I have a vector file of a tree that VCarve Pro does an excellent job cutting out. I end up with a very nice looking, stylized tree that has a flat surface. I’d like to add some depth to the surface to give the tree and its branches more of a rounded, natural look. Eventually, I’d like the surface to have a bark texture, but one thing at a time!
I looked for a tool within VCarve Pro to help me add depth but couldn’t find what I was looking for. I did learn that the kind of functionality I’m looking for is present in another piece of software by Vetric called Aspire which we don’t have.
We do have Fusion 360, so I’m looking into how I might use that software to add some 3d relief to a vector file.
If anyone familiar with Fusion 360 has some suggestions for how I can achieve my goal, or if anyone has another route they’d like to suggest regarding how I could approach this, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
There are definitely ways to accomplish this in VCarve. VCarve will import .STL files which can be used to carve 3D profiles. Molly’s Topography CNC class covers this, though it’s only offered occasionally.
Agree with Ethan. If you generate (or acquire) a 3d model of your design, either Fusion or VCarve can generate 3d toolpaths to carve it. You could even use an app like scaniverse to 3d scan a real tree to generate a model. Working with those complex shapes and models can require some patience…
If I can I’d be interested in working with you and helping you get you a file to carve, but first can you send me (bwatt@1fifoto.com) a link or a file of the original vector file of the tree so I can get an idea of what you are starting from.
I think I’m picking up what you’re putting down. Here is what I would attempt based on my interpretation of your response: For my first profile cut, I’d select a bit and cut maybe 75% of the way through. Then, I could offset my next cut a quarter inch inward, switch to another bit, and cut 50% of the way through. Offset again, switch bits, cut 25% through. So, I’d end up with an outer edge that is “escalating upwards” and displaying a varied type of cut?
Vcarve has 3D profile cutting capability. You just need an STL. You’ll just need a roughing bit (like a 1/4" endmill or something) and a ball nose bit for the final fine pass. the smaller the bit, the finer the 3D relief can be. I did one a while back with a 1/64" ball nose V-bit and got great results. It does take a long time though, as step over is like 1/128” or something. Pics aren’t the greatest, but you can tell it’s a 3D geometric pattern and it required minimal sanding. On the first image. if you zoom into the walnut piece on the top left side, you can see my first attempt which I had to abandon as it took too long lol
I may need to adjust my approach.
