Vectric’s V Carve Pro version 9 for cnc work has a great new feature that lets you setup 2-sided projects simply and easily. I used the feature to make an address sign for a friend.
Once the pre-painted sign blank is placed in the jig everything is in alignment so both sides can be cut in the correct places and the X, Y axis don’t have to be reset. First, I carved the back of the sign to create pockets for a couple of metal keyhole hangers. Then the sign was simply flipped horizontally, the clamps tightened back down and the front of the sign was carved.
Another nice feature of V Carve Pro is the ability to print out Setup Sheets so you can remember all the steps and tool changes for the job. I just take it to the shop and follow along. Plus I'll save it for making another sign from the same template after changing the name and address.
Tool notes: I didn’t want the carving to go too deep so the address was carved with a 120º V bit. The name, border, and decoration were carved with a 90º V bit.
Once the pre-painted sign blank is placed in the jig everything is in alignment so both sides can be cut in the correct places and the X, Y axis don’t have to be reset. First, I carved the back of the sign to create pockets for a couple of metal keyhole hangers. Then the sign was simply flipped horizontally, the clamps tightened back down and the front of the sign was carved.
Another nice feature of V Carve Pro is the ability to print out Setup Sheets so you can remember all the steps and tool changes for the job. I just take it to the shop and follow along. Plus I'll save it for making another sign from the same template after changing the name and address.
Tool notes: I didn’t want the carving to go too deep so the address was carved with a 120º V bit. The name, border, and decoration were carved with a 90º V bit.
