Hey guys, have been trying to figure this out here but am not getting any luck. I am trying to router out a channel either 3mm or 6mm where the font is so I can place my LED strips there. I am trying to use an acrylic backer. And have access to carbide create and Affinity apps. I just don’t know how to make the font “wide” enough to be either 3mm or 6mm so I can use the pocket function to create the channel.
1 Like
In CC I would use Advanced VCarve
2 Likes
Does it have to be exactly 3 / 6 mm? Can you live with 1/8" or 1/4"?
If so, then another approach would be to draw a centerline along the lettering, then just do a no-offset contour on that with the right sized bit. I think Inkscape has the ability to draw centerlines, but I haven’t had to do it myself.
1 Like
I can use 1/8" or 1/4". Can you elaborate on the draw centerlines function. I am not familiar with that.
I actually tried this method, but I don’t believe it is showing correctly on the simulation.
Can you share a C2D file? We might be able to finger it out.
1 Like
Thanks for the reply. I attached a sample file I am trying to work with.
LED Neon Rope Sample Test.c2d (276 KB)
You can use the Pocket tool with the McEtcher tool for the fill. A light spring load should work.
VCarve the outiline to clean up the edges
1 Like
LED Neon Rope Sample Test.c2d (108 KB)
I put in two pockets and two Advanced Vcarves.
Take a look at the simulation to see if that will meet you needs. I stretched the text out to allow the bit to fit.
Yes the simulation looks funky on the A V carve. Zooming in a lot helped
1 Like
I can’t use the McEtcher tool because I need to router out a depth of approx. 1/8" so I can insert the led and silicone cover.
Thanks for the file, the pocket tool path is more of what I am looking for. Now I just need to figure out a script font that can work the same.
Good Luck. Post some pics if you can when you get one done.
1 Like
Was able to scale up the script font to where I can use the 1/8" bit. But It makes the sign larger than I would like. I am trying get the same effect but at a smaller size. preferable size would be 16"w X 6"h.
LED neon Sample 2.c2d (232 KB)
You could look here and see if any of the fonts supported would work for your purposes:
It renders text as single lines, and can export SVGs of the result:
Using a 20 degree takes a long time. 60 is better. I have small bits that I could use but I would stick to Vee bits due to my experience, as in i break small bits.
So taking your file, fitting it in the dimension you have, .125 worked with the Vee bits. I am moving so my machine is not working right now for testing. Use some MDF to practice with.
LED neon Sample 2.c2d (180 KB)
LED neon Sample 2.nc (287.4 KB)
Run the .NC program thru your favorite program. I like Camotics or Basic CNC Viewer. There are many better
Hey guys I was able to get something to work. This involved me setting up the art in Lightburn. I simply typed the text (SHX Font) on light burn and adjusted the spacing, I then proceeded to create an offset to be a little over 1/4". I then exported this as an SVG and imported to CC. Does anyone know how to do this with Carbide Create, Affinity Designer, or Inkscape?
LED Neon Font Sample.c2d (316 KB)
Here is what it looks like on CC when imported. Also the SHX font is also referred to as Single Line Font ( Thought I would mention it since I hadn’t heard of it before). I still need to do some experimenting with script type fonts.
1 Like
In Inkscape you would use the plug-in for the Hershey Fonts:
https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2011/hershey-text-an-inkscape-extension-for-engraving-fonts/
1 Like
Thanks! Will check this out.
OR, if you see a font that you like take a photo of it and drop it into this:
to have the font identified!
Good Luck on the sign!