Guilloche and the Photo-VCarve toolpath Vectric

Overview

This video demonstrates how to create a decorative guilloche design in Vectric Aspire/VCarve using repeated vector elements, trimming, node editing, and text-on-curve. It also covers setting up toolpaths for the finished design, with a note that the Photo-VCarve toolpath exists in both Aspire and VCarve.

Steps

1. Create a circular vector to define the outer boundary.
2. Divide the circle into 26 segments:
   • Draw a straight vector.
   • Copy and rotate it 26 times (each rotation = 1/26th of the circle).
   • Delete all but the top two segments and trim the circle/line to leave a single 1/26th arc segment.
3. Draw an oval, select it and the arc segment, then use Copy Along Vector to place 8 copies along the segment.
4. Delete the end ovals so 6 remain, then group them.
5. Copy the grouped ovals around the full circle:
   • Use Copy Along Vector on the circular vector with 26 copies (note: this gives a different result than Circular Copy; the video prefers Copy Along Vector).
6. Select all ovals plus the large circle, then use Trim Objects to delete everything inside the circle, leaving only the outer border of oval arcs.
7. Offset the circle several times to create construction/guideline references.
8. Draw a second oval spanning two circles, move it aside, then copy it along a vector with a random number of repeats for a decorative ring.
9. Use the trim tool again, remembering that the last vector selected acts as the boundary.
10. Change vector colors/layers to maintain visibility and organization.
11. For the center section:
    • Draw a vertical line.
    • Circular-copy it 26 times around the center.
12. Create an undulating shape:
    • Draw an oval with a width equal to the distance between two construction vectors (0.7837).
    • Adjust height visually.
    • Flatten the ends using node editing:
      • Method 1: Cut one side, mirror it, and join the halves.
      • Method 2: Delete the bottom arc, select both end node handles, press H, and use arrow keys to adjust symmetrically.
13. Position the undulating shape on the vertical line, circular-copy it 26 times, group, ungroup, and join all into a single vector.
14. Import an EPS logo, center it, and stretch one circle from the logo for text placement.
15. Cut circles into arcs and use Text on Curve for:
    • Company name/town.
    • “USA” and address.
    • Product lists (stained glass, mosaics, woodworking).
16. Delete or trim overlapping construction vectors.
17. Offset the undulating line outward and inward, then remove the portions overlapping words and logo using trim operations.
18. Create closed vectors around the words:
    • Insert nodes (I) and cut (C) circular vectors to form arcs.
    • Connect arcs with straight vectors to enclose the text areas.
    • Use scissors/trim tool to delete unwanted interior ovals.
19. Review