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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
