MS-L Using Inkscape and vCarve for 2.5D CNC Projects

CNC - Inkscape and vCarve Introduction

This is an Intro to Vector Drawing with Inkscape class for people who want to use the Big Red CNC at Makersmiths-Leesburg.

If you want to get the most out of using the Makersmiths CNC machines, you will want to learn how to draw for those machines so that you can create custom designs and projects.  Inkscape and vCarve are the software tools of choice.

This is a one evening class to take you through the basics of creating your design in Inkscape, importing it into vCarve and then setting up the toolpaths for cutting on the CNC machines. 

In this class we will:

1. Explain some key 2D design considerations for 2.5D CNC projects - such as what is an endmill and what various types and sizes of endmill are typically employed, what is a tool path, and typical order of operations to produce a simple sign like the one above.

2. Show how to create basic drawings in Inkscape, then import them to vCarve and setup toolpaths for CNC cutting

3. Create a design for a sign in Inkscape and prepare it for cutting on the CNC machine.

If time permits, this class will include a demonstration of the Big Red CNC machine carving a sign, but in order to use the CNC on your own, you must also take a Big Red CNC class.  

***NOTE: You will need to bring a laptop to this class, preferably with Inkscape and the vCarve trial edition pre-installed. 

And last but not least, all participants must either have a Makersmiths liability waiver on-file or sign liability waiver prior to class.  Link to waiver is here: Makersmiths Liability Waiver

The instructor for this class is Jonathan White: JustOneCube@gmail.com