Using a Laser With the New Sketch Carve Toolpath in Vectric V12

The new Sketch Carving toolpath added to Vectrive Vcarve and Aspire Version 12 was meant to be use with a router. However, in this video I demonstrate how you can use a custom post processor to use a laser with this new toolpath.
My Google drive where the Post Processors are stored: drive.google.c...
My email if you have questions: [e-mail]
Previous video on how to use this postprocessor to use a laser with the Profile and pocket toolpaths:
• How to Use a Standard ...

[@ukie5130]

I learn something new each time I watch one of our new videos Jim. Great work.

[@petebuehn7789]

Great video and instruction, thanks.
I have been highlighting vcarvings by running the laser along the vcarve toolpath. I allow the laser to move in the z axis to try and keep the focus.
Thanks to your post processor.
I am always learning from you.

[@JNWoodworks]

Thats brilliant! When I was testing those post processors I ran it on a Vcarve toolpath for kicks and I thought it was sorta cool, but couldn't really think of a good use for it. Thats the cool thing about the UA-cam channel, I put stuff out there and get some really good ideas back on the comments. I'm gonna have to try it, but that makes sense, if you use the one "With Z" it should track the laser all the way up the corners and everything. I bet that would look really good on light wood.

[@mikehammond2630]

Hi Jim,
I was using the spindle to laser post processor and it's not exporting either the tool 99 designation or the S parameter for speed. Am I missing something? Thanks for all the information :)

[@JNWoodworks]

Hi Mike,
Send me an email at [e-mail] and we can figure it out. For the tool designation, you mean you want a tool change? I took that out, so I can put it back in for you if you like. I'm not sure about the power, that is working fine for me, so we'll just have to dig into how you are using it.

[@mikehammond2630]

@@JNWoodworks Hey Jim,
Thanks for the reply. Perhaps it’s because I’m doing the gcode laser conversion in Mach 4 that it’s bringing up the errors?

[@JNWoodworks]

​@@mikehammond2630
Oh ya, that conversion script that AVID has in their screen set assumes that it is converting a Gcode file for end mills. When you use my pp, you already have it converted to laser format, so you can't use that script with this Gcode.

[@mikehammond2630]

@@JNWoodworks Thanks. Our non-profit is new to CNC so still learning :)

[@JNWoodworks]

@@mikehammond2630 We're all still learning 🙂

[@dankinsky9543]

great video...Do you know if I could export from VCARVE and then open/burn on my stand-alone laser (CO2)?

[@JNWoodworks]

I'm not too familiar with the software thats typcially used on the CO2 lasers. How do you normally burn vector files with that? Vectric can export as DXF, SVG, or PDF.

[@dankinsky9543]

@@JNWoodworks Question is if when I use this sketch feature, can I then export as a .dxf or SVG. Not sure if VCARVE simulates these vectors for use ONLY in the tool path creation or if it indeed creates the vectors and can be exported for use or editing. Any help would be appreciated and thanks for the quick reply.

[@jimneeb2362]

@@dankinsky9543 Ah, I got you. I loaded up that file and took a closer look. It does not seem to ever create a vector file, just some kind of internal format that it temporarity displays. You can run a simulation on it and save that as a bmp, jpeg, etc., but I don't see a way to save it as a vector format in any way. That would be a good feature to ask for. You could load the jpeg or bmp and raster burn it I'm sure, but that may not have as good of resolution. I personally like to burn vectors unless I'm doing detailed pictures.
That makes me ask (because I have no idea), does the software on most CO2 lasers allow you to load in some kind of Gcode files? If so, then a Vectric post processor could be made that would work for this.

[@dankinsky9543]

@@jimneeb2362 Thanbks for confirming that part! Would have been ideal if it could export the vectors though!

[@JNWoodworks]

@@dankinsky9543 I agree. That would be a good thing to ask Vectric for on the next release.
Does your machine allow loading any kind of Gcode files? If so, I could help you make a post processor that might work.

[@TheUnionStreetWorkshopcom]

Thanks for making the video I’ll have to try it out
Was wondering what size air compressor you using for the air assist on the opt laser?
I’m using a shopsabre 23 not avid, I have use laser module and laser post processor from shopsabre without and problem I’m assuming I can use that same laser post processor to do what you did in this video

[@JNWoodworks]

My air system is a little bit overkill for just air assist 🙂 ua-cam.com/video/zDu10hs-lug/v-deo.html
I can't say for sure, but I would guess you can start with the post processor I wrote, but would probably have to make some modifications. My modifications to convert spindle RPM to laser power, and to add the laser on/off commands to feed moves and rapid moves would be the same, but I would guess that the actual laser commands themselves between the ESS controller I have and the shopsabre are probably different. However, if you send me your laser post processor from the shop sabre, I might be able to figure it out for ya. [e-mail]