I noticed that the Legacy CNC site had a "Router Bit Profiles half.DXF" above the file you selected. Wouldn't selecting the 'half' file give you the profile you need without having to Node Edit?
I should have mentioned it in the video, but I tried that DXF file. It's the same as the file I suggested, but there are some duplicate vectors and a few odd stray vectors in the file. Other than that, they're the same - both show the full profile of the bit.
Mark you are a superb instructor. I amcnew to the CNC world your video's are extremely useful. I read your humble response below...its not the time its the quality of time. Thankyou for sharing your expertise. Being a young 74 you have helped to shorten my learning timeline.
I finally found an instructor I can understand, that you for all your videos. I am going to try to take clear closeup photos of my Form bits and then import the JPG into Aspire and adjust the sizes as close as I can.
The more I watch your videos Mark, the more I realize that I picked a very in-depth hoppy, and I much appreciate you sharing of your vast knowledge, Thank you
Thank you, Matt. I don't know about vast knowledge - five years ago I had never been in the same building with a CNC. I just keep plugging away at it until it becomes second nature, and I keep a lot of notes. Several people have helped me along the way, so I'm trying to help others the way they helped me. Keep at it! You'll get it.
fantastic video and walk thru! I am new to CNC, your videos have really been helpful and I have learned more watching your videos than from those of the manufacturer.
I was looking for other information about my vcarve pro program when i stumbled on this video and found what i was looking for in your explanation while you were discussing the tool data base. great instructional video
Excelente, Mark! Ainda não tentei inserir ferramentas no Vectric, mas as explicações são ótimas e me ajudarão nesta tarefa. Certamente vou assistir o vídeo várias vezes. Obrigado por compartilhar. Saudações do Brasil.
Mark: your videos are fantastic. Some, such as Part 9 "The Tool Database" are so detailed with many key suggestions that I have to keep going back many times (a tedious process to find them again) to find where they are in the video so I can make notes. I wonder if you can consider listing such key points below in such videos in your notes with a time and reference to the issue you are describing? I see that there is a way that some others have actually bookmarked such key points below their videos in a way that allows you to jump back into the video at that exact point. Just a suggestion
@@MarkLindsayCNC Well, it has arrived and I'm starting to "do my thing". Lots to be learned but thanks to you and guys like you I'm off and "crawling" (haven't gotten to running yet)!!!!!! And I must give a shout out to Jake Thompson of Northside Custom Crafts too. Thanks guys.
Hi Mark, thanks for the video. It did help a little but time marches on and what you showed is now out of date. I have the latest versions of Cut2D Desktop and VCarve Desktop and the screen you showed for tool database is entirely different to mine - I don't have the buttons at the bottom left to click on.
You're right, Fred - time marches on, and this video is a little over 2 years old. I've done several videos on the Tool Database since then. Here's the latest: ruclips.net/video/NpUV4aeQWYc/видео.html This is why it pays to subscribe. Go to my main channel page, click the Videos link, and you can scroll through all of the videos on my channel - there are over 250 of them. Thanks for checking them out!
Just got my Vcarve Pro and want to setup some tools. It seems that you recommend doing individual tools verses importing a database file like from Whiteside. Is that correct? What is the downside of import a database file vs single tool copy/edit? A separate question is I saw a speed & feeds calculation program and it had a surface speed value. What is that as related to feedrate?
I made this video in 2018, before Whiteside and Amana (for example) had released their large tool databases. Back then they were making individual TOOL files for Vectric software available for individual tools. Since then, they have collected those individual files into one big tool database file, which is what's available now. The downside of importing that database file is you now have one huge database file filled with every bit they have created a TOOL file for. In the case of Amana tools, that's just about every bit they make, and that's hundreds of bits. Personally, I prefer not to clutter up my database with a ton of tools I don't own, and will never buy. That makes finding and selecting the bits I do own a lot easier and quicker. It also makes the tool database load faster when I need to get into it. I did download and import Amana's tool database file into an older version of Aspire (Version 10) so I have it available. Then when I need to add an Amana bit, I open that version of Aspire, select the tool I just bought, export that tool as a separate TOOL file, then import it into my current version's database. That keeps my current database nice and tidy. Feed Rate is the speed at which the CNC is moving the router/spindle through the material. Surface Speed is the speed at which the tool is actually cutting into the material as it spins. In home hobby CNC, we use Spindle/Router RPM instead of Surface Speed. Machinists use Surface Speed along with Spindle RPM to determine the optimum cutting rate for different metals and different tools. They have to be much more selective and have much finer control over both of those factors than CNCers who are cutting wood, plastic, foam, etc. do. This is especially true if they're machining exotic metals, or using tools that can cost hundreds of dollars - or more.
@@MarkLindsayCNC Thanks for such a good explanation. I think copying and editing to create a new tool is the best option for me also. I agree with not cluddering up the database is a good thing.
Hi Mark,, great video,,,,,,,, as I work in mm and not inches when I change the geometry to mm it won't let me convert the sum what is already there to the equivalent in mm Do you know what it is I am doing wrong?
It appears Amana and the ToolsToday website no longer do individual tool database files. They offer one huge database of all their bits only. Unless I am wrong could you advise. Was this changed since you made this video?
Yes, you're absolutely right. They changed that since I made this video. I did address it in my video on Tapered Ball Nose bits, and offered an alternative. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/89ljoKZnTZo/видео.html
Hi Mark, is there any chance you can make a tool library file for importing into Vcarve? or do you know where I can get one please as the one that comes with the Vcarve desktop is pretty limited?
The Tool Database that comes with VCarve is limited because they don't know what types of tools you're going to get and use. They populate the database with common tools, then let you add tools as you get them. That's the best way to handle the Tool Database - add tools as you get them. It would be a waste of time to import someone else's Tool Database, as you'd have to go back through every tool and adjust the feeds, speeds, depth of cut, and stepover to be safe for your machine. Companies like Amana and Whiteside make Tool Database files available for VCarve that are free to download from their websites, but be warned that you will have to back through every single bit and make those adjustments. Personally, I just add tools as I get them.
Mark, what happens when you are carving if you have the TBN entered as a BN? What will it do to the carving? I ask this because all of my TBNs are entered this way and I have issues when I run a finishing path. THIS video may have solved my issues. Thanks!
I think you're seeing what happens, Ed. The tapered part of the bit will over-cut the sides of the area you're machining. That can remove portions of the carving you don't want to remove. It's important to enter those tapered ball nose bits as they're actually shaped. I did a video on TBN bits, and getting them entered into the Tool Database correctly. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/89ljoKZnTZo/видео.html
I am following your video but not getting same screens on my machine. When I pull up tool database and click on a tool, I do not see any of the specs such as feeds, speeds, stepover, etc. I just bought this machine used. Shark 510. Vectric software transferred to me and installed. Help please.
Many thanks for your videos. I get a lot out of all the ones I've watched. I tried to add my new Amana tapered ball nose bit to my tool data base but the only download that I found on the Legacy CNC site was the whole Amana tool data base. Should I have just deleted all the tools but the one that I wanted and used that???? Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
What I did was download the Amana tool database into an old version of the software (for instance Version 8.5.) Then I find the tool I want to import into the current version of the software (Version 10.5,) export that one as a separate TOOL file, then import that TOOL file into the current version. It saves me from having to clean up that big mess, or having the entire Amana tool database in the version I'm currently using.
Outstanding video Mark!! I learned a lot on this video. I have one question. How do you move your tool database from one version of V-Carve Pro to another version? I have V-Carve Pro 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5.
Thanks, Jeff! You aren't the only one who has asked me that, but it's more than I can answer here in text. Stay tuned - looks like there's another tool database video coming.
Hi Mark! Nice video. I'm just wondering, if i were to add a bit that has 1/4" SHK but has 1/8" cutting diameter, e.g Amana Tool 46176, into the tool database, wouldn't the software think that it has 1/8" SHK? How to go around this? I have an intention of cutting deep and narrow like 1mm line with the depth exceeding the bit cutting height.
Excellent question! What I would do is create a Lead of up to 1 inch long (depending on the radius of the roundover bit,) and ramp down in that lead. That way the bit does all of the ramping outside of the profile vector.
Hi Mark I'm wondering if you could help, I've recently put vcarve pro 10 on my laptop and I keep getting an error when I open my tool database, i create my design then when I go to create the tool paths it says tool database not found, is this an easy fix? Thanks.
This is a question for Vectric Tech Support. I'd head over to their website and shoot them an email. You might have to import the database file from the proper folder, or it might be another issue. Best to get help from the pros.
I have VCarve Pro. When I process a 3D model I cant see how deep various areas of the carving are going into the wood. I did find a way to see the deepest part but is there a way to see how deep various parts of the drawing are going?
I've never worked with one, so I still don't know anything about it. You normally won't take more an .030 of material off per pass when you surface, so the dept per pass will most likely change with the project. If you're worried about it, set it for .050, but put a note in the NOTES blank to not go beyond .1 per pass.
It may be time to contact Vectric Tech Support. There may be something going on with the tool database in the background. Go to Vectric's website and shoot their tech support folks an email. Keep in mind that they're in the UK, so any time difference can slow down their reply.
I use a couple of 1/2 inch shank bits, but most folks don't. A lot of home hobby machines can't handle that big of a shank. Please remember that these videos are intended to help you learn to use the software - not your CNC router. Entering a tool of any shank size is identical to what I presented in this video. If you have questions about using a certain tool with your machine, I would suggest either the CNC manufacturer, or their support forum or support community. They know your machine best and are the best folks to help you out.
I noticed that the Legacy CNC site had a "Router Bit Profiles half.DXF" above the file you selected. Wouldn't selecting the 'half' file give you the profile you need without having to Node Edit?
I should have mentioned it in the video, but I tried that DXF file. It's the same as the file I suggested, but there are some duplicate vectors and a few odd stray vectors in the file. Other than that, they're the same - both show the full profile of the bit.
I was wondering the same thing.... Another very informative video Mark... Thank you
In the right laptop Mark...in the left laptop Vectric software...Best teaching ever!! Thanx Mark!
Mark you are a superb instructor. I amcnew to the CNC world your video's are extremely useful. I read your humble response below...its not the time its the quality of time. Thankyou for sharing your expertise. Being a young 74 you have helped to shorten my learning timeline.
I finally found an instructor I can understand, that you for all your videos.
I am going to try to take clear closeup photos of my Form bits and then import the JPG into Aspire and adjust the sizes as close as I can.
Mark - these are so informative... Thank you so much for the time you are investing in this material! -Mac
You are a fantastic teacher Mark. always able to clear the clouds in my head through your clear simple easy instructions. Thanks a lot
The more I watch your videos Mark, the more I realize that I picked a very in-depth hoppy, and I much appreciate you sharing of your vast knowledge, Thank you
Thank you, Matt. I don't know about vast knowledge - five years ago I had never been in the same building with a CNC. I just keep plugging away at it until it becomes second nature, and I keep a lot of notes. Several people have helped me along the way, so I'm trying to help others the way they helped me. Keep at it! You'll get it.
fantastic video and walk thru! I am new to CNC, your videos have really been helpful and I have learned more watching your videos than from those of the manufacturer.
I was looking for other information about my vcarve pro program when i stumbled on this video and found what i was looking for in your explanation while you were discussing the tool data base. great instructional video
Excelente, Mark! Ainda não tentei inserir ferramentas no Vectric, mas as explicações são ótimas e me ajudarão nesta tarefa. Certamente vou assistir o vídeo várias vezes. Obrigado por compartilhar. Saudações do Brasil.
Mark: your videos are fantastic. Some, such as Part 9 "The Tool Database" are so detailed with many key suggestions that I have to keep going back many times (a tedious process to find them again) to find where they are in the video so I can make notes. I wonder if you can consider listing such key points below in such videos in your notes with a time and reference to the issue you are describing? I see that there is a way that some others have actually bookmarked such key points below their videos in a way that allows you to jump back into the video at that exact point. Just a suggestion
Sir...Your are very good at explaining in a logically distinct and progressive way.....My hats off to you...EXCELLENT!
Thank you, Cliff! I hope it helped you out!
Thanks for explaining in detail how to enter new tools
Nicely done Mark. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights with the "newbies". I'm still awaiting my Laguna IQ to be delivered.
Thanks Steve!
@@MarkLindsayCNC Well, it has arrived and I'm starting to "do my thing". Lots to be learned but thanks to you and guys like you I'm off and "crawling" (haven't gotten to running yet)!!!!!! And I must give a shout out to Jake Thompson of Northside Custom Crafts too. Thanks guys.
Thank you for this video! It really helped!! You are a great teacher!! The tips are awesome!!
Awesome work sharing and helping folks along with this tutorial!
Thank you, Eloy!
Great video as always. However, how would I add a keyhole bit?
I covered the keyhole bit in a separate video. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/SblFFBq2bxo/видео.html
Hi Mark, thanks for the video. It did help a little but time marches on and what you showed is now out of date. I have the latest versions of Cut2D Desktop and VCarve Desktop and the screen you showed for tool database is entirely different to mine - I don't have the buttons at the bottom left to click on.
You're right, Fred - time marches on, and this video is a little over 2 years old. I've done several videos on the Tool Database since then. Here's the latest: ruclips.net/video/NpUV4aeQWYc/видео.html
This is why it pays to subscribe. Go to my main channel page, click the Videos link, and you can scroll through all of the videos on my channel - there are over 250 of them. Thanks for checking them out!
Wow, a huge amount of information. I have to bookmark this video for future reference. Thanks for a great video.
Just got my Vcarve Pro and want to setup some tools. It seems that you recommend doing individual tools verses importing a database file like from Whiteside. Is that correct? What is the downside of import a database file vs single tool copy/edit?
A separate question is I saw a speed & feeds calculation program and it had a surface speed value. What is that as related to feedrate?
I made this video in 2018, before Whiteside and Amana (for example) had released their large tool databases. Back then they were making individual TOOL files for Vectric software available for individual tools. Since then, they have collected those individual files into one big tool database file, which is what's available now. The downside of importing that database file is you now have one huge database file filled with every bit they have created a TOOL file for. In the case of Amana tools, that's just about every bit they make, and that's hundreds of bits. Personally, I prefer not to clutter up my database with a ton of tools I don't own, and will never buy. That makes finding and selecting the bits I do own a lot easier and quicker. It also makes the tool database load faster when I need to get into it. I did download and import Amana's tool database file into an older version of Aspire (Version 10) so I have it available. Then when I need to add an Amana bit, I open that version of Aspire, select the tool I just bought, export that tool as a separate TOOL file, then import it into my current version's database. That keeps my current database nice and tidy.
Feed Rate is the speed at which the CNC is moving the router/spindle through the material. Surface Speed is the speed at which the tool is actually cutting into the material as it spins. In home hobby CNC, we use Spindle/Router RPM instead of Surface Speed. Machinists use Surface Speed along with Spindle RPM to determine the optimum cutting rate for different metals and different tools. They have to be much more selective and have much finer control over both of those factors than CNCers who are cutting wood, plastic, foam, etc. do. This is especially true if they're machining exotic metals, or using tools that can cost hundreds of dollars - or more.
@@MarkLindsayCNC Thanks for such a good explanation. I think copying and editing to create a new tool is the best option for me also. I agree with not cluddering up the database is a good thing.
Finally got to watch this very helpful video. Now to add more tools. Yipee! Thanks Mark 😎
Thank you, Don!
Hi Mark,, great video,,,,,,,, as I work in mm and not inches when I change the geometry to mm it won't let me convert the sum what is already there to the equivalent in mm
Do you know what it is I am doing wrong?
Thanks Mark, very very helpful!!
thank you so much. adding tools totally confused me. all better now.
Thank you very much! Glad to hear it helped!
Thank you very much Mark, very good explained. Best regards.
It appears Amana and the ToolsToday website no longer do individual tool database files. They offer one huge database of all their bits only. Unless I am wrong could you advise. Was this changed since you made this video?
Yes, you're absolutely right. They changed that since I made this video. I did address it in my video on Tapered Ball Nose bits, and offered an alternative. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/89ljoKZnTZo/видео.html
Hi Mark, is there any chance you can make a tool library file for importing into Vcarve? or do you know where I can get one please as the one that comes with the Vcarve desktop is pretty limited?
The Tool Database that comes with VCarve is limited because they don't know what types of tools you're going to get and use. They populate the database with common tools, then let you add tools as you get them. That's the best way to handle the Tool Database - add tools as you get them. It would be a waste of time to import someone else's Tool Database, as you'd have to go back through every tool and adjust the feeds, speeds, depth of cut, and stepover to be safe for your machine.
Companies like Amana and Whiteside make Tool Database files available for VCarve that are free to download from their websites, but be warned that you will have to back through every single bit and make those adjustments. Personally, I just add tools as I get them.
@@MarkLindsayCNC Thanks, and yes it makes sense now, plus bits are far too expensive to break if you don't get it right.
Mark, what happens when you are carving if you have the TBN entered as a BN? What will it do to the carving? I ask this because all of my TBNs are entered this way and I have issues when I run a finishing path. THIS video may have solved my issues. Thanks!
I think you're seeing what happens, Ed. The tapered part of the bit will over-cut the sides of the area you're machining. That can remove portions of the carving you don't want to remove. It's important to enter those tapered ball nose bits as they're actually shaped. I did a video on TBN bits, and getting them entered into the Tool Database correctly. Here's a link: ruclips.net/video/89ljoKZnTZo/видео.html
@@MarkLindsayCNC Wow, another video on the Tool Database. Thanks!
I am following your video but not getting same screens on my machine. When I pull up tool database and click on a tool, I do not see any of the specs such as feeds, speeds, stepover, etc.
I just bought this machine used. Shark 510. Vectric software transferred to me and installed. Help please.
Many thanks for your videos. I get a lot out of all the ones I've watched.
I tried to add my new Amana tapered ball nose bit to my tool data base but the only download that I found on the Legacy CNC site was the whole Amana tool data base. Should I have just deleted all the tools but the one that I wanted and used that???? Any help you could give me would be appreciated.
What I did was download the Amana tool database into an old version of the software (for instance Version 8.5.) Then I find the tool I want to import into the current version of the software (Version 10.5,) export that one as a separate TOOL file, then import that TOOL file into the current version. It saves me from having to clean up that big mess, or having the entire Amana tool database in the version I'm currently using.
Thank you for your reply. That will fix my problem.
Again, thank you for all the work you put into your youtube videos. I've learned a lot from them.
Outstanding video Mark!! I learned a lot on this video. I have one question. How do you move your tool database from one version of V-Carve Pro to another version? I have V-Carve Pro 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5.
Thanks, Jeff!
You aren't the only one who has asked me that, but it's more than I can answer here in text. Stay tuned - looks like there's another tool database video coming.
Great Video Mark - Very helpful !
Great job Mark. Very well presented.
Thank you, Bill! I hope you found it useful.
Hi Mark! Nice video. I'm just wondering, if i were to add a bit that has 1/4" SHK but has 1/8" cutting diameter, e.g Amana Tool 46176, into the tool database, wouldn't the software think that it has 1/8" SHK? How to go around this? I have an intention of cutting deep and narrow like 1mm line with the depth exceeding the bit cutting height.
Can I used the point round over to ramp up in the corner for a sharp corner ?
Excellent question! What I would do is create a Lead of up to 1 inch long (depending on the radius of the roundover bit,) and ramp down in that lead. That way the bit does all of the ramping outside of the profile vector.
@@MarkLindsayCNC thank you I will give it a try I add the tool Geometry from Amana but it’s setup as v-bit in aspire it ramps but in a 45 degree
Here you go. This video may help you. ruclips.net/video/qndxWC--rO8/видео.html
Thanks for this and all your videos, Mark! You're one generous dude...you rock!!
Thanks, Gerry. I truly enjoy doing it. I just hope folks find them helpful.
Hi Mark I'm wondering if you could help, I've recently put vcarve pro 10 on my laptop and I keep getting an error when I open my tool database, i create my design then when I go to create the tool paths it says tool database not found, is this an easy fix? Thanks.
This is a question for Vectric Tech Support. I'd head over to their website and shoot them an email. You might have to import the database file from the proper folder, or it might be another issue. Best to get help from the pros.
Mark Lindsay CNC that's why I contacted you 👍🏾
I have VCarve Pro. When I process a 3D model I cant see how deep various areas of the carving are going into the wood. I did find a way to see the deepest part but is there a way to see how deep various parts of the drawing are going?
I am putting a surfacing bit in the tool database. The bit has a 1 inch diameter with a 1/4 inch shank. What should the pass depth be?
Skip....
I don't know your CNC or what it's capable of doing, but I wouldn't go any deeper than .1" per pass. It's easy to go overboard.
@@MarkLindsayCNC I am running a X-Carve. Should have stated that..Sorry.
I've never worked with one, so I still don't know anything about it. You normally won't take more an .030 of material off per pass when you surface, so the dept per pass will most likely change with the project. If you're worried about it, set it for .050, but put a note in the NOTES blank to not go beyond .1 per pass.
Are you going to update this video for all the changes and settings in Aspire v10?
I hadn't planned on it, but I could if folks really want me to.
@@MarkLindsayCNC Just thought I would ask since there has been some major changes to it. :)
I have tried 2 of your methods but when I hit apply I get a message that says “ failed to save tool database to file”
It may be time to contact Vectric Tech Support. There may be something going on with the tool database in the background. Go to Vectric's website and shoot their tech support folks an email. Keep in mind that they're in the UK, so any time difference can slow down their reply.
Another great video
On tool setup why is their no place for number of flutes? I use a lot of 4 flute bits.
You must be running an older version of the software. That feature was added to Version 10.0, and has been there ever since.
Great stuff Mark!
Thank you, Greg!
Nice work as usual.
Thank you Geert!
Does nobody use 1/2” shank in their CNC ? All the videos and training I see 1/4” and 1/8” being used.
I use a couple of 1/2 inch shank bits, but most folks don't. A lot of home hobby machines can't handle that big of a shank. Please remember that these videos are intended to help you learn to use the software - not your CNC router. Entering a tool of any shank size is identical to what I presented in this video. If you have questions about using a certain tool with your machine, I would suggest either the CNC manufacturer, or their support forum or support community. They know your machine best and are the best folks to help you out.
A very good Video thanks
Thank you! I hope it helps!
Cool stuff Mark Thanks
Thank you, Ron!
ưhich machine cnc better buy for some people work at home not big area
Nice work as usual.
Thank you, Toby. Hopefully the next video won't be this boring.
@@MarkLindsayCNC Actually was very interesting. Learned some things didn't know. Thanks again for your work.
Thank you!