How to use the PhotoVCarve toolpath in Vectric software | 2.5D Toolpaths

Overview

This video explains how to use the PhotoVCarve toolpath strategy in Vectric software to etch a photograph into material with a V-bit. It covers job setup, importing and sizing an image, configuring toolpath settings, and key material/finishing considerations for good results.

Steps

1. Open the sample file
   Open Photo V-Carve Strategy Sample from the tutorials folder.

2. Check job setup

   • Go to Job Setup and confirm: single-sided job, width 10”, height 7”, thickness 1”, inches, datum bottom-left.
   • Set Z zero to the material surface.
   • Use high resolution if possible; lower it only if performance is an issue.
   • Choose a material (e.g., Canadian maple) and click OK.

3. Import the photo

   • In the Design tab, use Import Bitmap or Vectors.
   • Select happy couple.jpg from the tutorial folder.
   • Open the Set Selected Object Size tool, link X/Y, set height to 6”, and click Apply.

4. Open the Toolpath tab and verify material setup

   • Confirm material thickness, datum, and Z zero position.
   • Check rapid Z gaps, plunge clearance, and home/start positions are safe.

5. Create the PhotoVCarve toolpath

   • Under Toolpath Operations, select Photo V-Carve.
   • Configure settings:
     • Start depth: usually 0 for the top of material; adjust if cutting into a pocket base.
     • Maximum carving depth: controls how deep the V-bit plunges; deeper cuts produce fewer lines.
     • Step over retract: height the tool retracts after each line; keep safe but minimize for speed.
     • Tool: select a V-bit from the tool database (e.g., 60° or 90°).
     • Mode: choose Raster, Hatch, or Selected Vectors.
     • Line density: adjust from Super Dense down to Dense or coarser.
     • Line angle: set to 0° for back-and-forth, or try 45° for a more artistic look.
     • Optionally project the toolpath onto a 3D component or composite model.

6. Calculate and preview

   • Click Calculate; the toolpath is shown in the 3D view.
   • Use Preview Visible Toolpath to inspect the result.
   • Change the toolpath color if needed to better visualize contrast.

7. Adjust settings for different results

   • Switch from 60° to 90° V-bit → wider spacing, bolder result.
   • Reduce maximum carving depth (e.g., from 0.05” to 0.02”) → more lines, finer detail.
   • Change line density lower → more spacing between lines.
   • Change line angle to 45° → more artistic appearance.
   • Recalculate and preview after each change.

Key Points / Warnings

• PhotoVCarve creates grooves of varying width/depth: dark areas become wide/deep grooves, light areas become narrow/shallow grooves.
• High contrast between material surface and carved grooves is essential for a visible result.
• Use a flat, skimmed spoilboard and a sharp V-bit; blunt bits produce furry, rough wood.
• Avoid wood with strong grain; tight, fine-grained woods give better detail.
• Finish after cutting:
  • Seal the wood with varnish or lacquer to prevent paint bleed.
  • Apply dark stain/paint and wipe excess off the surface, leaving dark grooves.
  • Alternative: paint/spray the whole part, then sand the top surface clean, leaving grooves dark.
• For material setup, always zero off the material surface for V-carving work.
• Deeper maximum carving depth does not always mean better results—test to balance detail and material suitability.
• Different V-bit angles dramatically change line spacing; test with the actual bit and material.
• More information and practical tips are available in the PhotoVCarve section of the Vectric Forum.