I followed your method for the Star Wars calendar and it came out great. Thanks!

Thank you so much! I was wondering how some people did this. People like you are a good asset for us starting out with cnc!

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Vectorizing that image must take forever!!!!!! So far I havent found one that doesnt take forever to vectorize good enough to generate g code something with that much detail

Thanks for the inspiration. I consider myself a novice hobbyist, yet I was able to edit the Star Wars files you linked to and produced a very respectful reproduction on a 10 inch disc. My 3018 "ProVer" (with a 3040 upgrade) using a quality 60 deg tool knocked the job out in six hours. I had to use a very thin primer spray coat not to loose the fine details. Luckily I was able to source the wax locally. And finished the job on a weekend. Next onto the Marvel Universe! Again thanks for sharing your experience. P.S. MAKE SURE YOUR SPOIL BOARD IS TRUE.

@blake102989

3 жыл бұрын

How deep did you cut with the V bit?

@jimbartlett5499

3 жыл бұрын

@@blake102989 3.5 mm flat depth with a .2 mm start depth(to enhance the finest details) but 3 mm would work well

@jimbartlett5499

3 жыл бұрын

P.S. 60 deg 2 flute bit

@paulmhoward

Жыл бұрын

I'm very new to this and just joined a maker space that has a Xcarve. Can I pm you for help? I'd love to make one of these this weekend

so sick ! great work !

Excellent video! I've CNC'd 14.5" diameter versions of the same two as you did, in 5/8" thick premium quality MDF. They came out really nice. I will have to try your method of spray paint primer and the Rub n' Buff.

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

By showing difference in the background colors, it tends to lift the top surface off the background a bit. Rub n' Buff allows you to shade the overall piece and individual features. I had better luck pulling off this effect with slightly diluting Antique Gold color that used on the Marvel piece. The reason is that the size of the pigments in the gold finish is smaller than the Silver Leaf used on the Star Wars version. Which makes sense when you look at the difference in reflectivity between the leaf finishes and the others. Since I shot the video, I've made another SW version and used barely diluted Pewter for a base. It worked and then carefully applied Silver Leaf for highlights and to enhance shading. I used these same two finishes for my Star Wars Lightsaber Walking Stick I posted at Popular Woodworking earlier.

@q8ee59

4 жыл бұрын

Hey MacTech, could you point me in the right direction if I want to do this process myself? I really want to start CNCing these things to hang around the house but have no idea where to start!

Beautiful

Looks awesome. You should try one filled with resin.

Nicely done, sir!

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jim. Note that there's now a link in the video description of the DC universe. I just ran one out this morning for our local movie theater.

la verdad , que espectacular!!!! solo me gustaria que haya videos en español!!! gracias

Great work. Would of liked to see more in depth of each stage. But keep up the great work

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

Noted!

this was awesome love it! thank you for sharing. :)

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you for the video

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome

Fun fact: the maya’s used to time their battles and sieges to a date when venus (a symbol for war) was alligned the right way. The actual Mayan Star Wars.

How long did it take to carve the project? I have a Shapeoko 3 and it's predicting almost 39 hours at 45" per minute doing a 15"x15"? Looks awesome! Thanks.

@camerongeerling7474

3 жыл бұрын

Did you end up running this on your machine? Run it any faster?

@Sam_CL350

3 жыл бұрын

Cameron Geerling No, I did not. I won’t run my machine that long without being nearby and at that length of time I felt it impossible.

@blake102989

3 жыл бұрын

39 hours!?!? That's insane lol I have the shapeoko 3 as well and ran Sandy eggos James Bond aztec calendar and it was just under 7 hours. I'm not sure why yours would be trying to say 39 hours unless your feedrate is set very very low.

Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh

hi, its a beautiful job! I've made a simulation on mach3 it is taking to run 4h46min at speed 600mm/min. 60 degrees bit. I may try to reduce.. don't know how yet

I was wondering about the carve. You stated you used a 60 degree bit at a certain depth I believe so my question is did you set this up as a V carve or did you pocket everything out with a V bit set at a certain depth and if so what was that depth.

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

As mentioned in the video and some of the follow up comments, because this is a V-carve operation and that there are both wider areas for deep cuts and shallow areas you need to run tests to come up with ideal depth. Take part of the drawing that that has shallow and deep cuts and see what works for your setup. In general for this project the issue is about shallow cuts. You want the thin lines to be deep enough to stand out. If the lines are faint, then you'll want to set your cut a little deeper. My deep cuts are pretty deep, but it's the shallow ones that are your target. Testing will give you the info you need.

hi awesome video I'm doing one of these on my homemade cnc and was wondering after the black paint did you sand the face back to mdf before the rub and buff or go straight on top of the black thanks

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

The only sanding you need to do is fine sand the MDF before you do the CNC milling. You want to as smooth a top surface as possible. Regarding paint, use the red colored primer and then follow up with the flat black. Don't overdo the black. Leave some of the red undercoat to show through at the bottom of the valleys. Then you do the Rub and Buff. But be careful to apply it ONLY to the top flat surface. Remember it only takes a little. I used a toothpaste sized amount to do each shield. Also, if you want to protect the finished surface (and you should) use a water based acrylic spray. Just a light coat. If you use oil base, the Rub and Buff will melt away.

What bits did you use to create the project?

@digitalwoodworking

7 ай бұрын

Bits and other details are covered in the linked Popular Woodworking article.

Great video - have tried to vcarve star wars calendar but did not turn out as well as yours. The small definitions were the challenge. When you say set depth of vcarve are you talking about starting depth or flat depth - or something else? Also when you start using rub and buff the calendar already appears two tones with black in grooves/carved portions and a gold color on surface that you are applying rub and buff to. Did you sand black paint off or had you applied the light first coat of rub n buff when you start showing your application of rub n buff.

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

When programming a CNC for V-carving or other vertically focused operation you set depth of cut. The V-carve routine figures out all the steps in between. If you've lost fine details in your cut, that means you need to adjust your initial Z height when you setup the CNC for the run. Too little detail: drop your Z .01 or so. Run tests and tweak the Z before a final run. Color: No, do not sand back the black base. Build on top of it.

@robsandstrom9854

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for clarification on your reference to starting depth. I though this is what you were talking about. I am new to CNC and use VCarve pro. It has a start depth setting and flat depth when vcarving. I thought you were talking about start depth so I thank you for clarifying.

Great video! What was your depth of cut setting for the V-carve toolpath?

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

I think about .740" with a large 60 degree bit. The depth setting comes with some important caveats. A V-carve operation depends on the bit angle choice and the widths between lines because it's a bi-tangental operation. Every drawing will be different and so you really have to test before committing to a run. In the case of the Star Wars and Marvel projects, the major thing to look for is not the maximum cut into the MDF, though you don't want straight walls on the deepest plunges, but the minimum cut to make sure the thin lines are cut deep enough to show just enough detail. IOW the thin, shallow details are how you judge correct depth on these projects. Test, test, test.

so when i import the dxf file into vectric vcarve it doest some out right. there are voids whhere there shouldnt be and filled in where it should be taking out material. could someone help?

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like something is reversed. Run this test: Select several objects from the DXF file and see if the positive/negative is correct. If not, then then try everything but the outside circle. Chances are there's an open curve somewhere.

@nightlifegamer

3 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking thanks

It was probably removed because the Creator is not 3000Altech. I created the .dxf file everybody is now using and I used an image created by Nopal, which I think he/they created for t-shirt prints. He wasn't to pleased with the file being out so I deleted it, but it was too late it was out there and away it went.

@Weird_guy79

3 жыл бұрын

would like to post a link but youtube wont let me.

@Weird_guy79

3 жыл бұрын

also I never did release the final improved edit of the file and never will.

@Weird_guy79

3 жыл бұрын

oh and people messed with the file converting it back and forth into different file types over and over again, that's why its now a long drawn out pain to calculate the tool paths. The original takes no time at all.

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the input on this. If you've got a link I can use, I'd like to use it, of course.

FYI. Your audio is mono channel

Hola, que material es el plateado de dos componentes? Gracias

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

As mentioned in the video it's Rub and Buff.

So I just tried this and found the rubb and buff smeared a lot. How did you get your finish so even and smooth?

@celeski.digital1023

2 жыл бұрын

Use less. Just barely apply it. Put very little on a cloth. I’d say I did the entire 24” piece with the amount you’d use to put in a tooth brush.

@GearheadDaily

2 жыл бұрын

@@celeski.digital1023 hmmm I thinned it a bit more and that seemed to help, but less didn't seem to work. It just soaked in right away. Doing 2 layers seemed to do ok.

@celeski.digital1023

2 жыл бұрын

@@GearheadDaily your likely to have loaded up too much buff on your cloth and thinned too much.

@celeski.digital1023

2 жыл бұрын

@@GearheadDaily did you prime and paint the surface first? Nothing should be soaking in.

@GearheadDaily

2 жыл бұрын

@@celeski.digital1023 yep, primed with 3 layers of primer and 2 coats of black

Nice job..I have a V Carv with what milling do you work with? What is the depth? Thanks..

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

There are a lot of variables about depth. Bit size, angle, etc. meaning I can't give you a precise answer. But, one of the most important variable is to make sure your narrowest lines cut deep enough into the top surface. Run some tests.

@user-zl5gt9zw2w

2 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking Thank you

The link you posted for the Star Wars calendar is not working.

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

The file has been removed from Thingiverse. I posted a link for the file I found at another location.

Did you seal it at all with like minwax or anything? I've always heard to seal it before you cut and seal again before you paint and after too. Just curious what I actually have to do

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

Do not use MinWax or anything like it. Any oil based finish will dissolve the rubbed on metallic details instantly. Once completed, I sprayed a very thin layer of water based acrylic satin finish to seal it.

@nickrooney893

3 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking ah yeah thats what I mean, minwax polycrilic. I think thats what their water based one is. So you only seal it after everything is finished? Thanks for the quick reply and the great video. I hope you'll be back to making more great content soon, you earned my subscription

Amazing work! I'd like to try this. What size 60 degree vbit did you use 1/4" or 1/2"?

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

Either would work, of course but if you're spindle can handle it, the 1/2" would be quicker and create wider and deeper valleys.

@jake31376

2 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking Thanks! Did you seal it with polyurethane after applying rubnbuff?

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

@@jake31376 That's where it gets tricky. You must use a water based sealer. If you use oil based the bufffinish will melt instantly.

Very Nice! My son will love the Star Wars calendar! What were your feeds and speeds? Also, you said you're using 0.75" MDF but you set your vcarve depth at 0.74" leaving only 0.01". Is this correct or am I missing something? I'm using VCarve Desktop V.10

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

Feeds and speeds will vary depending on your CNC, the power of your spindle, the mill and materials you use. Run tests of a segment of the design at full scale. Watch waste ejection and listen. With MDF you want to move quickly so as to not heat up the trapped waste. You really want to vacuum waste as you go, A clean cut is important. Don't go too fast.

@pd417

4 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking Thanks for the info, much appreciated. One last question, why are you cutting so deep? The work piece is 0.75" and you're cutting at 0.74". Aren't you worried about possibly cutting all the way through?

How deep did you cut?

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

This question has been asked and answered before. Read previous comments for tips. Since there are many variables I can't give you a specific answer.

I have a 3 flute 1/32 ball 6.2 degree taper bit. that i have never used yet would that be better then a 60 V? or a 45V? 4TEB12-032-3FL (BitsBits)

@celeski.digital1023

2 жыл бұрын

It’s about scale. I’d you were to making a small version the small ball makes sense. That’s a really small bit. But the width and depth are closely tied to the size of the piece you are making. A large V mill is the best choice for anything lager than say 6” in diameter.

@st0mper121

2 жыл бұрын

@@celeski.digital1023 Sorry i always forget scale when talking about.. 24" inch is about the area i was thinking. First CNC... OnefinityCNC

the 3d file is not able to download anymore unu

@crowndroyal

3 жыл бұрын

yes it is, just downloaded it

i don't see the links for the DVX files. Awesome job on those!

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

I've only put up links to the original creators of the designs. Each creator chooses what files to make available. However you could use CAD software for a file conversion or if you search for say, the SW design is DXF format you'll probably find it.

Does anyone have the original STL files ?

@digitalwoodworking

2 жыл бұрын

The files are still available but in a new location. See the video details for a new link

thank you for the videos, it helps me as a beginner in CNC. I have a question, when I do the profile toolpath, it show that is carving out the white part of the Aztec calendar instead of the black. how do I fix that?

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

In your CAM software, when selecting the curves that will be cut in the V-carve routine, don't select the outer most line (the circle on the outside of the calendar).

@fvidal007

4 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking thank you was your start depth 0 and flat depth .74"?

@digitalwoodworking

4 жыл бұрын

This will vary depending on your V bit and how you set your Z. I find that V bits are a little optimistic and set Z noticibly higher than flat or ball mills. As a result, I usually adjust my Z down from my auto Z routine. There's another variable added to the mix. And, that has to do with the gap between lines or in the case of these calendars, how wide the black filled in areas are. This is the controlling factor for V carve routines (bi-tangental) that affects the depth of the cut. To make a long story short. Try a depth that's obviously less than the thickness of the material you're cutting, but expect to adjust by testing a section of the drawing first. I've found on all three of theses projects I set depth to .74 or so and always have to adjust my Z down in order to get enough detail in the thin line areas. I put notes as comments on this on this above my G-code so I know what to do the next time I cut the project.

@fvidal007

4 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. You have saved me a lot of headaches

Has anyone else done this on cnc ? and wouldn't mind sharing the completed file ? id like to do this at work.

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

A lot of people create them using CNCs. The links in the description are for the files you need to make one.

@crowndroyal

3 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking I have the dxf just no cnc code etc theres no depth to it no extrusions etc. Just a flat dxf line file.

@digitalwoodworking

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, but it's impossible for anyone to provide usable prepared G-code files you're requesting. The reason is every CNC operation is setup differently, each operator chooses parameters based on setup, materials, CNC's capabilities, mills chosen, etc. etc. It is always the CNC programmer/operator to make these critical choices when using their CAM software to program their CNC. I made suggestions in the video and in my article where to start. DXF files (or other CAD drawing files) are all that anyone who runs CNCs works with. We take these files, then program a CNC. Unfortunately, CNCs are not like laser printers. Click, print and you're done. If you're looking for a one click solution, it doesn't exist in the world of CNCs. We're getting close to that in the world of 3D printers, but I doubt we'll see that in CNCs. Too many parameters. Too many choices. Too much potential for disaster.

@crowndroyal

3 жыл бұрын

@@digitalwoodworking the basics and g code are still the same and what needs to be changed can be changed, or will be changed when probed or setting zero etc, not really hard to change values. But having a complete 3d model is a lot easier to program on a lot of machines than trying to set valuea for ever pocket and extrusion etc.

@celeski.digital1023

3 жыл бұрын

​@@crowndroyal Your naive assumptions say it all. Download the files from the source. Program your CNC. Create your own G-code files. There are no 3D models on this project. V-carve routines are bi-tangental operations based on 2D files. End of discussion.

Why do you keep saying the same thing over and over again.

@cheapinvite1

3 жыл бұрын

Why do you keep saying the same thing over and over again.

@omicron0mega

Жыл бұрын

Why do you keep saying the same thing over and over again.