First timer w/STL - how to fix my finishing pass

bwarshawsky · March 31, 2026, 5:09pm

Hi there,

I’m trying to figure out how to set up my file in carbide create (Pro) to cut out an STL from a sheet of plywood. I’ve researched online and got my c2d file 90% there, but can’t figure out how to avoid having the finishing toolpath run across the whole surface of the piece. I want it just to clean up the area that is being cut in the roughing toolpath (i.e. leave the rest of the top surface alone).

I’ll attach my STL & current c2d file.

BanquetteDesign_Banq Back Mid R Fold.stl (61.7 KB)
FoldR_test.c2d (712 KB)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

-BW

WillAdams · March 31, 2026, 6:01pm

Carbide Create Pro has a facility for tracing a design which you seem to have used:

In order to further limit the area used for a toolpath you will need to trace again:

and then turn that inside out:

Done

Then offset the bottom traced geometry

by the radius of the tool which you will be using:

Then get the Boolean Intersection of the two regions:

then associate this geometry with the 3D Finishing toolpath:

Note that the Stock Thickness matches the Cutting Flute Length of the tool in question — you’ll want to be careful of rubbing the collet against the top surface.

Further, I’d suggest using the new “Cutout” toolpath:

for cutting the perimeter:

Attached as a v8 file.

FoldR_test_v8.c2d (768 KB)

Note that you will need to use the new beta:

bwarshawsky · March 31, 2026, 7:29pm

That’s great, I would not have thought to use the inverse/boolean actions. Thank you so much! I will now investigate the Cutout toolpath.