Vectric Tutorial - Allowance Offset (Excellent for Puzzles)

[@StanProper]

Hey, Garrett! Believe it or not, I have been all afternoon trying to make a puzzle for ELIJAH. I used a font that didn't have square corners, because I knew that I would run into problems there. However, when I made the letters in the pocket larger, the little triangle inside the 'A' would be too big for my cutout 'A'. So, I finally said to myself, I said "Self, you know that Garrett probably has a video for that". And, sure enough, here it is. Thanks, Buddy. once again you have come through for me. Happy CNCing, Stan

[@IDCWoodcraft]

StanProper, right on brother! So happy to hear this video helped you so much. Happy CNCing!

[@deanroadifer6013]

Nice info. I do quite a lot of work making parts fit together and find it easiest to take my 1/4 EM and create a new one from it with a diameter of .245, and save it as 1/4 offset bit. Then when I run any paths it automatically makes the pocket .005 bigger and the profile cut .005 smaller.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Dean, that is a very unique approach brother! I'm happy to hear that it is working out well for your parts.

[@grantpeckford8082]

Thank you Garrett! This will definitely help me!!!!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Grant, happy to help brother!

[@cncprogrammer3265]

I've used that technique many times when building molds where pieces have to fit together, creating inlays or repair patches. Sometimes I dog ear the corners of a pocket to accommodate the square corners of the inlay. Yes, we can fit squares into rounds.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

CNC Programmer, some excellent insight my friend. Glad that this works for you too.

[@chrispelletier3661]

Can you use the inlay option in vectric to the same thing??? Thanks for everything you do!!!! Chris.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Chris, you could but it depends on what one you like using more. Glad you liked this video brother!

[@Mr_klassico20]

This is was very very very important and informative!!! Thank you!!! Just made my first sign and tried this before i saw this video and i did the pocket without the allowance and the letter didn’t fir so now im just gonna go ahead and cut another back board so the letter can fit. 😅

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Mr_Klassico, you are so welcome! Glad to hear this video helped you with your project.

[@MikeHatalski]

Try the "Toggle toolpath 2D drawing style" button to double check that the allowance offset goes in the direction you want. (I'm always forgetting if it should be + or -)

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Mike, thanks brother!

[@mezalick]

Or right click on the text and choose "Convert to curves"

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Michael, I'll try it thanks again brother!

[@richswirsding1349]

Garrett, apologies for the question but why not use the inlay toolpath.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Rich, that could definitely work too brother! Good tip and thanks for sharing.

[@mezalick]

Try " Create Vectors" third row, 4th icon to convert text to vectors

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Michael, I'll give it a shot thanks for the tips!

[@mezalick]

Or simply use the "Inlay" toolpath option.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Oh heck. Thanks Mike!

[@markc2055]

Inlay toolpath is what have used in the past for "NAME PUZZLES" and was straight forward. This was my best selling item to date.

[@ozguzzi]

As a beginner, learn the basics, and go slow. Speed will come natural as you gain experience.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

oziguzzi, so true brother! It will come with time.

[@maconSTUFF]

All you needed to do is "Right click - Convert to curves" to convert it to a vector...

[@IDCWoodcraft]

maconStuff, good point brother. I like that quick tip!