to run.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I’ve got them down to about an hour now.

[@John.John.Johnny.John.]

Hi. I have a noob question regarding deleting redundant bits of a design. Is it a matter of ungrouping, highlighting and hitting the delete button on the keyboard for Mac OS? If so, it doesn't seem to delete for me so I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if if in fact it is a bug in the software.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You have to hold the fn button while hitting delete. That one got me for a while too.

[@John.John.Johnny.John.]

@@ChrisPowellFSD thank you.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I just noticed that in version 415, you have to hold shift instead of ctrl to select multiple objects.

[@John.John.Johnny.John.]

@@ChrisPowellFSD thanks again. I'm using 413 so your initial advice works. Might download the latest version.

[@leviervin4167]

Thank you for the knowledge, much appreciated

[@brette166]

Where did you get your "204" bit from?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I don’t buy bits from Carbide 3d. I used to use a lot of Bosch bits. I also use Precise Bits and Amana.

[@djfamous0130]

Hi Chris. What is the max dept you set for the EGA? I cant seem to get it right, leaving it way too deep, or barely visible

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

It’s just a regular v carve. It will only go as deep as needed. If you have to set a depth, set it to your material thickness. If you’re having issues with it being too deep or not deep enough, there is a setup issue. Check out this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6eomJePrJeqers

[@dustinhergert9499]

Hi Chris, I saw the depth of pass was .035 but what was the max depth of the v-cut for the stars and EGA? Thanks again!

[@cindycarnley2881]

Thank you so much for your tutorials, they are so helpful, but on this one when you get to the part to use Boolean subtract, If I click on the lines to subtract it doesn't take me to the Boolean feature. You said use Command, can you explain this to me, thank you again.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

You might have to use shift now to select multiple lines. They changed that in one of the versions of Carbide Create. In order to use any of the Boolean tools, you need 2 lines selected. The order you select them in will determine how the tools work.

[@brycecacho2624]

Looks nice. How long did it take to carve?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I’ve never actually kept track of the time, but I figure about 1.5 to 2 hours.

[@mcb1988]

Is there a better resolution SVG file for this? I put it into V Carve Pro and it doesn't look good.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

There is no resolution to an svg. Did you download the actual svg or a jpg?

[@rlporterjr1]

How do I convert this c2d to an svg to cut with easel? Thank you, excellent video.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The latest version of Carbide Create has the option to convert your whole file to an svg.

[@randyshelley]

Thanks! Great demo!

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks!

[@mdav83]

Very basic question, but what kind of wood are you using for these?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Usually premium pine 1x12

[@mdav83]

So you’re gluing 2 together and then cutting that to the size you want?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I buy it in 8 foot sections. I get 4 from a board and have a small section left over.

[@mdav83]

Awesome! Thanks man!

[@UNKN0WN_YT]

Not sure what I'm doing wrong, but the bit isn't touching the stock for half of the work. Goes down close to it, but starts the carve motion without touching the top of the stock.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Send me at email at [e-mail] and I’ll try to help you figure it out. Send pics of your setup in CC and the piece you’re cutting please.

[@UNKN0WN_YT]

Chris Powell Hi Chris. Thanks for the reply. I figured it out. Well, some of it. Using the two-sided tape kinda creates a situation where where the stock isn’t exactly “level”. And when dealing with very tight increments of depth, it was affecting it. But after I figured that out, I still couldn’t get the depth of the V-bit right. I used your settings and it wasn’t really cutting deep enough. I jumped it up to .1 depth per pass, and that was too deep. I’m guessing there’s a sweet spot in there somewhere. I’m using the 302 bit from Carbide. Anyway, thank you again for the reply. I’m gonna give it another try and if I have problems, I’ll definitely reach out. Happy New Year.

[@iwannaapple7190]

Great tips in the video. I was wondering a question. I am using a current version of carbide create and twice the bit ran through part of the work it had already cut. Safe z was set correctly. All it was doing was pocketing out a large letter, then at the bottom of that pocket it was supposed to have cut something else. The tool went to the other side of the large letter I had pocketed out but it did not go above the top of the board. The bit went right through the large letter. I'm in the hole on this project because it did the exact same thing on another piece.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Sorry, I haven’t used the new version. Does everything in the simulation look right? Maybe something is loose on the machine.

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@ChrisPowellFSD It doesn't chop off the letter in the simulation so everything is ok there. it was when it ran and the bit did not clear the letter that was previously carved. How ever, I did find the bolts loose on the feet that hold down the rails that the v wheels run on. Could that have been the problem? I didnt even notice any movement. I'll try it again and come back here and let you know. I did tighten them down. Great videos by the way on carbide. I sure could use some advice? When adding a bit to the library, is "Diameter" the width of the shank or the width of the bit size like a 1 inch bit with a 1/4 shank? And, is ""Depth" the same as depth per pass? Also, I have the newest one. I really haven't had any trouble with tool change. It stops when its time for a bit change but I keep hearing about separate tool paths because of trouble with bit changes. Am I hearing that correctly?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

@@iwannaapple7190 are you using a bit setter?

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@ChrisPowellFSD I imagine thats one of those things that change the bit for you??? I just have a Longmill with a normal router.

[@iwannaapple7190]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Additionally, I use gSender with the Longmill

[@matthewnoland4808]

True craftsman!

[@lonniec2116]

Did I understand you right and that you don't use the Vbit in the carving? You only used the 1/8 endmill for it?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I used a 60 degree v bit for the stars and EGA

[@lonniec2116]

@@ChrisPowellFSD Thanks, and I really appreciate this upload. Tutorials like this really help with the learning curve. I'm using carveco and this really helped. Thumbs up and subscribed

[@kristiandaniels4728]

What version carbide create do you have cause it doesn't look like my screen and I'm having trouble getting it to do the functions

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I usually use 314 and 331. Most of the functions should be the same. At one point they changed ctrl to shift. Here is the Pro version. You can request trials where everything will work for 14 days. You can keep requesting them until they finish beta testing. carbide3d.com/carbidecreate/pro/

[@kristiandaniels4728]

Are you using the pro version I'm just have the free version

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The only difference between them is the pro version allows you to do 3d work.

[@noody2081]

Awesome

[@craigfirmin3370]

What are using to seal the wood and not let the black bleed through?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I use the same gloss lacquer that I seal them with after eve thing is done. You can also use dewaxed shellac or brush on a thin coat of epoxy for bigger areas.

[@chrisdingevan506]

I used a .5 60 degree v bit and it made the letters hard to read. Will the .250 60 degree v bit help that problem?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

The diameter of the bit has no bearing on v carving unless you’re design has an area wider than the width of the bit you’re using. Try raising your z 0.

[@chrisdingevan506]

@@ChrisPowellFSD I didn't think so but that was the only difference from your video to my cut. I will try to raise the Z. I use a touch probe.

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

If you’re using a touch probe, make sure you’re doing it over the area you’re going to v carve. It doesn’t take much variance in the thickness to change the look of the carve. Personally, I find using a slip of paper to be easier and more accurate.

[@chrisdingevan506]

@@ChrisPowellFSD you know what I did. I put the probe on the corner like I was doing a xyz after the bit change. newbie mistake. but I did order the bit you have lol. Thanks for the quick responses. I love all your videos

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Thanks! I had quite a big scrap pile when I started out. Still get one from time to time.

[@Sizzle99]

How long does it take for the overall cut to finish?

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

About 1.5 hours.

[@chrisdingevan506]

@@ChrisPowellFSD my stripes says it will take 1hr 29 minutes. is that normal. then 1hr 35 for starts and 50 for the EGA

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Chris Dingevan turn you’re feed rates up. I’ve gotten comfortable setting my 1/8” straight cut 2 flute to 60ipm feed and 40ipm plunge. I do .050” doc with a .040 step over. I usually turn this up to 200% once I see that it’s running good.

[@whyyoumad413]

So when I try to make each strip its own areas I did what you did but it kept taking a star away do you know what I could be doing wrong

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

Make Sure you aren’t selecting one by accident, or have the grouping turned on. Click the stripes and see if it also selects the stars. If it does, click ungroup.

[@whyyoumad413]

@@ChrisPowellFSD ok I will have to do that so click ungroup and than just do each strip by itself or group the strips but not the stars

[@ChrisPowellFSD]

I’ll try to take a look at it in the morning and see if I can replicate what’s happening to you.

[@whyyoumad413]

also I am not using pro and also using windows not mac don't know if that matters