V-Carving for the Absolute Beginner - Part 2 - Basic Text Project

[@freddieguz]

So far this is the best academic i have seen. I actually have an understanding, and hope for the future of my endeavor in the CNC World

[@like2fish1]

Without a doubt your teaching method and subject matter is the best I have seen to date. I have watched all of the Vectric classes as well as other videos on the subject. None can compare to yours. I have just started your videos and look forward to more. I have been using Vcarve for 4 years and I am 71 years old. It proves the older you are the more you realize how much you don't know. Thanks for your work on this subject matter.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I do hope you find the videos helpful!

[@anthonyjakuszeski6963]

I stepped away from V-Carve for several months and my skills got rusty. Your videos are great for a refresher course. Thanks!

[@mohanmariwala2929]

Mark has simplified V carve and cnc to perfection. A must watch for all greenhorns like me. extremely articulate, clear and to the point!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I just hope folks are finding them helpful!

[@nicolelafleur6619]

this is amazing. you have the ability to actually be understandable with not skipping any steps!! it is so frustrating spending 25 minutes watching a person who talks too fast or says " this is already set so i will just use this" i enjoy listening to you. and can not wait to watch more of your videos. thanks again!!!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Nicole. I hope the videos help you out!

[@emilepeterson5333]

Well really enjoyed this video Thanks

[@davidblankenship2503]

Thanks Mark for your time on making this video. I had a Shopbot cnc 18 years ago and sold it because I didn’t understand the software. This explains it all. Thanks again for re igniting the fire.

[@StormyShamrockCrafts-iu7tu]

I like how thorough you are.

[@karenbridge7753]

i got my Mill Right Mega V 1 year ago and have yet to use it some one in my face book group suggested your videos as a good place to start I am currently camping on vacation and watching and now can't wait to get home and start playing thank you for making it make sense thank you

[@davidduxbury7143]

Mark your videos are the best, your slow clear voice makes a huge difference on these old ears.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks very much, David! Some folks find the Closed Caption option handy - especially in loud settings.

[@Bitcoincarpenter]

This is the best teaching tutorial I've ever seen. I just purchased a Legacy 4by8 maverick ATC and have a lot to learn. Thanks so much!

[@pwojtaes]

I just got my first CNC Router. Thanks to you, I learn a lot and sooner I can run all my projects. Thank you for your time you spend to make this video. Very appreciate.

[@warrenscorner]

I made my own CNC Router using plans from Woodsmith Magazine. That was the easy part. Knowing how to make something is the hard part but you’re making it easier.

[@1960fusion]

i now feel confident to try my first project, i just assembled my machine and ordered V Carve Pro this morning...thanks for sharing and the confidence building!

[@briangood7143]

Thank-you so very much for your patients in explaining V-Carve @ my level of understanding. Excellent!

[@Gauge1LiveSteam]

This is a great tutorial. Thanks. I've been using Easel to start out. Going to give V-Carving a try now.

[@billgibson8532]

Thank you Mark. You speak clearly and slow just right for us seniors. I will go through all the videos. I just got the program so it is great. thanks again.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you for checking it out! I hope it helps. (To be honest, I speak slowly in my videos because I'm the one who has to go back and add the closed captions to it. Speaking slowly makes it a heck of a lot easier to do. )

[@Gnew111]

Viewers don't forget that you can speed up the video in the KZbin video settings! Helps with any tutorial especially if your watching it 2-3 times. Thanks again Mark for the FANTASTIC video series!

[@AliShah-vp2tu]

Very nice demonstration, I was trying all this while I was watching it, very easy and meaning full and understandable.

[@TheBiocendana]

Mark, very nice video and in detail. Keep making them. Thanks.

[@cliff5240]

Just bought my first CNC machine. You sir are a great teacher. I have learned more watching 2 of your videos than I have watching all the others combined!! Thank you -- Cliff

[@davidgilbert2288]

Mark, I’ve watched several of your videos and as always you do an excellent job teaching. Thanks for your time and effort!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for the kind words. I hope folks are finding them useful.

[@ronmagrann3663]

just finished putting my machine together and listened to the British tutorials, that was difficult for me as I am hearing impaired. I am very pleased and exited to have seen your tutorials and nearly ready to start my first "trial" project. I have the 4th axis and the laser attachment as well as the water cooled spindle. I will wait to begin working with those after I have a few trial pieces to see how everything comes together. Thanks very much for what you are doing, looking forward to learn much more !!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Ron! Please note that all of my videos (with the exception of the Live Q&A videos) are closed captioned by me. Just click the CC logo at the bottom of the screen to activate the English closed captions. I would also greatly appreciate any feedback you may have about those closed captions. If you think they need improvement in any way, I'd like to know! Thank you again!

[@Jake-chickena]

Iam very appreciative of your efforts here. Thanks so much!!!!

[@stephendurley6881]

As usual a very clear tutorial. You have a way of moving slowly through the instruction without making me feel bored.

[@mikebauer7810]

Mark, Thanks for keeping the true beginner in mind. I have gained more useful information from 30 minutes of your videos rhan I have from watching hours of others. Thanks again!

[@katarinaprskalo9255]

Thank you Mark !!! You explain excellent for me beginner!! Greetings from Croatia

[@AwesomeWoodThings]

Mark... this Absolute Beginner series is AWESOME! Thank you! This is such a great thing for the Maker community!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you Matt. Much like yourself with Adobe Illustrator, I really hate to see people get frustrated and give up because they think they can't do this. We're all in this together. If I can help someone who has never done anything like this before get into the software and see that they CAN do it, then to me, that's what it's all about.

[@AwesomeWoodThings]

Right on, brother! I couldn't have said it any better myself!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

For those of you whose ears perked up when I mentioned Adobe Illustrator, Awesome Wood Things runs a live Learn Adobe Illustrator video stream Mondays at 6pm Eastern over on his KZbin channel. Click his name in his comment, and subscribe! No, seriously! Do it! See you there!

[@cncwoodcrafofficial]

Good work Nice

[@koigifts8356]

Thank you so much for these helpful videos

[@arvinclassics]

Great series of tutorials. Thanks for taking the time to do them. This is what makes the internet what it should be!

[@jamesparr3328]

Mark, the pace of the video is excellent and the detail is just right for us beginners. Many thanks indeed and looking forward to viewing all the vids in this series.

[@rustynesmith4457]

Mark I am so new I don’t even have my machine yet. Just watched your first video and can say you saved me some bad projects. Thanks for making these videos. Going to watch more now.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Rusty! Here's a link to the playlist of all of the Absolute Beginner series, listed from newest to oldest - just in case you wanted to start from the beginning and watch them in order. kzbin.info/aero/PLLuYLaC3-QRNuVTej2P5emp1D4_Tm774p

[@donaldmallory8975]

Mark you are a very good video instructor. You address all of the questions I would have had. Thank you.

[@ljaremko]

Thanks, Mark! Your teaching is very clear. The terminology is already becoming familiar after watching just three videos. I found myself predicting your next move! That is success!

[@gwargolet]

Love your video's very detailed and thorough. I am just beginning on a CNC and finding these videos to be very helpful to understand and use the software. Thanks for all your videos.

[@corysargent5234]

Thank you for putting this video together. My cnc is on its way UPS right now so this (and your other) video is helping me get my brain wrapped around how its done. Great job!

[@Kevin-jd1rm]

Thanks for all your videos , they are very informational and presented in a manner which is easy to follow.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I hope you're finding them useful.

[@geraldinewaring565]

This is a brilliant tutorial. After months of blundering along with no idea what I'm doing I actually feel like I might be able to master this.

[@jasonyannuccelli2499]

That was fantastic Mark. I would have loved to have seen you actually carve that on your machine to kind of seal that video to completion. Really appreciate your time. Thank you

[@BandsawBob]

Been using VCarve Pro for awhile, but learn something new on each of your videos. One thing you didn't mention is if you hold your cursor over a V-bit tool path name, the info box that appears will give you the maximum cut depth. Agree you still need to watch for shallow details if you plan on sanding. Great videos!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Bob. While I didn't mention doing a mouse-over of the toolpath name in this video, I did demonstrate it in later videos. Good eye! Thanks for checking it out!

[@vinceforte9808]

Thanks Mark! Absolute beginner - extremely helpful video series!!

[@georgekenner6588]

Cool... you deserve a comment for the search rating.

[@fredfarnackle5455]

Hi Mark. Very informative - I have two screens so it makes it very easy to have VCarve open on one while I follow your moves on the other. Thanks. 😎

[@chrisgraves9601]

Another helpful video Mark... thanks for all you’re hard work

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for watching, Chris!

[@vickbrown130]

Thank u sir , you are doing a great job. You are very descriptive, it’s a pleasure learning . I will continue watching your videos. AWESOME WORK!

[@knutwnass]

A fantastic video, I learned a lot. I am completely new to CNC woodcarving, So new that I ordered my CNC machine 4 days ago, and waiting to receive it. If I can ask a question, I order a Rawcnc Advantic with VCarve 2D and Mach 3 UC100 Module + a simple PC to run the Machine. This I will place in my garage/woodworking shop. Question: Can I run VCarve 2D on a Mac Book Pro in my house and take the code on a memory stick out to my CNC Machine in the garage, or do I need an additional PC to VCarve. Thanks Knut from Norway

[@gingerrabbit6669]

Your videos are strange, fantastic information, very clear and concise but omg I always want to go to sleep watching.

[@paulbenedict8972]

Thank you for helping others to learn the videos are very helpful. I am waiting for my cnc shark to arrive. Just trying to get a head start on the V carve.

[@fredmartinez933]

Thank you Mr. Mark Lindsay for the info. i will put in practice , I'm a beginner..

[@timguernsey8030]

Excellent for us first timers.

[@johnwalker2265]

Delighted to subscribe, thanks Mark for making life simple 👍

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, and welcome aboard!

[@raysmith6776]

Hi Mark, first of all a big thankyou for your tutorials. Have you done or are you doing one on taking the design and putting it into easel ( the program I am using on my 3018.)

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I'm sorry, but I do not. I don't have Easel and have never used it. I got VCarve Pro Version 8.0 several years ago, and never looked back. I'm sorry, but I don't know anything about Easel.

[@raysmith6776]

Thankyou for your prompt reply. I must be able to run my 3018 direct from vcarve pro then, or do I need a different program. I have sone some with easel but not impressed. Thankyou for your time.

[@apolinarcisneros2784]

Nice video. ...keep on doing some more, they are very helpful I already subscribed. I have a few hours of training in my present job over skype. Thank you Mark.

[@richardpoulin2947]

Well Mark I don't know if it's because we are about the same age, but your explanations and videos are great for me a French Canadian knew on cnc. Thank you very much for the time you put to make sure we get the right way to do things. Excellent!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, Richard! Yeah, we "more mature" folks have to stick together. Also, I do my own closed-captioning, so I have to speak slowly to make it easier on myself. I hope you find the videos helpful!

[@markstein1957]

Mark, i have a question regarding the toolpath of a dxf line profile. in this example there are line and arcs for the border. how can you follow the center of the tool path with one cut. say using a v-bit and 1/16" deep to make a profile that follows the line? don't want to cut through or have multiple passes, just one shallow cut that follows the toolpath (centered) thanks, Mark

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

As you have already noticed, when DXF files are imported, the vectors are usually not joined. So, you have separate lines, arcs, curves, etc. It's usually better to join those vectors before calculating toolpaths - if for no other reason than to make it easier to select them all when it comes time to calculate a toolpath. Having said that, I did a video that demonstrates how to do exactly what you're describing. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hai3gYWreq6Hfbs

[@arfonia]

Great vids....Helping me out loads....Thanks! Stay Safe...Skully UK 😀👍

[@zackb6045]

I'm glad I found your channel man! thanks for the vids

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking them out! I hope they help!

[@cfodge69]

Nice tutorial, Mark. I followed the presentation on my computer all the way to creating the tool paths. I get a warning the tool path is deeper than the wood. I'm on a trial version of Vcarve Pro and the machine I specified is a Onefinity X50 Woodworker Any ideas why I'm getting the message?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

It sounds like you're trying to v-carve the area between the text and the border. If you are, the v-bit will try to carve all the way through the material, unless you set a flat depth. If you're just trying to carve the text and the border, select the text and calculate a toolpath for just the text. Then select the border and calculate a separate toolpath for that.

[@cfodge69]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Thank you, Mark. I failed to select the text before making a tool path. Bam! It's working now.

[@derekbingham7058]

Hi Mark, great video and thank you. I would like to ask how can I go about making the text about the material as in like a letter stamp. I am trying to rather remove the material around the letters instead of cutting the letters with my V bit. Thanks

[@petgoodsshop]

Much appreciated Mark. You always cover all the fine details.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much, David. I hope it helps!

[@francocostantino]

Grazie infinite per le sue preziosissime lezioni,non avrei imparato tutto cio' che e' nelle mie conoscenze le sue interessanti lezioni grazie grazie ancora. Nonostante tutto pero' ho un problema che non riesco a risolvere; Quando io devo incidere un testo con aspire seguendo un percorso Vcarve con un bit punta a V da 60 gradi arrivo sotto fino al calcolo del percorso e' tutto ok, quando invece avvio l'anteprima del percorso , attendo il calcolo ma non appare niente sul materiale.puo' suggerirmi qualcosa affinche' io possa superare this problema?

[@richardharris6466]

Do you operate your CNC with a. Omputer instead of the pendant? Do you have a video for setting that up? Thanks.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Yes, I operate from a PC with Mach4 installed. Setting that up is very machine specific, so there's no way I could help you with that. I'd hate to lead you down the wrong path. The best bet is to find the support community for your machine and ask your questions over there. They know your machine best, where I'd only be guessing. Do know that some machines are so proprietary, it may not be possible to get away from the pendant.

[@Jimstacyray1]

getting my onenfinity in 2 weeks. and a newbie so I am in a major learning curve. Found Aspire to be best software to my liking . and your teaching style easy to follow. thanks now I can design house numbers.. LOL

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Hey, we all start somewhere and work our way up. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@MrCLemoine]

Excellent, thank you sir!

[@3discnc424]

so it's all about the tool we use carving and engraving another nice video from you i learned in part 1 and part 2 the very basics of the softwear and more important the the tools thank you sir for your time im a noob and im a DIY cnc 3 axis starting with wood my project is on the works do to a very tight budget your knowledge is priceless and the way you pass it is unique im lucky i know english thank you

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much for your kind words. I really do appreciate it, and I;m glad to be of help. Just so you know, I also close-caption all of my tutorial videos, and some people find them easier to translate into their native language, should you ever need to do so.

[@3discnc424]

@@MarkLindsayCNC thank you im greek but i know very good us english the only thing is inch to cm and one thing to ask you is i find v carve simple and easy im testing more softwear ill have to buy one so i can make my cnc to work 100% what version of the software should i buy like i sed im a new at this need to start ?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

If you decide to buy VCarve software from Vectric (either the Pro or Desktop version) you can always upgrade to Aspire later, and all you'll pay is the difference in price. I use VCarve Pro, so when I go to upgrade to Aspire, I'll pay $1300.00 US instead of $1999.00 US. If you purchase VCarve Desktop, then later decide you want to upgrade to Pro, you'll only pay the difference between the two - NOT full retail for the upgrade. That helps people who are just starting a lot.

[@3discnc424]

@@MarkLindsayCNC VCarve Desktop IS 660 euros in greece ill start with that but first im wating for some t8 lead screws and ER11 CHUCK CNC 500W SPINDLE after i do some test ill need to cut the frame from aluminum now im on 3d printed parts but anyway the softwear is inportend and im starting to read about v bits and all the tools to get in to it now im useing gcode sender and a arduino uno with TB6560 3A drivers on a 50mm by 40mm cnc and cambam for testing ill upload some vids when im rady thank you mark for your time

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

If you're going to start out with VCarve (Desktop or Pro - it doesn't matter which) my advice is to download the free trial and start learning it now. You can't start learning it too soon.

[@dansmith8550]

Excellent job with explaining the system. Definitely worth the time!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

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

[@dalewilliamson1125]

Mark, Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to do this. I have been away from the CNC world for a few years. Was finding out my computer is old and very slow, was wondering if there were any gizmos to adapt to a more modern computer, faster computer. I have the set-up Dave Gotten advised with the printer port or serial port. Thanks, Dale

[@frankbye1450]

Hi Mark Your videos are great very informative . I find myself stumbling through content trying to find particular subjects. Right now I'm looking for a tutorial dealing with "Edit Options". If I search on KZbin I get all kinds of stuff. Is there a way I can isolate just your videos and search just them?? Thanks Frank

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

If you go to my main channel page, look under the banner pic - you'll see HOME VIDEOS PLAYLISTS etc... At the end of that row is a Magnifying Glass icon. Click that icon, type in whatever you want to search for, then hit the ENTER key. That will search my channel for whatever you've entered. I'll save you a little bit of time though - I haven't done a video specifically on the Options window under the EDIT menu. I have gone into that window to show a specific function, but I've never done an overview of it. I'll put it on the list of Videos To Do, but it'll be a few weeks before I can get to it.

[@frankbye1450]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Thanks But I can't find your main channel page. Do u have webpage or what is your starting point? Thanks Frank

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Just click on my name. It's a link to my main channel page.

[@wt12wall43]

Wow! Just what I needed Mark, Thanks.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out. I hope you find it useful!

[@bblloobb1000]

will folow other your teaching videos.thank you.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you very much! I hope it helped you!

[@bblloobb1000]

@@MarkLindsayCNC yes you did, i can ask you as pro from beginer, can you sugest other type of bits exept vbits that came with my 3018pro.need bits for clean surface as in your video and for carving that will make straight lines in deep

[@bobweiland3598]

Hey, Mark I have been using VCarve Pro for a few years making simple projects with my limited knowledge. I enjoyed your first video and the refresher coarse. I look fwd to watching all your videos and get retrained in many techniques.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you sir! I do appreciate it.

[@richbutters2106]

Hi Mark, the video content is great and very informative. Thank you for all your work. I am wanting to v carve prayer onto wood. Its a large body of text and I am struggling. Do you have a video showing the setting up of the job and carving of a lot of text?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Rich. Unfortunately, I don't have a video on doing large amounts of relatively small text, but I do have plans to make a video on this topic after the new year. I have a project I need to make for a close friend that involves carving sheet music into a wood background. That will involve a lot of very small lines, tiny text, and of course the notes of the music. It'll be an adventure, for sure, and I'll be dragging everyone along with me (some folks kicking and screaming) along the way. One thing I do know is that it'll take a v-bit with a very steep angle - we're talking something like 10 - 15 degrees. I'm currently on the hunt for said bit.

[@richbutters2106]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Hi Mark, the music project sound exciting. Please keep us informed - Cheers Rich

[@kenherring2831]

Great refresher training!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@rj41669]

Mark, I'm new the CNC. when I try this project and zero my workpiece it starts carving in my lower left positiion. I can't seem to get it carve in the center of my workpiece? I think its something to do with XY Datum on the file or XY Datum on the toolpath??? I'm using Vcarve 10.5 and a Onefinity CNC

[@maxgarcia9512]

Hi Mark, Since I'm a new guy to CNC I have a Question. Why do you use the datum position in the center of material to start with? You say for design purposes, but is there a difference if you started in another datum position to design your project? Thanks for a really good video.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Max. It's a 100% personal choice. It goes way back to how I was taught drafting in high school - we drew a center line on the paper before we drew anything else, then we started drafting the plan based off that centerline. Since that's the way I was taught, that's the way I have always done it. It's just easier for me to wrap my head around laying out the design by doing it that way. Then I can go into Material Setup before I calculate any toolpaths and change that XY Datum to the lower left corner, and the software does the rest. After that I can calculate toolpaths and generate g-code. Is there any difference if I started with the XY Datum somewhere else? No - there's no difference at all. The carving will turn out exactly the same no matter where you set your XY Datum in Job Setup, as long as you have it set correctly before you calculate the toolpaths, or you recalculate them all if you change it.

[@PaulJohnsLife]

Another great video. I hadn't really understood the difference between the two types of texts, and I also had been deleting and recreating tool paths every time I edited the text. I'll be saving some time on my next project.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

There are all kinds of little tips and tricks when it comes to using this software. The hardest part of all of this, really, is remembering them all... Thanks for watching!

[@allenpoling6854]

Very new to this but watching V-Carving for the Absolute Beginner - Part 2 - Basic Text Project. I am at 27:45 into the video and notice on my laptop the "Safe Z" is at 0.2 and on your video it's 0.5. I'm I missing something or how do you change the "Safe Z " setting and what is the typical number? Thanks

[@allenk8979]

Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing your knowledge with all of us.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

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

[@Everett2015]

I am new to CNC trying to watch your videos and to catch on. I have an xcarve 1000 machine using vcarve pro ver.8.5. I have preform the video here line for line but when I save gcode and load into easel the pattern looks offset on the board on easel program, just don't look like the numbers or profile cutout looks the same as it does in vcarve pro ( how do I get it to work in Easel) any help would be Appreciated Thank you Everett

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Everett! I would recommend joining the Inventables support forum and checking the Software category. Those folks know your machine best, as they're users who have done what you're trying to do now. Here's a link: discuss.inventables.com/categories

[@garylushman615]

I am absolutely new to cnc i have followwed your instruction on making this sign but have Very silly question how do i send the command from my pc to my cnc machine to cut it out or engrave the work.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You're almost there. That's in Part 4 of this series, where I introduce G-Code, and show you how to save it. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXesnKyibdmIfLc

[@stevegronsky8904]

Nice job Mark. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Steve!

[@tyty1936]

Mark, in viewing one of your instruction videos, you mentioned there are projects available from your site. My question is, how do I find those for inspection & download?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I currently have the DXF files I used in this 4-part series available in the Shop on my website. You'll find a link in the description of the video. There are plans to add more files along the way as well.

[@thomasbuckley9637]

Great information thank you!!

[@janicejoyce6570]

Good video Mark. I'm a cnc beginner.I have just carved my first simple project on my onefinity cnc. It started out great, but I found error codes in the transfer of information to the cnc from my computer. (y axis position is less than soft limits ) This has happened both times on 2 different downloads. Any thoughts ?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

My suggestion would be to join the Onefinity Facebook group and ask over there. I really have no clue which controller software it uses, and I only know Mach3. They're the pros from Dover and can get you squared away. I would only be guessing.

[@ronbalcomb7789]

Thank you for doing these videos, the ones on the program are very vague and , to me at least, confusing. do you have a video showing you saving the file, copying it to your portable drive and then using it?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Saving g-code is the topic of the video I posted today. Thanks for watching!

[@daneilers739]

Hi Mark; have you done a video on how to do a Stacked Text sign in VCarve Pro?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

No I haven't, and I don't plan to. Vectric has done an excellent video on the subject, and I really have nothing to add to the discussion. I would just be remaking their video in my voice, and that's not my style. Here's a link to their video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWjKqnSZjsuLbNk

[@daneilers739]

Thank you Mark.

[@chuckgosselin949]

why did you not change the datum to lower left when you started calculating your tool path? Does this mean you will set up your CNC machine to O,O before cutting?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Basically, yes. This video was for demonstration purposes only. I didn't plan on actually cutting it. I still have the file, so if any time I do decide to cut it, I could set my X Y Datum to the lower left, recalculate the toolpaths, and save g-code. You'll no-doubt see in later videos where I did change the X Y Datum to the lower left corner before (or after) calculating toolpaths on projects that I actually cut. Good catch, by the way...

[@Bigg_Driver]

I am just looking at buying a cnc. Whats a good one to start with.minam actually looking at the onefinity cnc as it seems very durable and user friendly. Enjoy your videos they’re giving me the confidence to make the leap.

[@SimPilot-dl8zy]

Thank again Mark. One thing though, since your using two different Bits do I save each profile separate so as to be able to change cutters when the V-carve portion is done?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

You save each toolpath that uses a different bit separately. I run the v-bit toolpaths first, then the end mill toolpaths next. The Profile Cutout toolpath is always last.

[@SimPilot-dl8zy]

@@MarkLindsayCNC Ok Thanks, I am finally getting this with your help. The software really needs to be more intuitive in my opinion. The videos they have are not very help full and do not explain the steps in full. They keep jumping around.

[@ljgault]

Thanks Mark.. Another informative lesson.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Larry!

[@mikegallagher782]

Mark -another great video, very informative for someone like me who’s researching cnc and software before I take the plunge and buy a machine. When you buy the Vectric software, do you own it outright or do they charge residual yearly fees on top of the initial purchase price?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

It’s a one-time purchase - there are no monthly or annual fees at all. The only fees you’ll encounter after purchase would be upgrades to a new version family - with one exception. What I mean is, if you purchased Version 10, an upgrade to Version 10.5 would be free because it’s within the same version family (in this case the Version 10 family.) An upgrade to Version 11 would involve a fee, because it’s an upgrade to a new version family. That fee depends on which software title you have. The exception I mentioned above is that if a new version family is released within 12 months of your purchase, the upgrade to that new version is free. So, if you purchased Version 10.5 today, for example, and Version 11 was released in April, you would get a free upgrade to Version 11 because it was released within that 12 month window. Please note that I DO NOT work for Vectric, and all of the info I typed above is true to the best of my knowledge as of today, February 15, 2021. Vectric may change any of those policies at any time, and I’m sure they reserve the right to do so.

[@mikegallagher782]

Thanks so much for the detailed response Mark, it’s very helpful. And I understand you’re not affiliated with them in any way and I really appreciate you sharing your experience on this.

[@dalesharp7708]

Mark? i am a brand new and I have started watching your video's and you do a GREAT job. I need to know when I finish designing my project and hit my calculate button does this generate my gcode? I have been saving it after I hit the button but when I go to Mach3 and open it, there is nothing there. No code. What am I doing wrong?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

When you hit the Calculate button, you're calculating the toolpath needed to generate the g-code. You haven't created the g-code yet. I covered that in Part 4 of the Vectric for Absolute Beginners series. Here's a link to Part 4, but I highly suggest you watch the first 4 videos in that series before you go any further. There's a link to the playlist of the entire series in the description of all of the videos in that series. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXesnKyibdmIfLc

[@dalesharp7708]

@@MarkLindsayCNC I have that fixed now and Thanks.../Another problem Im have is the Calibration. im trying to calibrate my machine. went into the setting and was setting my X axis. told it to move 3 inches and it moved 1/8 of an inch. it correst itself by adding 2 7/8 of an inch but when I went to check it again and told it to move 3 inch it went all the way . When I try to manually move x axis it just goes all the way non stop to the emg stop. I am looking not for a video to help me set the limits but with no luck...any help here?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

I would head over to the Mach3 Support Forum and ask there. Those guys are absolute wizards with that software. HOWEVER - I would check the mechanical first! Check/tighten any belts, couplers, or drive pulleys on your machine that moves any of the axes before you get into Mach3 and start changing settings or try to calibrate. Put some slippage marks on any pulleys or couplers that are attached to your motors so you can easily see if one is loose. Like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZaven2Xit6Cjc0

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Great instructions for folks Mark!

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thanks Eloy!

[@katiesummers6932]

I can’t tell you helpful your videos have been to a newbie like me! What would you consider too deep when carving? Is there a general rule to keep in mind?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Katie! "Too deep" is a subjective thing. It really depends on the project. In the case of a simple text project like this one, the depth of cut is determined by the amount of space inside the text vectors (refer back to Part 1 of this series, How It Works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHiqYayKhc6batk ). If you're carving a larger sign with a larger area inside the text vectors, I would cut to a Flat Depth. For that, refer to the next part of the series, Carving to a Flat Depth. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6SyZIGiaNxql9E

[@katiesummers6932]

@@MarkLindsayCNC thanks Mark!

[@texascopter7997]

Noob here .. so nobody mentions about saving the profile paths over which I found was very important.. and how do you stop during the carve and change bits as this project requires? Thnx

[@MegaTopdogs]

Great Mark !!! Another helpful video.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you!

[@timgrafton4056]

Great Video, as a beginner this was awesome.

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Hope you found it useful, Tim!

[@dalemanley9662]

So any time you make a change on your tool side you need to click reset preview first before you make any changes are it will add another tool pass?

[@tomnalley8637]

Very helpful, Thanks

[@aaronm8046]

Great job Mark! Keep up the good work! Do you have a video series on how to export your g code, or how to set up your cnc machine?

[@MarkLindsayCNC]

Thank you, Aaron! I don't have any videos on setting up the CNC, because there are just too many variables. Every machine is different, and I've never been in the same room with almost any of them. As for how to save g-code, I did a video on that 2 weeks ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jl6Wq4KQZdxngMk Subscribe to my channel and hit the channel home page to see all of the videos I've posted over the years.