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I’m new to CNC routing (I hadn’t even seen one till I bought one).
I’m new to computer graphics, therefore, new to Easel
But I have done some carving of the hammer-and-chisel variety.
I have no mentor or teacher so I’m blundering along, teaching myself by trial-and-error. I have used both square and V bits.
Problem: I want to do some fine etching in wood. Line drawings and text. But the beast wants to do everything twice. No matter how fine the line is, it sets the path to each side of the line – that is, it only responds to the BOUNDARY between the black and white. I just want it to follow center of the line. How do I achieve that?
It sounds like you are uploading line graphics (probably .SVG). While these look like lines, if you zoom in, you will see that these actually have thickness. When you tell Easel to cut on the line, it cuts on both sides of the lettering.
You want to look for “Single Line Fonts”. Also, google “Creating a Single Line SVG” That should help.
Finally, you may want to look through some of the Cricut and laser forums. You may find sources for line art that are already closer to your needs.
No, I am not importing SVG files. I’m using the text and the shapes provided there in the Easel toolbar.
Even to select a shape to cut out, the path goes around it TWICE - once each side of the line.
It doesn’t matter what Cut Path I select, it always goes around twice.
I don’t believe it is meant to do that. What am I missing here?
Rodders
Sometimes it can be hard to get help if people don’t fully understand your dilemma. Some more details always helps.
First, you can share your project in Easel by clicking Project, and Share. It will give you a URL that you can copy and paste here, and we can have a look. The project is yours, so you don’t have to worry that if someone else makes changes to it, it won’t affect your project.
For fine line stuff, you want to be using a fine-tipped bit. I often use the FoxAlien or Genmitsu 1/8 30 degree v-bits, or a 20 degree v-bit for fine lines.
Select your shape and the toolbox will appear. On the Cut tab, down at the bottom, select Cut Path, and Cut On Shape. This will tell the machine to cut right on the line. You can see the other options there too.
@MikeVitale An SVG is a Scalable Vector Graphic. It is a file type that is typically line art that you can scale up or down in size and it will retain its detail. If you do a search on Google, there are several sources where you can find SVGs. I have found lots at 3axis.co but there are lots of sources.
Thanks Jordan
I have tried the V bits, but they still try to fill in the whole line, taking a long time to do so.
I think I did try the Cut Path option and Cut on Shape. However, I had taken a break for a while from CNC to work on other projects. I will start again with your suggestions in mind.
Rodders
So far, I have spent most of my time engraving text and line drawings rather than larger carvings.
I then made a fresh start trying to understand how the various options work. But just when I think I have it, more questions come to mind. (EG Why does the machine go round the path twice when I believe that once should be enough for the cut depth selected?)
I did figure out that the “Cut Path” options from the drawing board are the same as the “Cut Type” options in the “Design Library”. Am I right?
I have yet to determine the best bit selection for the types of images selected from the library and imported drawings. V bits for fine lines and end mill for clear out.
Is there a video tutorial that explains and demonstrates the various configurations of choices?
Rodders
I have been doing other stuff too. Sorry to take so long to get back to you.
The machine does funny things. They all do. I have two different machines, and they both do funky stuff, like multiple passes over a shallow cut that I would think it should be able to do in one pass, and moving back and forth across the entire workpiece instead of working its way from one end to the other.
Yes, the Cut Path that you choose in the Pro Design Library is the same as the Cut Type in anything that you design or import. It is nice to have the option beforehand, but you can also select and change it at any time, which is also great.
There are lots of videos out there about how to do things. You can look up Paw Paw’s Workshop on YouTube, he has a bunch of videos and is also a member on this forum.
I really think that the greatest thing I have learned from everything that I have seen and done, is patience. Especially with fine-line carvings. I have done many carvings that take in excess of 18 hours. My Jaeger sign was days (like 42 hours), and although it can be frustrating to wait so damn long, that is what it takes sometimes.
I have tried several times to do 2-stage carves using different bits in order to reduce the amount of time that it takes to complete a job, and I have never been happy with it. It is always out by just a bit, but I can see that it is off. Maybe it is just me, maybe it is my machine, but I just don’t like 2-stage carves.
Good luck with your adventures. I have learned a lot over the last year and a half or so. Most of what I have learned has been experimenting and seeing what happens. Pay attention to sounds and visuals. Make notes. Try again, and apply what you have learned. Every machine is a bit different. It is your own unique journey. Make the best of it for you. Ask questions, learn, and grow. It can be challenging, but it is also rewarding.
