Thanks for the tip, Makes adding a hanger to our rounds easier. We will batch out 5-20 10" rounds at a time and just set a jig on the cnc to drop and go.
Great video once again. Thanks for everything you do for the CNC community. 10 years ago I never would have dreamed that I would have a "magic robot wood cutting machine", yet here we are. This hobby has grown from nothing to something wonderful thanks you to people like you and Dave (and many others).
Thanks for the kind words, Rob, but Dave is the man. I'm just trying to help folks avoid the mistakes I made. I'm with you on having a robot in my shop. This stuff was so out of reach for the average person for so many years - it's still sometimes hard to believe that it's available to just about everyone.
Mark this is almost too slick!!! I had done this a few weeks back but forgot the procedure and had to re-review. So glad you’ve taken the time to show us these tricks. THANKS!!!!!
Looks great. Thanks for the info. Like I said b4 I just got my VCARVE, and this is very helpful. I needed to learn how to add tools to my VCARVE even though mine is 11.5 and it has changes different then this one, but I figured it out.
I just bought a keyhole bit so naturally searched for your video to find out how to use it on my CNC. Easy when you know know how, thanks Mark great tutorial as always.
Mark you make thing simple to understand in all your videos and always give great advice. I been running CNC years but still turn to you for tips and tricks. Thanks for the great job you been doing in all your videos.
Hi Mark. Your series of videos are excellent! Very well done and you sir, are very articulate. I really dislike videos that have poor sound quality and/or a presenter that stumbles through it with "umm" and "ahh". Very well done. I don't subscribe to a ton of videos but only after watching 2 of your videos, it was a no brainer. Stay well brother. Cheers from Stratford Ontario!
That is the Best Explanation that I have seen so far in setting up a Keyhole Bit and has cleared up a lot of issues for me. I hope using this same idea works for a Birdsmouth Bit as well.
Thanks! Glad to hear you found the video useful! I've only tried it with a keyhole bit, so I don't know how well it'll work with any other kind of bit.
Thanks Mark. I was struggling to add a dovetail tool profile to my tool database but it just wouldn't work. So I turned to UA-cam, and here you gave me the answer in your demonstration. It just doesn't work. You have to trick the software. So now I know I don't have to search any further. I believe that some day this feature would be added. Thanks again.
Thank you for checking the video out! As it sits right now, the way the toolpaths are calculated, it won't allow the addition of any tool that creates an undercut. I don't know if they're working on a way to change that or not. It would take a complete rebuild of the way the toolpaths are calculated, so I wouldn't expect it anytime soon. Then again, it could be coming soon - who knows?
Thanks for all the work you put in into making this videos. I'm a beginner and watch your videos very closely and to say the least you have taught me quite a bit in the past few weeks. Thank you Sir!
Excellent video Mark. I've added my Freud keyhole bit to my VCarve Pro tool data base with the mfg's specs as per your video. I will try this out tomorrow. Looks like the keyhole has to accurately align with center / balance point in order for the sign / plaque to hang plumb.
Thanks, MacTech! The placement of the keyhole is a lot more forgiving than you would think. I tend to put the slots in the center along the X, but if they're off slightly, they still work just fine. I just think it looks more professional to get them as close to the center as possible.
Thank you for the tutorial Mark. I was going to sit down and figure this out tomorrow and like magic this video popped up in the suggestions. Google must have the mind reading tool turned on! Your explanation was clear and spot on. It took me about 15 minutes to add the tool and make a test cut. Then I tried it on a project I'm working on and both came out perfect. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for this. Helps a lot!! I absolutely love the Vectric software, but kind of wish they would release a proper fixes for these kinds of work arounds. You can't engrave the bottom of a pocket with a drag bit either without a work around. (Need to make a fake tool profile to do it)
It's not so much "a fix" as it is the way the software builds and displays tools, toolpaths, and models. It's pixel based, rather than NURBS or polygons. I don't claim to understand it myself, other than to reiterate what the folks at Vectric told me - the software can't display any tool, toolpath, or artwork that features or creates an undercut. As for engraving, I was told that the reason it doesn't display very well is because the pixels required to display it are so small, we basically don't see them.
Hey thanks for the great tips. I scaled my keyhole project size down to about a 1"x3" long. so I can cut a key hole by simply resetting my xyz on the project I am working on and it puts the slot right there where my bit is centered at. I just made a tap file on the thumb drive that I can load and cut it in a minute or so. Your tips on how to make this work was PERFECT!
Glad to hear it's working out for you! That's what I did as well. I made one keyhole that runs vertically, and a couple of several lengths that run horizontally. That way I have a choice of keyhole lengths should I need a horizontal keyhole. Those g-code files sit in a special folder, and whenever I need one, they're right there handy.
Great video Mark. Wish I had this for the first time I used a keyhole bit in my machine. I also do another version of this now where I use a single line horizontally. Plunge at one end of the line pull up on the other. I find this method to work well for carvings that are side heavy. Not balanced if you will. Then the length of the key hole allows you to balance the carving on the wall. Again great video. Thanks for all you do.
Mark, Thanks for the Video on the Key Hole set up. I followed along as you when thru the video and it worked perfectly! I have a project that needs a key hole, I can wait to get out to the shop and try it out. That once my Bosch bit arrives. :)
Great job on the video! I watched your video because I was curious if your method was anything like the way I came upon cutting a keyhole about 10 years ago. Sure enough, your method is just like mine except my tool path vector is a rectangle a couple of thousands wider than the cutter diameter and I cut inside the vector instead of on the vector. The results are the same, just a different way of doing it. Thanks for putting out good content on your videos! Steve Reynolds
I think I may have found another way to create the toolpath. Start by creating a line/polyline, first point at 0,0 second point at 0,0.75 and third point back at 0,0. Then you create a fluting toolpath, start depth .375, depth .031, ramp at start and end, ramp 100%, ramp type linear. I haven't tested it yet but I think this will make a slight incline on the keyhole so it pulls the piece tight to the wall as you slide it on the screw. I'll test it later today and see how it works, what do you think?
Hi Mark thank you for this video (actually all of your videos). They are very helpful to this CNC beginner. Goofy question of the day- who plays the transition music at the 19:44 mark of your video?
That tune is called Bayou State of Mind, by Jingle Punks. It was in the UA-cam Audio Library for many years, but for some reason it's no longer there. You can find it here: ua-cam.com/video/9uZzazCxQZ0/v-deo.html
Mark, thanks for a great video. Is it possible to make two holes at once ? Right now I make one hole re-zero again to my next spot and run the 2nd hole again. Thanks
@@MarkLindsayCNC I don't use the gadget method either because I wrote my own simple G-code program way back before gadgets was in V-carve Pro. I watched Peter's video on keyhole slots and he used the gadget feature and in my opinion that would be easier for a beginner to use rather than having to draw something up and put a toolpath on it. :-)
@@MacTech007 In V-Carve Pro and I assume it's in all of the Vectric products at the top of the screen there is a Gadgets feature next to the Help button. If you drop down the menu you will see a Keyhole Toolpath.
Great video Mark I would like to see some one do a video on BOX Joint Gadget . Setting it up to cut in the vertical position not laying flat on the waste board , Which would mean that your cutter would have to travel past the front of the machine some what. I have a customer that wants a good amount of boxes made at one time several times year.If Not the gadget then at least showing how to design the pins and sockets standing up. may be this should be discussed in a email..Let me know what you think Jeff
It wold probably be something best discussed in email, Jeff. My machine isn't set up for cutting vertically like that, so I'd have no way of testing to make sure I got the g-code right.
Well, I guess I get to be the umpteenth millionth knucklehead to say Thanks! I was ready to try a guess at a polyline...that would have been a disappointing experience lol! I was wondering if there was a way to also set up a "pecking" action on the plunge to clear out the initial waste before it runs the slot but I'm guessing not. Maybe not something to be concerned about anyways. Thanks once again!
It'll be .010 wider than normal, but it's a keyhole. No big deal. As an added bonus, it also makes it a little easier for the head of the nail/screw to fit in the hole.
No. A vector has a start point, an end point, and only one direction - it can't have 2 directions at the same time. If you try to do what you're suggesting, the bit will plunge in at the start point, cut along the line just fine, then try to retract at the end of the line. With no cutting edge on the top of the keyhole bit, it will be a disaster. That's why I made the rectangle, then deleted one end of it - so that the start point and the end point of the resulting vector were almost in the exact same place.
Thanks for the video, this allowed me to make some keyholes. However, I did not edit the rectangle to create a U shape which saves time. Also, it appears that the VCarve Pro v10 had a Keyhole gadget (docs.vectric.com/docs/V9.0/VCarvePro/ENU/Help/Gadgets/Keyhole%20Toolpath/Keyhole%20Toolpath.html). I only have VCarve Desktop which doesn't appear to support the gadgets.
Thank you very much for checking out the video! I made this video primarily for the folks with VCarve Desktop because you're right - Desktop doesn't support gadgets. The method works for all Vectric titles as well.
The CNC is more than capable of handling a keyhole cut. It takes about 3 times longer to do the required tool change than it takes to cut the keyhole. The bit only moves about 3/4 of an inch. Removing material before the keyhole cut is completely unnecessary. Thanks for checking it out!
Thank you. Your technique works like a charm. I must admit I was holding my breath when I clicked on the start button.
Perfect! Just what I needed to know. Thanks.
waiting on Amazon right now.. for my bit.... thank you mark for this very easily understood tutorial.
Thanks for all your videos on vcarve. I’m still new to vcarve and have yet to watch all of your videos.
You are the CNC Man ! Thanks, very useful and helpful. Thank you !
Wow. Great video. This is a great approach for specialty bits.
I learn new stuff in each video. Wonderful! Thank you with love from east texas
Very helpful and detailed vid. Thanks so much!
This was so helpful today!!! Thank you for making this video!!!
Recently came across your channel-specifically the tramming video-and have now subbed. Keep the vids coming please!
Very straightforward. Love it.
Thank you Mark. I’m loving it.
Thanks you very much looking forward to mastering Keyhole slots
Great video and helped me wrap my brain around how to make key holes.
Fantastic video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks
thanks this helped alot and was simple to understand
Thanks for the tip, Makes adding a hanger to our rounds easier. We will batch out 5-20 10" rounds at a time and just set a jig on the cnc to drop and go.
Great video once again. Thanks for everything you do for the CNC community. 10 years ago I never would have dreamed that I would have a "magic robot wood cutting machine", yet here we are. This hobby has grown from nothing to something wonderful thanks you to people like you and Dave (and many others).
Thanks for the kind words, Rob, but Dave is the man. I'm just trying to help folks avoid the mistakes I made. I'm with you on having a robot in my shop. This stuff was so out of reach for the average person for so many years - it's still sometimes hard to believe that it's available to just about everyone.
Mark, I was at a loss for cutting keyholes and then I found there was an app for that... (your how-to video). Thanks for being such a good educator.
Mark this is almost too slick!!! I had done this a few weeks back but forgot the procedure and had to re-review. So glad you’ve taken the time to show us these tricks. THANKS!!!!!
This video was a huge help, your directions were perfect, thank you
Thank you so much for your clear, and patient explanation!
Mark you are a master!! at VCarve you got me sold for VCarve Thank you so mush for all your great videos.
That was clear and simple. You explain everything along the way including necessary information that wouldn't show in a voiceless video.
Thank you, Fred. I hope you found it useful.
hank you! That was very informative and easy to follow to set up my keyhole bit.
So very well done! Thanks for the great tips from adding keyhole tool to creating the tool path!
The clarity of your explanations is excellent mate! Succinct and very tangible. Thanks for your work once again.
Thank, Dan! I do appreciate it!
Looks great. Thanks for the info. Like I said b4 I just got my VCARVE, and this is very helpful. I needed to learn how to add tools to my VCARVE even though mine is 11.5 and it has changes different then this one, but I figured it out.
I just bought a keyhole bit so naturally searched for your video to find out how to use it on my CNC. Easy when you know know how, thanks Mark great tutorial as always.
Thanks Mark for sharing this video. Excellent teaching. Just added to my file. Works great.
Very good video. Thanks for your patience in explaining everything well. The presentation is very understandable & easy to understand.
Thank you very much, John! I hope it helps!
Mark you make thing simple to understand in all your videos and always give great advice. I been running CNC years but still turn to you for tips and tricks. Thanks for the great job you been doing in all your videos.
Hi Mark. Your series of videos are excellent! Very well done and you sir, are very articulate. I really dislike videos that have poor sound quality and/or a presenter that stumbles through it with "umm" and "ahh". Very well done. I don't subscribe to a ton of videos but only after watching 2 of your videos, it was a no brainer. Stay well brother. Cheers from Stratford Ontario!
Excellent. Thanks Mark. Answered all of my questions!!!
That is the Best Explanation that I have seen so far in setting up a Keyhole Bit and has cleared up a lot of issues for me. I hope using this same idea works for a Birdsmouth Bit as well.
Thanks! Glad to hear you found the video useful! I've only tried it with a keyhole bit, so I don't know how well it'll work with any other kind of bit.
Thanks Mark. I was struggling to add a dovetail tool profile to my tool database but it just wouldn't work. So I turned to UA-cam, and here you gave me the answer in your demonstration. It just doesn't work. You have to trick the software. So now I know I don't have to search any further. I believe that some day this feature would be added. Thanks again.
Thank you for checking the video out! As it sits right now, the way the toolpaths are calculated, it won't allow the addition of any tool that creates an undercut. I don't know if they're working on a way to change that or not. It would take a complete rebuild of the way the toolpaths are calculated, so I wouldn't expect it anytime soon. Then again, it could be coming soon - who knows?
Awesome! I have a new router with plunge base. I may not have a CNC yet but I can now bust out my keyhole bit and use it easier than before.
Thanks Eloy! Just hold that material down, and remember what's on the other side!
Thanks Mark! Exactly what I needed. I just got Vcarve and was wondering how to cut a keyhole into the back of the signs I make.
Thank you! That was very informative and easy to follow to set up my keyhole bit.
What a well done video. Thank you for sharing your technique.
i have been needing to now this little trick, Thanks Mark
Thank you for checking it out, Tim!
Another nice job
Thanks for all the work you put in into making this videos. I'm a beginner and watch your videos very closely and to say the least you have taught me quite a bit in the past few weeks. Thank you Sir!
Excellent video Mark. I've added my Freud keyhole bit to my VCarve Pro tool data base with the mfg's specs as per your video. I will try this out tomorrow. Looks like the keyhole has to accurately align with center / balance point in order for the sign / plaque to hang plumb.
Thanks, MacTech! The placement of the keyhole is a lot more forgiving than you would think. I tend to put the slots in the center along the X, but if they're off slightly, they still work just fine. I just think it looks more professional to get them as close to the center as possible.
Thank Mark! Really appreciate your video.
My friend Jerry and I was just talking about this last weekend. Great timing! Looking forward to your videos in 2019.
Thanks Tony!
Thank you for the tutorial Mark. I was going to sit down and figure this out tomorrow and like magic this video popped up in the suggestions. Google must have the mind reading tool turned on! Your explanation was clear and spot on. It took me about 15 minutes to add the tool and make a test cut. Then I tried it on a project I'm working on and both came out perfect. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for checking out the video! Glad it came in handy!
Thanks for making this video. This was incredibly helpful.
Thank you for checking it out! Glad to hear it helped you out!
I have been cutting all mine the router table method (you know old school) but I'm going to do it this way in the future. Thanks Mark
Thanks Larry! It comes in real handy for odd shaped projects that are hard to run over the router table.
Thank you for this. Helps a lot!! I absolutely love the Vectric software, but kind of wish they would release a proper fixes for these kinds of work arounds. You can't engrave the bottom of a pocket with a drag bit either without a work around. (Need to make a fake tool profile to do it)
It's not so much "a fix" as it is the way the software builds and displays tools, toolpaths, and models. It's pixel based, rather than NURBS or polygons. I don't claim to understand it myself, other than to reiterate what the folks at Vectric told me - the software can't display any tool, toolpath, or artwork that features or creates an undercut. As for engraving, I was told that the reason it doesn't display very well is because the pixels required to display it are so small, we basically don't see them.
Thanks Mark for sharing nice video you have a blessed day
Thank you for watching, Tim! I hope you find it helpful.
Thanks, Mark, I have been meaning to add this to my to-do list
Thanks for checking it out, Bubba!
Just what I needed!!!! Thanks for what you do and for sharing it with us!!
Thank you, Steve! I hope the videos help!
Great video Mark
Thanks for checking it out, Dave!
Great video Mark!
Thank you for checking it out!
Hey thanks for the great tips. I scaled my keyhole project size down to about a 1"x3" long. so I can cut a key hole by simply resetting my xyz on the project I am working on and it puts the slot right there where my bit is centered at. I just made a tap file on the thumb drive that I can load and cut it in a minute or so. Your tips on how to make this work was PERFECT!
Glad to hear it's working out for you! That's what I did as well. I made one keyhole that runs vertically, and a couple of several lengths that run horizontally. That way I have a choice of keyhole lengths should I need a horizontal keyhole. Those g-code files sit in a special folder, and whenever I need one, they're right there handy.
Great video Mark. Wish I had this for the first time I used a keyhole bit in my machine. I also do another version of this now where I use a single line horizontally. Plunge at one end of the line pull up on the other. I find this method to work well for carvings that are side heavy. Not balanced if you will. Then the length of the key hole allows you to balance the carving on the wall. Again great video. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you, Dwayne! Yeah, horizontal keyholes are handy, for sure. Especially for cumbersome projects.
Mark, Thanks for the Video on the Key Hole set up. I followed along as you when thru the video and it worked perfectly!
I have a project that needs a key hole, I can wait to get out to the shop and try it out. That once my Bosch bit arrives. :)
Glad you found it useful, Sam! Thanks for watching!
Great video Mark and thanks again.
Thank you Geert!
Great vid. Does anyone know what the optimal size screw to use so there isn't any "slack" between the sides of the keyhole and the screw?
Great job on the video! I watched your video because I was curious if your method was anything like the way I came upon cutting a keyhole about 10 years ago. Sure enough, your method is just like mine except my tool path vector is a rectangle a couple of thousands wider than the cutter diameter and I cut inside the vector instead of on the vector. The results are the same, just a different way of doing it. Thanks for putting out good content on your videos!
Steve Reynolds
Thank you for checking it out! As you've been doing this for a few years, you well know that there are a lot of ways to skin a cat.
Just what I needed, Thanks
Thanks for checking it out!
I think I may have found another way to create the toolpath. Start by creating a line/polyline, first point at 0,0 second point at 0,0.75 and third point back at 0,0. Then you create a fluting toolpath, start depth .375, depth .031, ramp at start and end, ramp 100%, ramp type linear. I haven't tested it yet but I think this will make a slight incline on the keyhole so it pulls the piece tight to the wall as you slide it on the screw. I'll test it later today and see how it works, what do you think?
Hi Mark thank you for this video (actually all of your videos). They are very helpful to this CNC beginner. Goofy question of the day- who plays the transition music at the 19:44 mark of your video?
That tune is called Bayou State of Mind, by Jingle Punks. It was in the UA-cam Audio Library for many years, but for some reason it's no longer there. You can find it here: ua-cam.com/video/9uZzazCxQZ0/v-deo.html
@@MarkLindsayCNC thank you for the link! I started listening to some of their other tunes- pretty good stuff
Thanks alot! Subscribed
Well done!!
Thanks! I hope it helps you out!
Thank you for for sharing the CNC love to the masses 🍻
Thank you for checking it out!
Mark, thanks for a great video. Is it possible to make two holes at once ? Right now I make one hole re-zero again to my next spot and run the 2nd hole again. Thanks
I'm not sure I follow you. You want a keyhole with a hole at both ends?
Mark I got it, I have the pro version it does have the keyhole gadget. I just wanted to make two holes 16 inches apart.
Thanks Mark. I've enjoyed your videos and have learned quite a bit from you.
Josh Watts Woodworking
Thank you, Josh!
Awesome cheat 😁!!!!!!!!!
Thx for video!!!!!!!
Will you be doing a video showing how to cut a keyhole slot using the gadget?
Thanks, Dave. I guess I could. To be honest, I don't use the gadget. I'll get into it and put something together.
Dave, what gadget are you referring to?
@@MarkLindsayCNC I don't use the gadget method either because I wrote my own simple G-code program way back before gadgets was in V-carve Pro. I watched Peter's video on keyhole slots and he used the gadget feature and in my opinion that would be easier for a beginner to use rather than having to draw something up and put a toolpath on it. :-)
@@MacTech007 In V-Carve Pro and I assume it's in all of the Vectric products at the top of the screen there is a Gadgets feature next to the Help button. If you drop down the menu you will see a Keyhole Toolpath.
thanks Dave. By the way, I really enjoy your youtube channel.
Great video Mark I would like to see some one do a video on BOX Joint Gadget . Setting it up to cut in the vertical position not laying flat on the waste board , Which would mean that your cutter would have to travel past the front of the machine some what. I have a customer that wants a good amount of boxes made at one time several times year.If Not the gadget then at least showing how to design the pins and sockets standing up. may be this should be discussed in a email..Let me know what you think Jeff
It wold probably be something best discussed in email, Jeff. My machine isn't set up for cutting vertically like that, so I'd have no way of testing to make sure I got the g-code right.
Thanks for the help
Thanks for watching!
Thanks Mark
Thanks, Murven!
Hi mark,
Great video once again. Not sure if i missed it but isn't there a minimum depth cut as well? in order to get the slot cut out?
Ok ok ,,, i now see what you meant....lol i have to stop drinking beer....hahahaa. i will send you a small video on how i do mine for heavy carvings.
Thanks, Andre! I love it when folks answer their own questions... lol
Well, I guess I get to be the umpteenth millionth knucklehead to say Thanks! I was ready to try a guess at a polyline...that would have been a disappointing experience lol! I was wondering if there was a way to also set up a "pecking" action on the plunge to clear out the initial waste before it runs the slot but I'm guessing not. Maybe not something to be concerned about anyways. Thanks once again!
Excellent tutorial, just in time for my next project.
Does that end up being perfectly symmetrical or off by .010?
It'll be .010 wider than normal, but it's a keyhole. No big deal. As an added bonus, it also makes it a little easier for the head of the nail/screw to fit in the hole.
How do you sync tool databases between inside the house and the shop?
Here you go, Skip! ua-cam.com/video/N6cQAEm0lz4/v-deo.html
Would drawing a straight line the length of the cut and then doubling back on the same lie work?
No. A vector has a start point, an end point, and only one direction - it can't have 2 directions at the same time. If you try to do what you're suggesting, the bit will plunge in at the start point, cut along the line just fine, then try to retract at the end of the line. With no cutting edge on the top of the keyhole bit, it will be a disaster. That's why I made the rectangle, then deleted one end of it - so that the start point and the end point of the resulting vector were almost in the exact same place.
Thanks for the video mark, what is the brand of framing square you used in this video?
Thanks for checking out the video!
That square is a try square I got at Harbor Freight. It's just 1 of a 3 square package they have for a low price.
Thanks Mark!
Thanks for the video, this allowed me to make some keyholes. However, I did not edit the rectangle to create a U shape which saves time. Also, it appears that the VCarve Pro v10 had a Keyhole gadget (docs.vectric.com/docs/V9.0/VCarvePro/ENU/Help/Gadgets/Keyhole%20Toolpath/Keyhole%20Toolpath.html). I only have VCarve Desktop which doesn't appear to support the gadgets.
Thank you very much for checking out the video! I made this video primarily for the folks with VCarve Desktop because you're right - Desktop doesn't support gadgets. The method works for all Vectric titles as well.
cool.
Indeed!
Why not remove some material with the 1/8" bit before using the keyhole bit? It would be less stressful on the cnc. The 1/8" is already chucked up.
The CNC is more than capable of handling a keyhole cut. It takes about 3 times longer to do the required tool change than it takes to cut the keyhole. The bit only moves about 3/4 of an inch. Removing material before the keyhole cut is completely unnecessary. Thanks for checking it out!
@@MarkLindsayCNC I'll be cutting 12 this afternoon. Thanks for all your great videos.
I used the process on some beech. Worked great.
Thanks for the good instruction and especially for the in the shop demo. BUT please leave off the music.
Thank you, Ed. I only use music in place of screaming tools, or long, boring passages where there's no narration.
I will email you
Great idea!!!👏👏👏👏
Awesome job Mark, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Dale!