Stacked Text - Part 1 - Create Stacked Text in Cut2D, VCarve, and Aspire

[@jameswahlberg4466]

Thanks, Mark! You explain the thinking and software very well. As a teacher myself, I appreciate your teaching skills as well as your technical expertise. Bravo.

[@rhodge4511]

Ghee Mark you have gotten so good at this, we should start calling you Professor Lindsay. Really nice job in explaining and demoing.

[@williamvalachovic]

love the way you teach Mark Thank you very much Bill

[@davidmoore3312]

Mark, I have watched countless tutorials on CNC, CAD etc and you are the first one that has made any sense. I can actually understand what you are demonstrating because you make it so easy to understand. Keep up the excellent work.

[@stevejones01]

Thank you, none of the other tutorials were as clear as this video. Thumbs up, bookmarked, and sub'd.

[@bradbendickson7507]

Thanks for continuing keeping the small details included in your tutorials. I still am an absolute beginner. I want to say Thanks. Have a great day!

[@eyezlee01]

New CNC and vectric user here, excellent explanation and easy to follow instructions. Thank you!

[@rufustoad1]

Yeah like most comments below you are supper good! I am thankful guys with your knowledge will stoop down to guys with my knowledge and rub some of that super good off. If more people in the CnC world found this channel you would do well. Professor Lindsay has a great tone!

[@tonywoods6827]

I am very appreciative of your videos and have watched many of them, you’ve helped me greatly through your knowledge.

[@ApprovalWarehouse1]

Excellent Video Mark!! Thank you... Who ever gave this a thumbs down has their head too close to the CNC machine.

[@stevegronsky8904]

Nicely done Mark. Saving as a template is an excellent idea. Makes life MUCH easier down the road.

[@ugoromanelli7214]

sei un grande, è solo grazie alla tua capacità di spiegare passo a passo i vari progetti che io sono riuscito a realizzare cose che non avrei mai pensato di poter fare . GRAZIE

[@wduquette-nb7zx]

Thank you, appreciate and enjoy your video’s. You do a very good job explaining the process which makes it easy to follow along especially for a beginner.

[@martymitchell9855]

Mark, thanks to you today I made my first stacked text sign. Thank you so much for also teaching how to make a template! Great job as always!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Excellent, Marty! I'm glad you got something out of the video. Keep going, man!

[@georgekenner6588]

Thank you Mark... great lesson... you are the University of CNC on KZbin.

[@wnebergall]

Mark I can't thank you enough for the tip on finish pass. I would just add another tool pass to finish but this is much faster and neater.

[@epeleg]

Thanks Mark. yet another great move. I had to go and watch 20:00 - 22:30 again when I reached the end to figure out again how you made the bottom text layer contain both the first and last names. looking forward to the next video about using as a template. Interesting to see how would that work.

[@wallystoolshed7050]

DR Lindsey. Thanks again for another wonderful lesson. I am going to try and set this up myself now.

[@2010fam1]

Mark thanks for the excellent video. you have made this process so much easier, understandable and less time consuming.

[@rickfrench786]

Great video. Explained the process well, but with an emphasis on building a reusable template! Very handy, Sir!!! Thank you!!

[@Sbregher]

Excellent instructional video Mark! Thanks for taking the time to make it!

[@JMarcusPedroza]

Thank you! I’m waiting on my CNC to be delivered but I love the detail you go into!!

[@EricAllenIL]

Very well done. I followed along just fine. Appreciate the tips/tricks!

[@TomTom-ep4qg]

Really thank you for all your video, specially that one.

[@fehmarnkay1853]

Hi Mark. Thanks for the video. Very helpful👍. Nice greetings from Germany

[@gordongroves6674]

Thank you for a very good style to follow - Excellent piece!

[@daneilers739]

This is what I have been waiting for. Thank you Mark!

[@robsandstrom9854]

Well done Mark.

[@TheSoloDIYer]

Feels complicated on first watch, but by the end I had a full understanding. Thanks!

[@farmlender1]

Wow! Such a great tutorial. Thanks Mark

[@martyjosephson4937]

Excellent Video, got alot of of this video, thanks

[@Mtbeaver9]

Mark you are the man. Thank you for your time in making these videos for us beginners. Very thorough. I have created my first text on text and it turned out great. Can I ask, Whats the secret to painting all the different layers? LOL. That seems to be a whole other skill.😂

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Charles. I'm sorry, but I have no magic secrets when it comes to painting the layers, other than be careful - lol. I've seen some folks finish the top surface of the material before doing any carving at all. When that's cured, they'll carve the Top Text, then finish the surface that's just been created. Then they cut the Bottom Text, then finish that surface that's just been created. I've never done it myself, but logic would tell me that it would work. It would also take longer, of course, due to the drying times involved between the carves. I agree with you that painting these projects are a skill of their own - one that I'm sadly lacking in, to be honest...

[@kodzo02]

this is great thank you for the detail. amazing

[@stephenfirlotte7712]

keep up the great videos.

[@JMarcusPedroza]

Very well made thank you!

[@richardpoulin2947]

Great video, you just save me a lot of time for one of my next project! thanks again Mark

[@jeffottomaniello6370]

Another awesome video , thanks mark

[@IDCWoodcraft]

You taught me about a text issue I was having. Thank you

[@robertaaime2121]

Thanks once again Mark, awesome video.

[@williampeterson8606]

Great teacher

[@phillenz9333]

Very good video Mark! Thank you

[@samwoodberry6869]

Awesome video thank you!

[@IceCreams62]

Very helpful Mark, thanks a lot

[@jameswahlberg4466]

Thanks!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, James!

[@markherbst955]

Great tutorial!

[@jaconell8745]

Brilliant....!!! Thank you

[@mikejones-km6fc]

Awesome job, You should do one-on-one zoom online classes. Think about it!!!!!

[@daviddeitrick27]

Mark, Great & timely video. I have 3 of these to do & have been sucking up all sorts of videos. The emphasis on creating a template was very helpful. Can't wait for the next on on how to use the template we made today. Love the tip about the small final pass on the pockets. Suggestion for the 3rd video in this series: How to use a V bit to carve all the proud letters where you have to offset the first name text that is on the bottom text layers (actually, it seems you can use an offset in the bottom text VCarve tool path, I think) Have a good week. The MidWest Trouble Maker Dave Deitrick

[@Igorfun]

I got it, thanks Mark

[@donaldjeansonne8667]

Thanks for such a good video on this subject. I did learn a great deal and explained things that have eluded me. I would like to know if you have any painting videos for such carvings on stacked text designs?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm sorry, but I don't have one yet. I do plan on doing a video on finishing a stacked text sign, but it'll be a while before I can get to it.

[@donaldjeansonne8667]

@@MarkLindsayCNC thanks anyway. I will try to find one on KZbin.

[@rbwoodwork1890]

Great video! Took me a couple of times going through this to get it right but finally. You didn't hit on the zeroing after bit changes. On this one the & sign is in the middle so can be used but when they are carved away I assume you are setting the zero off to the side somewhere?

[@danneugebauer9098]

Thank you Mark for a excellent video. I was wondering what is your favorate choice of wood for stacking text sign. Keep up with the good work !

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Basically, any medium to dense hard wood is my favorite. It just depends on the project and what the recipient wants. Maple, cherry, sapele, mahogany, and bunch of others are great candidates. Remember to practice in some scrap before you try carving an expensive piece of material.

[@danneugebauer9098]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Thank you for your fast and prompt reply. I've done a couple of signs according to your video with success. I've been using birch, oak and for smaller projects Pawlovia. Thanks once more for your excellent videos - they're absolutely the best.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I've found red oak to be difficult to get a good result from. White oak, on the other hand, machines very well. Birch should be a good choice, although I haven't personally used it for stacked text. I have no experience at all with Paulonia. I might need to get some and give it a try.

[@tonywoods6827]

Hey Mark, no reason to respond to my past questions, I just updated the software to the latest version so I shouldn’t have any issues following your videos now. Starting the whole project again from scratch.

[@butchmiller2451]

Love the tutorial. Made my first one following you step by step. Question; the last name font, hard to read in the video, is it ACLIN?/ and where did you find it. Numerous searches and I’m coming up empty. Same with that SIGNATURE font. Thank you. Butch, Real Woodworks

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I really can't remember where I got those fonts. Some of them came with software I either have or had at one time. I believe Acklin came with an Adobe product, but I really can't be sure.

[@nelsonrojas7579]

Very nice video mark I have a question when you do the probing do you probe on top of every area you mill down ?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

If you mean using my touch plate to set the Z zero, I pick one spot on the material that is not going to be carved away and use that spot to set my Z zero initially, and after every tool change. Contrary to popular belief, you do NOT have to set your Z zer at the same spot you set your X and Y zero.

[@meredithmeier1581]

Another informative great video with awesome explanation and easy to follow. Just curious how long it would take to run this because after I calculated it said 5 hr?! Thanks Mark

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

The machine time depends on a lot of variables (too many to list here), but depending on your machine, it could take that long or longer. Just make sure that you have the Pass Depth, Feed Rate, Plunge Rate, and Stepover for each bit set to numbers that are safe and appropriate for your machine and your bit(s.) When you look at the Toolpath Summary, enter your machine's Rapid Rate into the blank, and the summary will give you an estimate. Remember that the summary is giving an estimate. Your actual machining time may be more or less, depending on your machine.

[@Mtbeaver9]

Mark when I do the Vcarve pass the bit plunges really deep which ruins my project. Everything is set just like you said. What am I doing wrong? Can I change the depth of cut? I have done this 4 times. I need your advise please. This is for a wedding gift FOR today!!!! HELP PLEASE

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Make sure you're setting the correct Start Depth, and that the total of the start depth and the Flat Depth is no more than 3/4 of the thickness of your material. If you're not using a flat depth, either use one, or go for the shallowest bit angle you have (i.e. 90° - possibly 100°.)

[@Smokininthedark]

Great video! What 1/16" end mill would you use for this project?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

The brand doesn't really matter. I use a Kyocera 1/16 inch bit I got from eBay. Keep in mind that these are 1/8 inch shank, so if you don't have a 1/8 inch collet, they won't work for you. Here's a link: ebay.us/xPsd1e

[@Smokininthedark]

@@MarkLindsayCNC thanks!

[@tonywoods6827]

I’ve been following this tutorial step by step so I can learn this process from you. When I get to the first welding operation I get a prompt saying “Invalid vector selection…At least two overlapping vectors must be selected for this operation.” And not the same prompt as you. This is not the first time I’ve encountered this, is it possible that I have a setting wrong? I’ve literally followed everything including downloading the same fonts. Can you help? Thank you for your time.

[@freddiegregory1726]

Mark great lesson worked perfect only question is do i save all gcodes to one file or to multiple

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Generally speaking, I save all the g-code that uses the same bit as 1 g-code file, with one important exception. I ALWAYS save the Profile Cutout as a separate g-code file, and it's ALWAYS the last operation I do. Just make sure you have your toolpaths in the correct order before saving g-code, then run that g-code in order, and you'll be fine.

[@renpirate]

Thank you, Mark. This was really helpful! Now I have to save all these tool paths and keep the names and bit sizes organized. I think I will write this down in which order to run them. Lots of bit changes. As someone else asked, in between tool changes are you setting the z: on the outer border since that stays pretty much consistent?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Dale. Yes, I set the Z zero in a place that will not be carved away. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to set the Z zero at the same spot you set the X and Y zero. I plan on doing a video on this as soon as I get into the shop and can demonstrate better.

[@renpirate]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Mark thanks so much for the video. This one along with your video on Monograms allowed me to create two new projects successfully!

[@jamesmartin5277]

Extremely helpful Mark, thank you! Without going into to it too much, is it possible using Aspire 9.5 to obtain the same end result using multiple tools that the newer version of Aspire now allows you to do?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'll talk about it in the Live Q&A. There are some differences, but you can get the same results in the older versions.

[@p8ntblr1]

Great video Mark. I see why you manually chose the vectors in this project. Is there a general rule of them of when you need to do so in the future as opposed to letting vcarve choose it for you. Does it have to do with having multiple layers. thanks

[@april.tommy.warren]

Sorry if I missed this but on the 1/16 end mill is it a down or up cut ? Newbie here so here so I appreciate the help .

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Generally speaking, it's pretty hard to find 1/16 inch downcut end mills. If you can find one, by all means use one. All of mine are upcut, however.

[@michaelstepp8883]

I’m new to this learning as much as I can before I even have my machine. I like your videos very informative but could you also show saving the g code and actually cutting out a project. But for this specific project would you save all 1/4” tool paths and do them together back to back so all rough in is done then load all of the 1/8” so on so you are just running each tool paths and only changing bits 4 times

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I currently have just under 300 videos on my channel (296 to be exact,) and I have shown this in several project videos. If you look at the first 2 videos in my 2-Sided Machining video series, I design the project and save g-code in Part 1, then demonstrate actually cutting the project (including the tool changes,) in Part 2. Here's a link to the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLLuYLaC3-QRPY1yU-D-QcUNUIcjzYkCdb

[@michaelstepp8883]

@@MarkLindsayCNC I’ll look at them shortly but because there is so many videos I haven’t seen them all yet. But again it may sound kinda like a dumb question but do you do all 3 tool paths for the top text then do all 3 tool paths for the bottom text or do you start with the 1/4” and run the tool path for the top text bottom text and cutout then run all the tool paths for the 1/8” and so on. I mean doing it the second way should be faster so you don’t have to keep changing tools and re zeroing but didn’t know if you would end up running into issues doing it that want

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

My approach is kind of like the second way you asked about, with 1 important exception: ALWAYS run the profile cutout as the very last operation. I almost always save the Profile Cutout as a separate g-code file and run it last, when I'm SURE I'm ready to cut it out. You don't want to run the Profile Cutout, then have more carving or machining to do on the piece. There's too much potential for the piece to break loose during one of those other operations. So, I would group all the toolpaths that use the 1/4 inch end mill together EXCPT for the Profile cutout, and save them as 1 piece of g-code. Then I'd do the same for the 1/8 inch end mill, then the same for the v-bit. THEN I'd save the Profile Cutout as its own g-code file. I will demonstrate that in a video when I get moved into the new shop. Hang in there - it's coming soon...

[@michaelstepp8883]

@@MarkLindsayCNC 10-4 thanks and still learning still brand new don’t even have the software yet let alone a machine to put to work but your videos are informative and I’ve watched quite a few of them

[@gregorydennis2767]

Hi Mark. As a brand new CNC'er, how do I program in the tool changes? I am using VCarve Destop and Candle as the Post Processor.

[@JMarcusPedroza]

Question. If you were to actually make this sign would you re-order the toolpaths to do all 1/4 cuts on ALL layers, then switch bit to 1/8th bit, cut all layers and repeat?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You can do that as long as you remember to order the toolpaths so that you run the top layer first, then the bottom layer last. That's to prevent the bit plunging too deeply into the material in a single pass.

[@johnhall2806]

When you are using an endmill do you use an up cut or down cut endmill or does it make a difference?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I use a downcut bit, but only because it leaves a better surface finish on the top edges of the material.

[@mikejones-km6fc]

After bits changes, where do you zero z

[@atrayyu3016]

Thank you so much for this. I am trying to make stacked text that is also cutout like a monogram. Is there an easy way to accomplish this?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

It's certainly possible. I'll do it in a future video. Thanks for checking this one out!

[@Paulina-mz2db]

Hi Mark, how do you do the V-carve part on Cut2D?? I can't find the option I only see "Quick Engraving" and I don't know how to set that properly so that it doesn't mess with the rest of the project. Thank you !!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm afraid V-Carving isn't available in Cut2D. You would need to upgrade to VCarve Desktop or VCarve Pro in order to v-carve. For future reference, Quick Engraving is designed to be used with a diamond drag bit or small engraving bits. It's mainly used to engrave metal, acrylic, plastics, and things of that nature. It's occasionally used on wood, but it's not the same effect as v-carving.

[@Paulina-mz2db]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Oh okok thank you!! I just read the title of the video and thought the whole project was meant for Cut2D but I guess I can just add something extra there that I can actually do with this software? :)

[@jeffreystewart6571]

I would need a step by step written procedure in order to duplicate this complex setup. Thank you

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Just take a breath, slow down, and take it 1 layer at a time and you can pull this off. Seriously - if I can do it, you certainly can.

[@kjohn5224]

But how do you change the bits? Does it do the pass with the 0.25 inch end mill and then stop so you can replace the bit? Do you then have to rehome it (I assume atleast the z)?

[@russellkroum780]

Mark, I drew this up on Aspire. When machining, my 2nd clearing tool path (1/8" EM) was offset. Looked on forums for wincnc and aspire and found others with the complaint, no solutions. Any ideas? I followed your instructions precisely.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I've not had that issue. Was this in the preview or on the actual carve on the machine?

[@russellkroum780]

@@MarkLindsayCNC This was in the actual carve in the machine. Preview was fine.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I would highly suggest emailing Vectric tech support, as well as WinCNC tech support for help with this issue. Between the two of them, they should get you squared away. Sorry I'm not a lot of help. I've never experienced the issue.

[@Mtbeaver9]

Mark I have question on my stacked text? I tried doing stacked in vcarve mode with a 60 degree bit and my top text gets cut down thinner where its just top text and wider when top text is on the bottom text. Do I have to offset the top text to keep it the same size? It seems that when I do the finale 60 degree pass on bottom text it cuts top text thinner and different sizes.. Can you explain this to me. Thank you in advance..

[@bignubbyg]

Hey mark, what was the font used for the last name?

[@ryanshearer8562]

Followed this tutorial step by step *However having a welding issue. When I get to the First Names and attempt to weld I don't get the same results. R D A letters etc....all have the insides disappear? I can use the TRIM scissors tool to weld the text correctly, however later when I select last name and first name and attempt to weld once again it's deeting out the insides of the letters. WTF using aspire 9.514 any help?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

On your version, you'll need to convert the text to curves before welding, then when you select the text to weld it, DO NOT select the inside of the letters, unless the text above it is crossing over it. If it's an O that's out on its own, for example, don't select the inside of it when you weld. You WILL select it when you go to pocket cut the text.

[@ryanshearer8562]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Perfect! Thank you for all your effort you put into your lessons Mark! Been machining for years and still learn new stuff from you all the time. Thanks for the reply. I ended up using my newer version on V Carve Pro and it worked like the tutorial. Can't believe I didn't think to not select the inner parts in Aspire! DOH lol

[@arturofuentes3793]

Mr Lindsay, I’ve been following you since I started my cnc career and you are by far the best instructor…but this stacked texted thing I been trying to figure out how to do it and I can not figure it out I’m going crazy 😝 is there anyway you can send me a template please?

[@andykeller8379]

If there is a 3d element inside the pocket do you have to do a finishing pass on the whole thing?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

For a 3D element, you can create a vector boundary around that 3D component, then machine to that selected vector in your 3D roughing and finishing toolpaths.

[@triciaharley5414]

I'm trying to use vcarve pro to do this project. This might be a silly question but I can't add more than one tool or if you can how do you do it. Thanks in advance

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I talked about this in one of my Live Q&A sessions, but I can't remember which one right off the top of my head. Basically, it comes down to which version of the software you're using. If you're using Version 10.0 or earlier, you can only add one tool by checking the Use Large Area Clearance Tool box in the toolpath form. If you're using Version 10.5 or later, you can use multiple tools within the same toolpath, by clicking the SELECT button and adding tools one by one. If you haven't upgraded to Version 10.5, I would encourage you to do so. It's well worth it!

[@marcdaigle9397]

Mark, I watched your video last night for about 3 hours that I took me to follow it and produce the very similar sign that i want to create for my parents anniversary that is coming up soon. The only issue I have is the both family/ First names are on the same plane and I don't know where I went wrong. I have no ideal. Can you help me please? I'm baffled as to where I went wrong. I'm going to watch it again this morning, hopefully It won't take me 3 hours this time around.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Pay very close attention to the Layers. Pay particular attention to which layer you're working in, and which layers you're putting the first names on. Before welding, you want a copy of the first names and the family last name on the Bottom Text layer, and a copy of the first names on the Top Text layer. When you go to weld the Bottom Text together, make certain you're working in the Bottom Text layer, and all other layers are turned off. Once the text is welded, you can turn any other layers you need to see back on. More often than not, folks who have trouble are working in the wrong layer, or forget to make sure there is a copy of the first names in both layers before welding.

[@kennethturner1542]

Hi Mark, Sometimes when i weld my font the inner circles of the letters disappears. For example the inside on an o, e or p the circle on the inside disappears. Do you know how to prevent this?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

This usually happens in older versions of the software. What you'll need to do is select the text, right-click, and select Convert to Curves. From there, select the text vectors WITHOUT the inner circles, and weld them. That will cure the issue.

[@kennethturner1542]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Thank you Mark

[@grahamclaydon2350]

Can a v carve profile be used instead of the pocket profile.

[@garyecker5564]

in aspire is there another way using the modeling tool

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Yes sir, there is. But that's also for another video. Stay tuned!

[@garyecker5564]

@@MarkLindsayCNC i cant wait having nothing but problems myself with the tool side thanks for all your great videos

[@LG-ro5le]

Keep getting 'at least 2 overlapping vectors must be selected for this operation' when i press weld, i copied the layer to a new layer and named it top text like you did, not sure whats happening

[@marcdaigle337]

I'm trying to follow this video and do exactly as what you are trying to educate user to do and I'm so lost right now. It's extremely frustrating to try to follow all of the layers, that I decided to give up watching this.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm sorry to hear that, Mark. Do know that a stacked text project is not a beginner's project. If you're used to V-carving, working with layers, and creating pockets, it's rather straight forward. If you're not used to those things, it can get real confusing real quick. Focus on doing one layer at a time, and you'll get it.

[@jeffreystewart6571]

I went through your video step by step and the final preview did not cut out the centers of last name letters.

[@daveprichett6502]

Do you sell your template?

[@daveprichett6502]

Why do you start with your top text before going to the bottom

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

The main reason is to remove material from what will become the top surface of the bottom text/artwork. If I remove that material first, I can see if there are any defects in the material below surface level, and be sure that my choice of bit isn't leaving bad finish quality. It's also easier on the bit to remove smaller amounts of material at a time, carving from the top down.

[@jeffhancock891]

Hey Mark, great tutorial on text on text! Followed you step by step, and successfully carved my first sign of this type. Thanks! I have a question concerning text on text. I would like to also be able to use a vcarve (engrave) toolpath to do a text on text sign instead of the raised text. Here is a short example of what I am referring to: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amGmqauHlsyVrKc They don't show the process, just the results. Do you have a video already addressing this topic? I could not find one. Thanks again! Jeff

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm sorry, but I don't have a video on this method. I'll look into it, as I like it too. Thanks for pointing it out to me!

[@georgekenner6588]

This. ... is just not working... you are a great teacher but Vetric makes this way to complex... I have been at it for hours and can not get version 11 of Pro to give me these results.

[@deanscottphoto]

Excellent