How to create a simple two sided project in Vectric software | Two Sided Machining

Overview

This video demonstrates how to convert a single-sided Vectric project into a two-sided machining job, organize vectors onto the correct sides of the material, create pocket/drill/profile toolpaths for both sides, preview the combined result, and save toolpaths with side indicators.

Steps

Open the existing project:
Use Open Existing File and navigate to the tutorial folder. Select Cool_Cubes_Edit.crv. The file contains side, rear, front, and top panels plus dowel holes; the bottom panel is intentionally omitted.
Change the job to a double-sided job:
Go to Job Setup. Keep the job size the same. Set the Z-zero reference so the same physical side of the material is referenced for both setups:
- Side 1: zero off the material surface
- Side 2: zero off the machine bed
  Set the flip direction to left to right (or bottom to top if needed). Click OK.
Tile the views and identify the new double-sided icons:
- Toggle the double-sided view on/off
- Check the flip direction icon
- In 2D view, the back side uses different rule colors
- In 3D view, the current side is indicated by a black bold outline around top or bottom in the view control
Organize vectors onto the correct side:
On the top side, select the decorative circles and the outside profile square. Right-click and choose Move to Other Side. The vectors become gray to show they are on the opposite side. Flip to the back side to confirm they are now there.
Create top-side toolpaths:
- Horizontal pockets: select the horizontal pocket vectors → Pocket toolpath
  - Start depth: 0
  - Cut depth: 0.125" (1/8“)
  - Tool: 1/4" end mill
  - Strategy: Raster, angle 0, profile pass last
- Vertical pockets: select the vertical pocket vectors → Pocket toolpath
  - Cut depth: 0.25" (1/4“)
  - Same end mill
  - Raster angle: 90
- Dowel holes: select the two dowel circles → Drill toolpath
  - Start depth: 0
  - Cut depth: 1" (through material into spoil board)
  - Use a drill bit
Machine the top side, then flip:
Cut the top-side toolpaths, insert dowels into the spoil board holes, then flip the material left to right as set in Job Setup.
Create bottom-side toolpaths:
- Verify Job Setup for the back side:
  - Thickness remains 0.5"
  - Datum: bottom-left corner
  - Z-zero is now the machine bed
  - Rapid Z gaps and home position are appropriate
- Decorative circles: select all circles → Pocket toolpath
  - Start depth: 0
  - Cut depth: 0.125"
  - Tool: 1/4" ball nose
  - Strategy: Offset
- Cutout profiles: select the outside squares → Profile toolpath
  - Start depth: 0
  - Cut through material: type Z, press = for full depth
  - Tool: same 1/4" end mill
  - Cut side: Outside
  - Tabs: use the tabs already in the 2D view or adjust as needed
Preview and verify:
Use the double-sided view to rotate the model and check that front/back toolpaths align correctly. Adjust toolpaths or vectors if needed before saving.
Save toolpaths:
Turn on all toolpaths. Choose the appropriate post-processor. Enable Add side to toolpath name before clicking Save so each file includes which side it belongs to.

Key Points / Warnings

Vectors on the opposite side appear light gray/green and cannot be selected until you switch to that side.
Snapping can reference geometry on the opposite side when the double-sided view is enabled.
Drilling through the material into the spoil board will trigger a warning in Vectric; this is expected and can be accepted.
Always set Z-zero off the same physical side of the material:
- Top side: material surface
- Bottom side: machine bed
The flip direction icon in the job setup must match the physical flipping method used on the machine.
The 3D view control uses a black bold outline to indicate which side is currently active.
Use Add side to toolpath name when saving to keep top-side and bottom-side files clearly separated.