How to nest cabinets for production in Vectric software | Efficiency Tools

Overview

This tutorial explains how to set up and use Toolpath Templates in Vectric software to automate toolpath creation for repeated jobs, specifically demonstrated with nested cabinet production. By organizing vectors onto logical layers, you can create toolpaths that automatically select vectors from those layers every time the toolpath is calculated.

Steps

1. Open a prepared file

   • Go to Open Existing File and select sample cabinet.crv.
   • The file already contains layers for holes, dados, and cutout paths.

2. Inspect the layer organization

   • Open the Layers tab.
   • Confirm layers such as hinge holes, drawer holes, and dado layers.
   • Double-click a layer to select all vectors on that layer.
   • Use the layer drop-down at the top of the screen for the same control.

3. Review vector sizes to choose toolpath strategy

   • Select a vector and check its dimensions in the bottom-right corner.
   • If a slot width is not greater than twice the tool width, use a Profile toolpath on the inside.
   • If a pocket is wider than twice the tool width, use a Pocket toolpath.

4. Check material setup

   • Go to the Toolpath tab.
   • Open Material Setup.
   • Verify thickness (0.75"), XY datum, rapid Z gaps, plunge gap, and home/start positions are correct for your machine.

5. Ensure no vectors are selected

   • Click in empty space in the 2D view before creating each toolpath.
   • This is important when building a template.

6. Create a drill toolpath for hinge holes

   • Select Drill toolpath operation.
   • Set start position on top of material and cut depth (e.g. 0.5").
   • Choose the appropriate drill bit from the tool database.
   • Open the Vector Selector.

7. Configure vector selection filters

   • In the Vector Selector:
     • Select Closed Vectors.
     • Uncheck Open Vectors.
     • Select Circles only.
     • Optionally add further filters such as circle diameter.
   • Choose the layer to search, e.g. hinge holes.
   • Verify the selected vector count appears in the selector.
   • Check the option to associate the layer/filter with this toolpath every time it is calculated.
   • Click Close.

8. Name and calculate the toolpath

   • Name the toolpath to match the source layer, for example: hinge holes.
   • Click Calculate.
   • Preview the toolpath in the 3D view to confirm it selects the correct vectors.

9. Repeat for remaining toolpaths

   • Use Profile toolpaths for narrow dado/slot layers.
   • Use Pocket toolpaths for larger rectangular dados.
   • Use a final Profile toolpath for the part cutout.
   • For each, use the same Vector Selector filter method and associate the relevant layer.

Key Points / Warnings

• Toolpath Templates work with any repeated job type, not just cabinet production.
• The file must be organized on consistent, logical layers for the template to work.
• The layer selector icon shows whether a layer actually contains vectors:
  • Page with vectors = non-empty layer.
  • Page without vectors = empty layer.
• Use the Vector Selector’s filters carefully:
  • Drill holes should be closed circles, not open vectors.
  • Avoid selecting all vectors on all layers; restrict the search to the specific layer needed.
• Enable the option to associate the layer/filter with the toolpath every time it is calculated.
• Deselect all vectors before creating a new toolpath template operation.
• Name toolpaths after the source layer for easy identification.
• Always confirm material setup and home/start positions are correct before running toolpaths.