Gadgets for Vectric's Aspire 4 and V-Carve Pro 7
I am writing gadgets that work within Vectric's new versions of CNC programs to improve their functionality; Vectric has provided the necessary documentation and access to their programming staff, in order to understand the programming interface. I believe that my gadgets are unique and useful, at least for some folks! You decide if that includes you! All gadgets include documentation. If you wish to support their development, I would certainly appreciate contributions via PayPal (see below).
The free gadget files can be downloaded via DropBox, but please send a note so I know who is using this stuff ... :
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4nzek25owulofcw/fiVnVXPAmp
1) Countersinks : This Lua program creates customizable countersinks on Vectric projects. You control the dimensions, depths and structures of the countersinks, or choose from the included database. You can add custom countersink shapes to the database for quick retrieval. Countersinks costs $50.00, and the gadget will be delivered by email.
Download PDF Manual
2) PeckPlus : This Lua program creates customizable peck-drilling toolpaths on Vectric Projects. You control the retraction mode and vertical displacement between pecks, as well as the depth of the first peck. Between-peck retractions can keep the tool in the hole to prevent chips from being blown/washed in. Using the Constant Retraction mode can cut drill times by ~50-90% over conventional peck drilling methods, with greatest improvements for hard materials (short pecks). All parameters can be stored in an editable database file for future use and quick retrieval. PeckPlus costs $50.00, and the gadget will be delivered by email. Updated 2013-05-18
Download PDF Manual
3) Cookie Cutter : This free gadget is used to trim many (many!) vectors on a project all at once so that they follow the shape of another vector. This is intended to be used alongside FlutePlus and GreenSquares. For example, you can use the Circular Copy tool to make an array of vectors, then trim their lengths to make them look like a heart that would make a heart-shaped dish with FlutePlus. A cookie cutter for Vectors!
Updated 2014-02-15
Download PDF Manual
4) CSV : This free package provides a new way to get vector information into Vectric software, as well as a new way to get 3D toolpaths into and out of Aspire and V Carve Pro. You can share complex 3D toolpaths between Photo V Carve, Aspire and VCP users; these paths can be shifted, scaled and rotated when imported. CSV also allows VCP to generate 3D previews (like the image above) and 3D g-code. It is pretty cool. You will have to look at the manual to appreciate what this package can do for you, and the flexibility that it offers.
Download PDF Manual
5) FlutePlus : This free package allows 2 vectors to work together to develop and preview 3D toolpaths in VCP or Aspire. One vector (the Profile) controls the toolpath's Z changes along the cut, while the other (the Rail) controls how the toolpath moves across the material in the X-Y plane. It looks a bit like the fluting tool provided by Vectric, but you have complete control over the shape (depth) of the flute. Sample files included show how to cut bowls (inside & outside, with sculpted shapes), develop lathe-compatible toolpaths, and more. It makes roughing paths if required.
Updated 2014-03-22
FlutePlus Tutorial on YouTube
Download PDF Manual
6) GreenSquares : This free package gives you a way to align and flip the StartPoints of many vectors on a V-CarvePro or Aspire project, all at once. StartPoints can get switches by editing vectors or importing from other design programs. Built-in Vectric editing tools work well for small numbers of corrections, but this gadget lets you work on a large number all at once.
Download PDF Manual GreenSquares Tutorial on YouTube
7) Spiral Profiles : This free package creates profiles that simulate a conventional pocket cutting pattern, except that they have a smoother velocity profile, smoother cutting, smooth transitions to the outer diameter and a smooth pull-away from the pocket wall. It can also control the direction of the final cut so that it is aligned with the grain of the material.
Download PDF Manual
8) Threads : This free package creates inside and outside threads using a side V-bit cutter. It can prepare inside, outside, left-hand, and right hand threads of any pitch that is compatible with the available cutting tool. Commonly used thread profiles can be stored in an easily edited database for future use. Thread positions on the project can be specified as vectors, or can be read in from an ASCII CSV file.
Updated 2013-09-15
Download PDF Manual
If you feel that the 'free' gadgets have significantly benefited your use of the Vectric software for business or for pleasure, please consider making a contribution to support their continued development and the creation of other Gadgets. Thank you!
The free gadget files can be downloaded via DropBox, but please send a note so I know who is using this stuff ... :
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4nzek25owulofcw/fiVnVXPAmp
1) Countersinks : This Lua program creates customizable countersinks on Vectric projects. You control the dimensions, depths and structures of the countersinks, or choose from the included database. You can add custom countersink shapes to the database for quick retrieval. Countersinks costs $50.00, and the gadget will be delivered by email.
Download PDF Manual
2) PeckPlus : This Lua program creates customizable peck-drilling toolpaths on Vectric Projects. You control the retraction mode and vertical displacement between pecks, as well as the depth of the first peck. Between-peck retractions can keep the tool in the hole to prevent chips from being blown/washed in. Using the Constant Retraction mode can cut drill times by ~50-90% over conventional peck drilling methods, with greatest improvements for hard materials (short pecks). All parameters can be stored in an editable database file for future use and quick retrieval. PeckPlus costs $50.00, and the gadget will be delivered by email. Updated 2013-05-18
Download PDF Manual
3) Cookie Cutter : This free gadget is used to trim many (many!) vectors on a project all at once so that they follow the shape of another vector. This is intended to be used alongside FlutePlus and GreenSquares. For example, you can use the Circular Copy tool to make an array of vectors, then trim their lengths to make them look like a heart that would make a heart-shaped dish with FlutePlus. A cookie cutter for Vectors!
Updated 2014-02-15
Download PDF Manual
4) CSV : This free package provides a new way to get vector information into Vectric software, as well as a new way to get 3D toolpaths into and out of Aspire and V Carve Pro. You can share complex 3D toolpaths between Photo V Carve, Aspire and VCP users; these paths can be shifted, scaled and rotated when imported. CSV also allows VCP to generate 3D previews (like the image above) and 3D g-code. It is pretty cool. You will have to look at the manual to appreciate what this package can do for you, and the flexibility that it offers.
Download PDF Manual
5) FlutePlus : This free package allows 2 vectors to work together to develop and preview 3D toolpaths in VCP or Aspire. One vector (the Profile) controls the toolpath's Z changes along the cut, while the other (the Rail) controls how the toolpath moves across the material in the X-Y plane. It looks a bit like the fluting tool provided by Vectric, but you have complete control over the shape (depth) of the flute. Sample files included show how to cut bowls (inside & outside, with sculpted shapes), develop lathe-compatible toolpaths, and more. It makes roughing paths if required.
Updated 2014-03-22
FlutePlus Tutorial on YouTube
Download PDF Manual
6) GreenSquares : This free package gives you a way to align and flip the StartPoints of many vectors on a V-CarvePro or Aspire project, all at once. StartPoints can get switches by editing vectors or importing from other design programs. Built-in Vectric editing tools work well for small numbers of corrections, but this gadget lets you work on a large number all at once.
Download PDF Manual GreenSquares Tutorial on YouTube
7) Spiral Profiles : This free package creates profiles that simulate a conventional pocket cutting pattern, except that they have a smoother velocity profile, smoother cutting, smooth transitions to the outer diameter and a smooth pull-away from the pocket wall. It can also control the direction of the final cut so that it is aligned with the grain of the material.
Download PDF Manual
8) Threads : This free package creates inside and outside threads using a side V-bit cutter. It can prepare inside, outside, left-hand, and right hand threads of any pitch that is compatible with the available cutting tool. Commonly used thread profiles can be stored in an easily edited database for future use. Thread positions on the project can be specified as vectors, or can be read in from an ASCII CSV file.
Updated 2013-09-15
Download PDF Manual
If you feel that the 'free' gadgets have significantly benefited your use of the Vectric software for business or for pleasure, please consider making a contribution to support their continued development and the creation of other Gadgets. Thank you!