This New Vectric Sketch Carving Tool Is AMAZING!

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

I've been waiting for your videos on v12 before deciding whether I would upgrade or nor. It appears that I'll be upgrading post haste! Thanks, Garrett!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

LYTOMIZE_Woodshop, you are so welcome brother and thanks for the support!

[@fxsrider]

What's up Garrett?? Nice video!! Turning anything complex into a software or A.I. generated sketch, bitmap tracing, vector or whatever it is you are aiming for is going to disappoint almost 100% of the time it's tried. Now it does depend on the level of detail, contrast and definition etc. It will also help you figure out how much you don't enjoy node editing as a full time job. I work from photos of famous buildings, sometimes to engrave on glass but most of the time I'll shoot for depth carving to get as much relief in the finished piece as I can. It's been my experience that I will save huge amounts of time by just getting out a cheap drawing tablet (Wacom or similar) and take my time to correctly draw what it is I am attempting to create. Then I am not going back and forth until my eyes are worn out from looking at thousands and thousands of nodes that need to be moved, removed, or trying to drag handles all over to fix a curve. Screw that!! I have extensive experience NOT getting the results I was hoping for using Inkscape, Gimp, Illustrator, Photoshop and VCARVE probably some other titles as well. Tried and tried.. and tried some more! I was constantly searching for an easier method to get the lines I wanted to pop out of some flashy software program and I found I was never satisfied with the results. Am I too picky about things? Probably... maybe a little more than most. If I'm going to take the time to actually end up producing finished pieces I rather they look as nice as I can make them. When I get started on anything that is going to take me hours/days to draw I break it up into smaller sections and constantly remind myself... I only have to get it right one time. After the toolpaths are created and I see what I hoped for coming off the mill. It's as good as gold. Scale it up/down, etch it, burn it, cut it or carve it. The bulk of my time for any of this work is always spent converting the artwork into something suitable for the medium and the limitations of the gear in my shop. Some of this stuff takes time to do. Garbage in = Garbage out. Have a nice day!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

fxsrider, thanks for sharing your perspective on this one brother. You bring up a lot of good points and I do appreciate you reaching out and providing input on your workflow that works best for you.

[@rodbeadle6444]

Thanks for sharing this very helpful video, Garrett. I love your teaching style and find all of your videos to be extremely good. It's like we're having a personal, one on one conversation every time. Keep it up!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

rodbeadle6444, you are so welcome my friend.

[@donbergeron4521]

As usual Garrett, you make this stuff look so interesting

[@IDCWoodcraft]

donbergeron4521, Thank you! I’m glad you find it interesting! It's always fun to share the joy of woodworking.

[@kevinrich4637]

Sketch is a pleasant surprise. I am already doing some pictures of my grandson and son for Father’s Day. I am looking forward to playing with more. Thanks for doing this….I stink at AI but I’m trying lol

[@IDCWoodcraft]

kevinrich4637, you are so welcome my friend. Try it out and shee how it goes.

[@chrispelletier3661]

Hay Garrett, I love your video. I also combined the photo vcarve tool path with the sketch carve tool path and got a real cool effect.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

chrispelletier3661, right on brother! Glad to hear that this tool has been working well for you.

[@gerhardwessels7466]

It is amazing to look at what can be achieved thru using a machine, but it is more appreciated when it is done by the hand of a gifted person.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

gerhardwessels7466, you bring up a good point brother! Both are great ways to an amazing project.

[@adrianlachlan1452]

totally agree.....however some of us are not that gifted so we need an easier solution....lol...lol

[@kentuberosity]

you';re missing the point of cnc machining.

[@gerhardwessels7466]

@@kentuberosity I am well aware of the point - 90% money.

[@kentuberosity]

@@gerhardwessels7466 90% money? Do you mean to say cnc woodworking is motivated by making money, ie. production of products that sell, vs. more traditional woodworking methods?

[@NHGUY76]

Thanks for the quick video on the new sketch carving toolpath!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

NHGUY76, you are so welcome my friend.

[@TheDustyShed]

Cool stuff! Thanks Garrett.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

TheDustyShed, you are so welcome my friend.

[@JMarcusPedroza]

Really like this over bitmap tracing! Thanks Garrett!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

woodworkingDad64, you are so welcome my friend.

[@hanspijpers2100]

There is a setting to eliminate the border, Bitmap boundery, selected Vector and nearly at the bottom: the Vector Selction "manual " Selector... Just experiment a wee bit with it.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

hanspijpers2100, right on! I like that idea brother. Thanks for sharing those tips and tricks.

[@jessekurisko5659]

Yes thank you for sharing this tip. I tried figuring out to get rid of it and was about to give up. So i figured if anyone would share how it would be Garrett but i was let down. Lol so i headed to the comments and i was looking for someone to ask and he give the answer but instead i found the answer. lol.

[@GuyDavis-zr5ux]

this does not seem to work because there are no vectors in the bitmap

[@ozguzzi]

That tool alone makes it worth upgrading to !

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ozguzzi, I couldnt agree more brother!

[@Jorge-lw9fv]

Hey there Garrett, good tutorials, throughout all your videos. I noticed you had some blue/clear plastic over workpiece what is it exactly? what is it supposed to do? it seemed to have kept alot of sawdust particles down to a mininum. thanks again

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Jorge-lw9fv, that material is called oramask brother. It prevents you from painting spots that you don't carve! Here is a link: shrsl.com/36t5i

[@JNewellworks]

Super cool thanks Garrett! I just have to decide if I'm going to go with the longmill and PWN spindle or the Altmill.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

JNewellworks, that is a tough decision brother! Both are great options.

[@Grassy20]

I just bought v12 yesterday after upgrading from.... maybe version 8? It's like night and day. I can't believe how many improvements there have been. I'll have to play around with this feature.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Grassy20, That's awesome to hear! It's always exciting to explore the new features and improvements in software updates. Enjoy experimenting with your new version!

[@garyhome7101]

Hey Garrett, I've been experimenting with the sketch tool path in Vcarve pro 12, and noticed that if you import a bitmap as the sketch image, and then choose the sketch tool path, the specific tool path menu items don't seem to allow for the exclusion of a boundary (or border) carve. In other words, the application draws a border around the bitmap and then carves it based on the selected offset, with 0 apparently equal to some value other than 0. For whatever reason, you get a carved border no matter the choice, and seems to be true for the vector selection choice also. Any thoughts? Great video by the way!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Yes, I commented about that in this video. I'm not sure of a good method to eliminate it

[@garyhome7101]

@@IDCWoodcraft Thanks. I missed your comment in the video - I'll rewatch it.

[@atienne_navarre]

I just ordered an MK2 30 x 48. Also watched that live video where you did all the cuts (2 hours) lol. Is there a video on how to create the cuts with different bits? Have a good one

[@IDCWoodcraft]

atienne_navarre, Congrats on your new MK2 30 x 48! I have a video that should really help you brother! Here is a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWLaoWeIr8inopIsi=XwHcqNCVFcN1mN0t

[@atienne_navarre]

@@IDCWoodcraft Appreciate it. Watching now. Thank You.

[@theamericanthinker]

It took the outter boundary because your image background was light grey. If you adjusted the contrast so make the background white, you would not have had that border.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

theamericanthinker, That's a great observation! Adjusting the contrast can definitely help with improving the boundaries during the modeling process. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Plumbercharles]

I’m excited thanks Garrett

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Plumbercharles, you are so welcome my friend.

[@kennywilson8343]

what was the name of the film you applied to wood before carving so you would be able to paint and peel off the remaining film? thanks for what you do.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

kennywilson8343, the film is called Oramask brother! Here is a link: shrsl.com/36t5i

[@HarryAnsorge]

@@IDCWoodcraft Thanks for the great video and link, Garrett. I just ordered a roll.

[@waldronnewell3689]

Interesting, thanks Garrett!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

waldronnewell3689, you are so welcome my friend.

[@abnermerciadez1688]

Good day Sir!!! May I ask what application you are using as a controller in CNC Router? Thanks and more power!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

abnermerciadez1688, I use gSender brother! Here is a link to a video that shows it off in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6nCeZp_o9toZtEsi=OnstrDxtDojNcTvL

[@abnermerciadez1688]

@@IDCWoodcraft Thank you so much Sir. More power!!!

[@BMRCoinsandCollectibles]

Garrett, I was wondering if you can give me a little help. I have a next wave he 510 with the 3 hp water cooled spindle. I have the vertical software, which I still can’t get a grip on. Anyway. I’m really into precious metals especially pouring my own designs. I’m trying to figure out what bit to use. They are carbon fiber blocks. TIA.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

user-on9bx3en8r, you are so welcome my friend.

[@Davesmusic86]

Check out the Groovee Jenny for that masking film. Actually all the Jenny’s are great man. I’m rocking them along side my IDC bits!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Davesmusic86, that is a great bit brother! I couldn't agree more.

[@hanspijpers2100]

to put an image in the middle, just hit the F9 key Don't need to switch to the design side of the screen Kind regards Hans

[@IDCWoodcraft]

hanspijpers2100, good tip brother! I like that.

[@Bccad88]

so you dont have to bit tracing anymore. is that what you are saying it does.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Bitmap tracing still exists and has its own icon I could always did. This is just a new feature

[@lyubomirvelchev]

I don't understand why there is no noise coming from the cnc router? What kind of router is this?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

lybomirvelchev, its a spindle brother! Here is a link:pwncnc.com/products/spindle?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT

[@eitantal726]

I want to see how it compares against the traditional method of tracing bitmap + profile path

[@IDCWoodcraft]

eitantal726, very good point my friend. It would be a great video to test which comes out as the best!

[@Marcwood-uw5qe]

Can you get any training .if so, let me know Thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Marcwood-uw5qe, I'm glad you're interested in CNC woodworking! There are many resources available, including online courses, local workshops, and KZbin tutorials to help you get started.

[@bobreichel]

I Downloaded Vcarve I see you can't save with the free version, but can you run the program.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Bob. Opposite...when using the free trial, you can save but cannot run the projects. You will need to purchase the program. If you decide to purchase, can you use this link please? Thanks sienci.com/product/vectric-vcarve-pro/?ref=IDCWOODCRAFT

[@lindseyjones7015]

How do you get the outline on outside to not cut?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

lindseyjones7015, To prevent the outline from cutting on the outside, you need to adjust your toolpath settings in your CNC software. Look for options that allow you to set a specific toolpath strategy, such as choosing “Inside” for pocketing or adjusting the cut settings to avoid the perimeter. It may also help to verify that your design doesn’t have any stray lines or segments in the program. Experimenting with these settings will help ensure you're getting the desired outcome. Happy machining!

[@IMadeThat]

the new vectrtc sketch carving will not let me print out job setup sheet of project ?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Report this to Vectric so they can fix it

[@st0mper121]

anything added for the laser in this version?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

st0mper121, I recommend reaching out to Vectric about this one brother! They can help you better with your specific question: www.vectric.com/support/contact-us/

[@JCraftvfx]

that little windmill thing you have on your machine, looks like its hooked up to your cooling liquid system, whats that called and where can i get one? I'm guessing thats for just making sure liquid is flowing as a visual?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi JC. You are exactly right. That is called a flow indicator. You can get one here amzn.to/43kaIqy I did a short video on the installation → kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3WqaYCwr6-fia8

[@JCraftvfx]

@@IDCWoodcraft Thanks

[@ACEONE1957]

tryed to use this , keeps stoping with error 1 line 24 and so on i use gsender. Do you have any idels i am new to cnc so it has me stomped. it works good with other projects. thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ACEONE1957, It sounds like there might be an issue with the G-code for that specific project. Double-check your code for any errors or typos on line 24 and make sure it is compatible with your CNC machine. If you are still having trouble, consider reaching out to your machine manufacturer for more help for your specific setup. Good luck!

[@mtz3843]

wonder if would work with a laser?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

IDCWoodcraft, sure can brother! Happy CNCing!

[@scotthow2933]

I'm confused ! What's the difference in this and a normal vcarve?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

scotthow2933, its a new and improved feature brother! The Vectric team made lots of changes with V12!

[@AusWorkshop]

A normal Vcarve would do fat deep v cuts for black areas like the go-cart tires for example. Not always wanted so this is a great alternative and quicker machining time.

[@WikiSnapper]

The background of the drawing image is full of white pixels. The software doesn't know you don't want the white pixels. If you load the image with a transparent background it will likely not have that boxy outline.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

WikiSnapper, very true my friend. That is a very good point. It might be best to convert to a different color before importing.

[@soulmatesandsawdusttn]

I think if you remove the background on the graphic then import it, that boundary line would be gone.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

oulmatesandsawdusttn, good point brother. You wouldn't want to remove the boundary line on this one.

[@ttcnc3755]

you should have mentioned to use the design button in copilot, you forgot to tell people that

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Darn it! You are so right. I totally missed that

[@w4fej]

Where is this "free" version of Copilot ? I only find monthly license fee version ??

[@IDCWoodcraft]

w4fej, not 100% sure on that one brother. Your best bet would be to reach out to Vectric on free alternatives that would work well for you.

[@HowToFromMeToYou]

Pumping out the new video's this weekend lol

[@IDCWoodcraft]

HowToFromMeToYou, I sure am brother! I have a lot to share with all of our brother sister CNCers!

[@cdmobley1]

Awesome

[@IDCWoodcraft]

cdmobley1, glad to hear you liked this one my friend.

[@ldabkey]

The boundary is created because there is background to the image created. To eliminate the boundary, you need to take the image and convert it to a transparent background *.png file. When you import the *.png file, VIOLA! Boundary is gone.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

idabkey, good point brother! Thanks for that tip.

[@mikefarris1623]

If you use Gear gadget, you will not get to use in in version 12, this is what Vectric said in an email to me "It looks like the Gear Gadget would been remaking to V12 but at this time we do not have any timeline for plans to do that"

[@IDCWoodcraft]

mikefarris1623, thanks for letting me know brother! That is very informative.

[@marktabacca4793]

Can you do 3D carve with it

[@IDCWoodcraft]

marktabacca4793, that would be a cool idea brother! I will look into that.

[@centralseac]

Pretty cool, nice and fast but basically the same results as line trace in CorelDraw.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

centralseac, glad to hear that CorelDraw has the same set of features too brother!

[@Waltkat]

Very nice, but at $2000 I don't think I'll be getting Vectric for my 3018 router. Thanks for the review anyway.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Waltkat, I totally understand where you're coming from! Those software prices can be quite steep, especially for DIY projects.

[@Navy_Vet12]

$2000 for CNC software?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Navy_VetE6, I totally understand that it can seem pricey! High-quality CNC software often comes with advanced features and support, which can make the investment worthwhile for serious projects. You'll find a variety of options out there, though, so it's good to research and find one that fits your needs and budget.

[@adrianlachlan1452]

Having used Vcarve Pro for many years this is probably the first upgrade I will not be paying for... The Vectric sketch tool is a nice concept but once again like other parts of vcarve the execution is not the best... It only outlines everything it doesnt produce the vectors around the black areas so they can be carved out like the original image so we are still left with editing to do to get a proper representation of the original image... Vcarve already has the bitmap tracer which is outdated technology...the freehand drawing ability is also outdated technology as is a number of other components in vcarve... So once again they offer us an expensive upgrade with half hearted new stuff and nil improvements... I would be much happier to pay for the new upgrade if they actually improved and updated the outdated technology they are using in existing parts of the software like the bitmap tracer and the freehand drawing functions as there is other software out there that does a much better job in a more efficient time frame and nowhere near the expense...Vcarve needs to get into the modern age and stop trying to sell us outdated software re-wrapped in a pretty package....my thoughts :-) :-) :-)

[@IDCWoodcraft]

adrianlachlan1452, thanks for sharing your perspective on this one brother! Upgrading definitely has its pros/cons.

[@JD-nq4vb]

That copilot doesn't work. It won't even create the kid on a gocart and I typed it in word for word as you did. Nothing!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

JD-nq4vb, sorry to hear that brother. AI can be a bit tricky at times.

[@JD-nq4vb]

@@IDCWoodcraft I figured it out. I did not realize it only works in the Edge browser and I was using Chrome. All good, thanks.

[@ronmisiura9169]

​@@JD-nq4vb Edge Browser? How do I get there? I work in Chrome.

[@carld4621]

If the materials aren't held down you essentially own a firearm. This thing shreds.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

carld4621, very true brother! You need to stay safe in the shop.

[@williamcovell6324]

🌵😱 WHAT? Did I hear you say "you were WRONG"? 🙈My hero WRONG? I'll never be the same, ever🥺🌵

[@IDCWoodcraft]

williamcovell6324, we are all wrong at some point my friend!

[@shrimuyopa8117]

I have been screwing my projects down for years now. I have also been using something similar to this in Fusion 360 for awhile now. Wouldn't recommend Fusion 360 though. They have terrible customer service and they love to bait and switch you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

shrimuyopa8117, glad to hear Vectric has been working well for you in place of Fusion 360 brother!

[@ozguzzi]

I am not fond of the idea that copilot is $20.00 a month, unless I'm wrong on that.

[@JustTrendcraft]

You dont need to pay to use it the membership is to generate the images faster and complements other microsoft 365 apps

[@ozguzzi]

@@JustTrendcraft OK, thank you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Shortfuze8473, I couldn't have said it better myself brother!

[@brettfarrell4818]

I just went my Microsoft account and co pilot is not free.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

brettfarrell4818, I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with your Microsoft account and the CoPilot app. Have you tried reaching out to their customer support for assistance?

[@brettfarrell4818]

Well I got the app for 20 a month,

[@IDCWoodcraft]

brettfarrell4818, That's great! It's good to invest in tools that help you improve your woodworking skills. Enjoy using copilot!

[@C-M-E]

I definitely take interest in new methods to get a great result, but as a former artist, AI 'generated art' always rubs me like poison oak. The algorithm isn't creating anything, it crawls the web and mixes and matches unprotected human-made art/photos to suit the search term(s) and applies a few filters to smooth the transitions. It's stealing other people's work and not giving credit, which is where the irk comes from. Don't take that as a bash on you, as I learned a new method to do something with all the media already in my library.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

C-M-E, I appreciate your perspective on AI-generated art. It's important to respect the work and creativity of other artists in the digital realm. Thanks for sharing brother!

[@CogentConsult]

This isn’t artwork, has nothing to do with artistic skill. Gone are the days where true woodworkers actually worked the wood with their own skill. Thankfully there are still master woodworkers out there who can still ply their manual skills to the craft. Too bad the schools don’t teach woodworking anymore. Woodworkers were true artists; unfortunately, hard-earned artistic skill is being replaced by computer tech to fool people. Computer art has no meaning, it does not come from a human’s heart.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

I understand where you're coming from and appreciate the passion for traditional woodworking. It's true that each method has its own value, and both CNC and manual techniques require skill in different ways. Many people enjoy combining technology with craftsmanship, creating unique pieces that might not be possible otherwise. There’s beauty in both approaches, and they can coexist in the craft. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@Plumbercharles]

I’m excited thanks Garrett

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Plumbercharles, happy to have you here brother!