V Carve laser add on

[Hemlock30]

Would anyone know what version of the v carve laser add on, i should dowload? I have and use light burn, but i have specific project that id like to do in V carve.

[Rusty_golfer]

The laser add on for Vcarve desk or pro is V1. If you are referring to post processor than I use the GRBL mm with no problems.
Just a note; the Vectric laser module is fine for doing vector drawings but sometimes for graphics it can be very time consuming & results not the greatest. I then switch to Lightburn to do the laser works. (do not try & run LB & g-sender at the same time…)

[Hemlock30]

Thanks for the info and the insight… off to burn some wood!

[Spamming_Eddie]

Hey Steve,

May I ask what specific projects you have in mind that would require vectric to replace the almighty miracle that is lightburn?

[Hemlock30]

Ive got a project that im working on that will have a photo with router tool paths and laser work on top of each other.

[Spamming_Eddie]

Well, I’ve heared that the vectric laser module isn’t particulary good at doing photo’s, else I would throw in the 50 quid and try it out.

I’ve used vectric in combination with Lightburn to line etchings on models with accurate results involving the camera function of LB and a calibration dimple set with the mill at known coordinates and using that to pinpoint the XY-zero of the laser unit on.

Keeping the carving dead centre is the easiest way to align the two, but that isn’t always an option.

It is possible to import nc files, created with vectric into lightburn that can help calibrate allignment when there’s an offset to the centre. Mostly a square with known dimensions dead centre the project framing an outline of the picture to be etched is enough to help getting both alligned in LB.

It’s fun to play around with and after a while becomes second nature.

[_Michael]

I have the Vectric laser module and I honestly don’t think it was worth the cost considering the alternatives. J Tech has made a post processor that eliminates the Z moves for using a laser.

You can also just make a fake tool to use the laser as @gwilki describes.

Hybrid laser/router projects

@Phildo Here are two screenshots of my “fake” tools - one end mill and one vbit. Re: the end mill. The diameter of .005 is the spot size of my laser using the 3 element lens. I suspect that yours will be similar, but Sienci will have those specs. Speed = power. I don’t the use the $30=255 setting recommended by Ikenna. I use 1000 recommended by Lightburn. That way, setting to fractions of full power is very simple. In the laser_end mill attachment, the speed is shown as 500. That is 50% power…

I agree with @Spamming_Eddie that LightBurn is superior to Vectric for most laser uses with the notable exception of using the ‘Project onto 3D Model’ feature which requires Z moves to laser on the contours of a model.

If you want to use Vectric and LB in the same project I have come up with a technique for alignment of the laser part. On various projects I have cut some shape out of wood and then exported the profile vectors as an svg file. I then use LB to burn the profile onto some thin paneling/plywood clamped to my spoil board. Since there aren’t any forces applied the wood can then simply be placed by eye using the profile you burnt. You just need to place the profile and ‘work’ burns correctly in LB and use the same start point for both burns, only a Z adjustment is needed. I only clamp the paneling so I can’t accidentally move it when placing the work piece on the profile.

My outline method is not so good for circles with existing work on them and may not offer any advantages in a planned project but it works great when you decide to add laser etching later in the project as an afterthought.

[Hemlock30]

Thank you all for the great feedback, as the weather turns colder, I’ll be spending more time in the shop and will be trying out your suggestion.