V-Carving for the Absolute Beginner - Part 1 - How It Works

[@butchmiller2451]

Not a beginner. Yet a thorough, clearly presented review is very welcome.

[@robertlindsey1138]

Thank You for catering to those of us who came in "ALMOST" ignorant. Shout out to Oak Hill Millworks for her instruction and for providing the link to you.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Cousin! I just checked Oak Hill Millworks and subbed to her. She's got some good content going. I really hope she keeps it up.

[@k.p.1139]

First video for me. You are the first person in this world, that actually got me to understand what all of this means! I am a visual learner, and if I can't see what you are talking about, then it means nothing to me. THANK YOU! This actually made SENSE!

[@livefire81]

A coworker and I are cramming Vectric and 3d wood carving tequnique to run a hot job on our 3 axis AXYZ's router tommorow due to our AXYZ's guy being off indefinitely. I run a Zund everyday and am out of my wheelhouse once away from their Cut Center proprietary aoftware. Thanks for this, job saver right here!

[@tehawk6074]

You're a very good teacher Mark. This may be a basic level tutorial, but some of us that have been doing this for a while can also pick up some excellent tips and more information about the process. Thank you so much for doing these videos. Also, Vectric may not be sponsoring your video, but they did recommend watching your videos. That's how I got here.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Thomas! This video was made several years ago, when Vectric didn't even know I existed (at least, I didn't think they knew I existed.) While they're still not officially sponsoring me, we do have a very good relationship. They know I'm a huge fan of their software, and they have supported me in many ways - recommending my beginners tutorial videos being one of those ways. My main goal is to show folks that Vectric software isn't over a person's head as long as they're willing to sit down and learn it. If I've helped anyone in achieving that goal, then I consider that a success. Thank you again, and have a good one!

[@wdc72]

This is exactly why I need right now. I have the machine and plenty of experience with wood and building things but zero cnc experience. You gained a subscriber today! Thank you very much

[@brianmcallister1954]

Just received my first CNC, and these video's are helping to simplifie the whole process. Thank you. Cheers

[@fossfix]

As i am new to cnc what valuable information would have never figured that much info out. THANKS

[@390tarzan]

As a french speaking guy, i like your subtitled videos and your slow speaking voice. I'm a fan of what you're doing to help people like me. Very interresting and for sure, I'll watch all of your videos. Thanks so much and big thumb up.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, sir! I do appreciate it.

[@Daywork11]

Thank you for this video. I've very new to CNC ( haven't even made a cut yet), So I'll be watching all your videos.

[@johnparken2607]

GREAT video. Im new to CNC and was just what I need. I like that you narrate (rather than type), that you speak slowly and clearly (so I have a chance to look around on the screen and figure out what you are talking about), and that you refrain from wild, all over the screen cursor chasing. The V-Carve dialog boxes are a bit small on my screen but that's a V-carve thing and once I understand what you did I can easily find the buttons when I run my V-carve. Thanks.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I do what I can to capture the screen at the highest resolution I'm capable of, but some things are still a bit small. Then again, I'm on a monitor that's pretty big, so I can read everything (with my glasses on, anyway. Don't get old - it sucks.) As for speaking slowly, that's because I do my own closed captions. If I talk to fast, I have a hard time doing that. So, basically, I'm old and lazy, so you reap the benefits! Thanks again!

[@jessjulian9458]

Mark, your videos are most helpful. Thank's

[@z8ty]

I received my Piranha XL the second week of July and I was new to to VCarve. I wasn’t fully understanding v-carving and how the depths worked. The first video in this series was paramount in fully understanding the specifics. Thank you so much! Job well done.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much. So glad to hear it was a help to you. Good luck!

[@mamoonnaseer1886]

This is the first video ever I watched on CNC tutorial (I am a newbie), I loved the way things have been explained. I will continue watching other video. Thanks a lot for your help.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You're very welcome. I hope it helped you out.

[@hyserbomb]

I second this statement. Thank you Mark

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

@@hyserbomb Thank you for checking it out! I hope it helps!

[@warrenscorner]

Where have you been hiding? All of the searches I have been doing and this video just showed up. Excellent presentation!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I've been hiding right here in plain sight, man! Welcome to my world of long, boring tutorial videos! lol

[@warrenscorner]

@@MarkLindsayCNC they’re just my speed. At 65 my learning skills aren’t what they used to be.

[@kathy5660]

Thank you for doing these. It's one of the hardest things to figure out on our own. These videos are great

[@AVetter90]

Thanks Mark this was a great help, watched twice so i could take notes. Working on 2nd part now. Thank you thank you 🙌

[@gingerreboucas3498]

This was absolutely fantastic teaching! Thank you! I am an ABSOLUTE beginner and your explanation was thorough and at a pace that was understandable.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You're welcome! I'm glad it helped!

[@v-dub1317]

Thank you. Great explanation of the difference in depth of cut for the different v-bit angles. As a new CNC’er I have been struggling with this.

[@Freefallpilot65]

Only one other guy I can listen to as long as you and you remind me of him. Bob Ross! 👍🏽

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

That was just a... happy accident... Oh come on! I HAD to say it! And thank you! I hope it helps!

[@genelowe7209]

I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to create this video. I just bought V-Carve Pro and am pretty new to CNC in general. You speak so clearly and make everything easily understandable. I have subscribed and look forward to following your existing and upcoming lessons. Thanks again.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you! I hope they help you out!

[@williamcovell6324]

WOW! You have amazing dedication and patience for your fellow man (woman). Thank you for your time and consideration for we, the learners.

[@kenjackman9484]

Thank you. I was completely in the dark and this series is helping me climb a fairly steep learning curve!

[@auto-mobil.5037]

Thank you for the link with the parts list. It is very important to me. Every day I was hard to find the next part. The DXF part is again professionally prepared and very useful for practice. Thank you.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Glad to hear you're finding them helpful! Thank you for checking them out!

[@crucifiedlife9700]

Thank you so much for going slow enough and explaining the why's. This has been so very helpful.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for checking it out! I hope it helps!

[@ChadLandry59]

WOW my forehead is sore from slapping it! Excellent tutorial and really answered some of my questions. I also love your philosophy or we aren't born with this. You are using the internet in the way it was intended, thanks! Remember knowledge is a seamless garment...

[@genelowe7209]

You're the man, Mark. The glue/activator hold down method absolutely rocks!! So simple, yet effective. Thanks for the heads-up on that one.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

It's never failed me yet! Thanks for watching!

[@wackojacko1997]

I just found this. My interest is that I bought a used NWC Piranha XL and I'm interested in being able to try out inlay with V carve bits. I have the VCarve Desktop software, and my first attempt at just trying out a pure rectangle inlay is producing rounded corners, but I think it's because I'm using Profile instead of V-Carve tool path. I found some resources explaining the geometry/math of doing the inlay, and I just want to get the simple rectangles for putting theory to practice before I go doing something with decent wood. Great resource here. Thank you!

[@emmijoe2]

No hablo inglés, pero tu forma de explicar es bastante clara, que entenderlo es bastante fácil Gracias por lo que nos enseñas

[@jimking9646]

Just getting into cnc very helpful Great job will continue watching

[@ronbrodosky3258]

Thank's Mark, It's finally time someone did this to the level you have explained.. I'm a beginner and have been searching for the truth on how it's done right. I have ran multiple test and still have some issues with the 3d vision in the Desktop version vs what I get at the machine. I will check out your other sources, look for additional info and log into you web site to be more private. Again THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks very much for checking them out, Ron. I hope they help!

[@truththe77]

Wow, these are exactly the instructional videos I've been searching for. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to so clearly explain the necessary knowledge needed to understand what's involved with using a CNC efficiently. Many thanks.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You're welcome. I figure we're all in this together. When I first started, I was the one looking for answers. So if I can help someone avoid the mistakes I made, I'll do what I can. Thank you for watching, and feel free to share this video with folks you think could use this info.

[@ronaldhilbert1193]

Very good presentation, the yellow highlight of the pointer really helped me follow along with your instruction. Looking forward to reviewing your other videos.

[@ericrabjohns2800]

Quite impressed with all th videos I have seen so far. Looking forward to many more.

[@davidknox1345]

Excellent concise explanation - Well done sir.

[@scottgilmour6388]

Mark - this is really well done and super helpful. I just got a Shark SD110 and plan to watch the rest of your videos. Thanks again for doing this.

[@millie19301]

Mark, watched your three videos on V-Bits and this made it clear to me. Thanks for the effort you have put out. I have now subscribed to your channel. Cheers!

[@cliffphillips9952]

Thanks Mark I learned something new today but then I do with all of your videos.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Cliff!

[@desilewis9779]

Thanks for sharing all your knowledge and skills. This is the second time I have watched the video to refresh my memory on vector width and V bits. Knowing the correct fonts to use helps a lot when using text under 1 inches tall.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for the kind words. A lot of it comes down to experimentation - just trying a font to see if you like it, then trying another if you don't. If you keep at it, it'll soon become second nature. "The smaller the text, the steeper the bit angle" is the general rule of thumb. I know a few people who are carving text less than 1/8" tall, using bits that look like miniature daggers (15° or more.) It just takes practice.

[@angryholsters7348]

Wow, I wish I would have paid more attention in math class. Thanks for the video just purchased my Piranha CNC, new to everything and sinking in Vcarve. This video cleared up some of my issues.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm with ya. Math was never my strongest subject. Then I went into cabinetry and furniture building and needed it badly. It does get easier, though - trust me. Thanks for watching!

[@rjohn50368]

Again Mark Great job and it is quite Honorable the time you are spending to help others.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Roy. I have a lot of fun, get to hone my skills, and hopefully help folks avoid the mistakes I made along the way.

[@josefvanwyk1042]

Thank you Mark for the clearly explained v-cut important info.

[@ElCidPhysics90]

This is so good and exactly what I was looking for.

[@StephenBoyd21]

For an absolute beginner, this was a mine of information. Looks like I need to get a selection of v bits.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Stephen! I would suggest starting out with a 90° and a 60° v-bit, then let the projects you create dictate where you go from there. If you do mainly smaller text or intricate details, you might look into some 45°, 30°, or even 15° v-bits. I would start with the 90° and the 60° first, however, just to get your feet wet, as they're both pretty forgiving, and basically universal.

[@jgwoodworking]

Just getting started, Thank You.

[@PaulJohnsLife]

Thanks! I'm just a step away from absolute beginner, and while I had a good idea about most of what you said, I did pick up some new information.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Paul. I figured that most people knew most of what I talked about in this video, but I've had so many questions from people who have never done anything like this before, I decided I needed to include it, and kind of drive the point home by repeating it. Next week we'll actually get to work on carving text, and bit selection for various sizes of text.

[@PaulJohnsLife]

I've got some beginner's mistakes carving as I type. Can't wait to see and learn more. So easy to mess up when trying for such fine detail.

[@94ultra]

Brand new here and I want to say thank you for your videos. I’ve subscribed and am in the learning sponge mode. Your detail is incredible, I’m learning with every video. JD

[@flyinlo1474]

I am just getting started and this video was very very helpful. I look forward to watching the rest in the series

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Tim! I hope it helps you out.

[@corymain115]

I have a little experiance with the use of this program through work but I only know how to do profiling this was very cool to be able to learn and understand a bit more of what this softwear is capable of very happy with what I have watched and looking forward to viewing more of your content

[@JakMesh]

Thanks you sir, very helpful and and very informative. I'm on a learning trip now about CNC's.

[@RichA7CV41]

Wow your teaching skills are outstanding. Thank you so much!!!

[@ralphmedd4965]

Very nice Mark! I've got a CNC on order, and you have brought my anxiety level down by 50% or more, with just this vid, thanks for that! I'll follow up on this one, as soon as my brain cools off a little lol. Well done

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! This video is part 1 of a 4-part series on basic v-carving. Check the play list for the entire series.

[@dwaynejohnson7499]

Great video like the corners idea with vcarve

[@johnmorrow2988]

MARK I REALLY ENJOY YOUR VIDEOS. THEY ARE EXCELLENT SOME PEOPLE CAN'T TEACH YOU CAN.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, John!

[@johnrevill9592]

Great video for the beginners. I've been using VCarve Pro for over a year now and I didn't know about seeing the Z axis depths on the preview.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks, John. It's got all kinds of little hidden tricks up its sleeve. Wait until you see what's coming up in Version 9.5. I can't wait until it's released!

[@ashenafitsegaye4535]

Thank you Mr. Mark. I appreciate for the detailed explanations and I am from Mekelle , Tigray , Ethiopia.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you sir! And thank you for checking the videos out. I hope they help!

[@RoadstarRider1]

Thanks Mark, I always learn from the videos you produce. Appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Tim!

[@troykellerman8555]

Thank you so much for making this video series! Great information for the absolute beginner, I have a much better understanding about the V bit sizes and depth of cuts. Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@theplus2664]

I’ve been thinking about the V carve software. This will help me in determining my final decision.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for watching! I used VCarve Pro for close to 5 years, then graduated to Aspire. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the Vectric titles, depending on what you want to do with your CNC.

[@jimhester2004]

A super lesson, Mark! I was aware of the depth of cut/width of cut principle, but the example you used here made it a whole lot more logical, and demystified it a lot. The "spoiler" is making me really look forward to the next lesson. In starting to design some graphics signs, I had thought I would have to make separate layers for each "heaviness" of lines. It sounds like the software will do a lot of that for us. I'll see in the next lesson. Thanks!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'll get into the "heaviness" of each carve a bit further down the road, but we'll discuss the depth of cut per pass as well as the total depth of cut a bit further in the next video. V-carving is one of the simpler things to do, but the subject is a lot more complex than some folks think - mainly because you have so many options, it can get a bit overwhelming.

[@silverio005]

Thanks! I was looking for this for a long time!!!!! My new favourite Chanel

[@valvelifter1]

Excellently produced tutorial, thanks.

[@rubenhrc5901]

that is a great explanation, but I will like to see the finish product running through the machine by the end of the video. thanks for your help and time.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

This video was an explanation of how v-carving works, and a demonstration of how to apply that concept to the software. I have over 360 videos here on my channel, and a lot of projects and techniques are demonstrated. Most of my videos are geared specifically toward demonstrating a method, technique, or process within the Vectric VCarve or Aspire software. If you scroll through the Videos page here on my channel, however, you'll see quite a few videos and video series where I do walk through a project from the initial idea to having the finished item in hand.

[@Dave-ni4vg]

Wow thanks you learned so much your a great teacher

[@mikegallagher782]

Very informative video Mark, thanks for posting.

[@richardvargas1926]

Thank you very much for your help I appreciate it don’t know anything about this machine but I will learned thank you again

[@PoppaWillie]

Thank you very much for a concise and well presented video. This is information that I needed.

[@traeht]

Definitelly subscribed. Thank you for very detailed explanation. Now moving to part two.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for checking it out! I hope the series helps!

[@indianbobcreations6329]

great job i like the pace you proceed with easy to keep up with and follow along i will be looking at the rest of your videos for my learning needs

[@cambriainslowmotion7755]

Hi Mark--Your approach to teaching this information is just outstanding! I gratefully second the many positive comments you've received already. I also hope that eventually you might include a video tutorial in your series concerning the theory and practice of V-carve inlay techniques. As you are undoubtedly aware, V-carve inlay work starts with the creation of a standard V-carve engraving; however, the theory (and practice) of the technique becomes more complex with the need for a V-carved "male" carving of the mirror-image of the original artwork. There are already some nice tutorials out there that are sufficient for getting started doing V-carve inlays but the discussions of toolpath theory behind the creation of the mirror-image carvings are spotty and not always very clear. Your insightful discussion in "V-Carving-Part 1" makes me believe that you could make highly valuable contributions to the understanding of V-Inlay techniques and theory, if you were interested to do it.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I do plan to make such a video - I just have to get through a few others. I'll get there, but it's going to be down the road a bit.

[@aaronm8046]

Good work Mark! Thank you for the information. You're a very good teacher!

[@PhilosophiaTheos]

This is really good! I already knew this stuff, but I had to learn it by trial and error. I wish I had seen something like this years ago!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for your kind words! I too wish I would have had some beginner videos. I decided to get into making these to try to help folks avoid the mistakes I made when I was just getting started. Now I'm kind of on a mission to show folks of all skill levels that they CAN do this if they practice a bit and learn from their successes and failures. That and I just enjoy doing it.

[@albreit69]

Thanks for taking the time to help us out Greatly appreciated.

[@phaniavireddy]

Great info mark. Great video.

[@Bitcoincarpenter]

Once again excellent video

[@johnfinocchi8778]

This is a great start video. Going to the next. Thanks

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, John! I hope they help!

[@manacoo57]

WOW Mark, like the others have said, this is the kind of explanation I needed to help understand tool path and why. Great stuff my friend.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I hope it helps you out!

[@MaleahAndJoshFunnyVids]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Just what I was looking for as a newbie. Love your clarity, love your pace, great voice. Cant help but learn.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for checking it out, Darren! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@brianfriend8468]

I like how you instruct . Thank you

[@jasoncross5684]

Mark thank you so much you are a good teacher that inspires confidence and I have to say AT LAST a beginners video that is really for beginners.. I hope to get my 1st cnc machine in August and want to learn as much as I can before then and this will really really help . Jason

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Thank you again Mark. Lots of important information, very helpful.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you Scott!

[@sjb_rnd]

Hey Mark, Thanks for sharing this video. I've used Aspire for a long time but this video really helped me get my head around the topic a little better.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Stephen. I do hope the videos help you out!

[@jigsey.]

Thank you Mark for a great channel.. I'm re watching this great series

[@billfriday1147]

Mark I would like to see your videos numbered from start to finish in the recommended order for beginners to watch or a down loadable list of the order. thanks Bill

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Bill, but I've done that already. In the description of every video, you'll find a link to the playlist for my Vectric for the Absolute Beginner series, my V-Carving for the Absolute Beginner, and my 3D Modeling for the Absolute Beginner series. Click on any of those links, and you'll be taken to that series' playlist page, which list all of the videos in that series, in order, starting with the first video of the series. If you go to my KZbin channel main page and click on the Playlists link, you'll find a list of all of the playlists I've created for my videos. Every video is in a playlist, and some are in more than one playlist if they're relevant to that topic. I've tried to make it as easy as possible for folks to follow my series as I can, so hopefully this helps.

[@Jake-chickena]

Very well done, thank you so much for the help!!!

[@THESONRISESINTHEEAST]

You Mark....should definitely have a gig teaching this stuff....

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for that. I do appreciate it. I do enjoy making these videos. People think I'm nuts because this is fun to me, but that's okay. I think it would be a lot less fun if it were my full-time job. So, in a way, I do kind of have a gig teaching this stuff. Thanks for taking part in it!

[@floresgraphics8468]

what a great video thank so much for helping us understand much love

[@JohnSmith-bm8xb]

Another great video. I learn so much from the video's you put out. I have wanted to do v-carved signs but had not idea how to start. I look forward to the reminding video's. Thanks for all you have done for the hobby inc world.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks JJ! We're going to get into all of it, one piece and one step at a time.

[@lonniec2116]

Thank you so much for all you do

[@resorter66]

Thanks Mark For another great video. I now understand why some of my vcarve was deeper than others. The other thing that I learned by trial and error the other day was that if you use a 1/4" 90 degree vbit to do vcarve and the letters are of bit large in size ,when the bit cuts and it will cut out the shape of the letter ok. It does it buy stair stepping the sides down till it obtains the with of the letter. It's pretty cool looking. I post a picture here but don't see anyplace to attach it. Jeff

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Ahhh, you're getting ahead of me, Jeff. That's one of the things I'm going to talk about in the next video. Thanks for watching!

[@resorter66]

one other question . which number video did you talk about using the short cut keys I need to review that one

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I haven't done a video specifically on shortcuts - I've just mentioned them in passing as I talk about a tool or function. If you start the program, click the Help menu, then go down to and click Keyboard Shortcuts, it'll open a web browser page that lists all of the keyboard shortcuts available in the program. Happy browsing!

[@bssharp920]

Thanks Mark. i have been watching your other videos, trying to learn this new hobby, but i will have to say this has been the best so far. I didnt realize I knew so little. This video taught me alot. Again... THA NKS e

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! You'll find that once you get into it and start using it, the software becomes easier and easier to understand and use on a daily basis. Just keep plugging away at it!

[@njboy597]

great video series thank you

[@mattmorrisson9607]

Great content Mark! Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting into this skill!

[@davidmeneau3351]

Thanks mark ,I just purchased a laguna IQ HHC and am running v-carve pro I am going thru all of your tutorials starting from the 1st . Your awesome ! I would like to make some tags for my logs, as I have a timberking sawmill and am accumulating to many logs to keep track of . I will be using some 1/8 plastic , so I would like to use the plate production button and put numbers on them in sequence and a hole to put a screw thru , do you have a tutorial for numbers in sequence using the plate production tab. Thank you for all your time and patience

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm sorry, David, but I've never used plate production, so I won't be a lot of help to you. Dig into the Vectric tutorials from within VCarve Pro by going to HELP, then Open Video Tutorial Browser. If you get no joy there, sign up for the Vectric Support Forum through the Vectric website. I know several folks over there have used it.

[@kennethpence9125]

Very good video, I learn lot

[@tonyarolf2099]

Great video. Learning alot from you!

[@joelfirebrace827]

great vid. very clear. thanks 4 the help

[@essamrama6156]

Wonderful my friend ..all i can do ..is.thank you so much for help us to learn this by your nice and easy way ..thank you again

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I do appreciate it.

[@capttimfey9850]

Great video, following you as i am brand new to this and really wanting to learn all i can

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for the kind words. I do hope the videos help you out!

[@deansiebert6237]

Mark, your videos are very informative. Would it be possible to do a video on how to do inlays? Thx

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Dean! I haven't gotten into inlays yet, but it's on the list! I hope to be getting into them in the near future.