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I am a brand new user of the Xcarve and I need some help.
I uploaded the image below to inkscape and did a bitmap trace to convert it to an svg file, but easel will not accept this file. Even if easel did accept the file I have a feeling that I would have to use 1/32" bit to get all this detail of the original image. Is there a way I can smooth some of the edges or simplify the detail so that I don’t have to use such a small bit? I want the crest to be 8"x8" and I don’t want it to take hours to finish. What type of bit would you recommend for something of this detail?
Thank you for taking time out of your day to help me.
No worries on the bit size, Easel will automatically just not carve any detail too small for the bit to fit into. On something that complex, you will see a very significant loss of detail at an 8" size if you go larger than a 1/16th, I’d think. Your best bet would be to use the two-tool engraving method they have, and use a 1/8 or 1/4 or so to clear the bulk of it, then go to a 1/16th for your details. At least, that’s how I would tackle it if I was using Easel.
Personally, I’d probably use a 1/8" two-flute downshear for the bulk of it, with a 1/16th for the second tool doing the detailing. Downshear again preferred, for the far nicer surface finish.
And here is where we more or less run up against the extent of my knowledge. Were you able to open the SVG in Inkscape, etc, to validate that it did convert properly?
Interesting. It might be worth posting this one up down in the Easel area with a cross-reference to this thread, since this definitely seems to be more of an Easel concern than a mechanical one. It will likely get noticed there by the people who know enough to help somewhat quicker.
