current version of: flowerpot terrace - vectric ltd · 2018-07-17 · •...

The Flowerpot Terrace f

The project sample has a natural finish, but a nice variation would be to use paints and sandpaper to randomly scuff the painted finish for a “shabby chic” appearance .

The sample was outfitted with artificial plants, but it’s possible to use real plants as long as they don’t grow too large. A good candidate would be small succulent plants. You may need to place shallow drip dishes underneath to catch any excess water coming from the pots’ drip holes. However, there are very realistic artificial plants available and they don’t require watering!

eatures cutouts to place two standard 4 " clay flowerpots inside a charming picket-fenced “terrace” as a decorative accessory for any home!

Vectric Project Tutorial

Main items you will need:

1) The Project Files (included):• 1-Flowerpot_Terrace_TOP.crv *

2) Boards with the following dimensions:

Shelf and Posts: 0.75 " x 11 " x 12 "

4) Wood glue, clamps, sandpaper, wood stain and/or paint and clear finish

5) A Dremel-type rotary tool with assorted sanding wheels and bits to sand small details and speed up preparation for finishing.

• 2-Flowerpot_Terrace_BOTTOM.crv *• Shelf-and_Posts.crv

TOP and BOTTOM*: 0.75 " x 11 " x 24 " * (2-sided files sharing a single board)

3) Two 4 " t erracotta flowerpots, four 1" diameter round wooden “ball knobs” (for post caps), two 0 .25 "dia. dowels

www.vectric.com

Sample Carved with:

ShopBot Buddy

®

PRSalpha BT48

Compatible withCurrent Version of:

Designed by Michael Tyler - March 2017 VCP-85

Project TutorialFor more FREE projects visit - www.vectric.com

PASSIONATE ABOUT CNC

CNC Bits used for the Sample:

" 0.25 Down-Cut End Mill (EM)

Designed for Vectric™ by Michael Tyler

Flowerpot Terraceand

The finished project is about11.5 " Long x 6.75 " Deep x 5.25 " Tall

www.shopbottools.com

Shelf_and_Posts.crv

2-Flowerpot_Terrace_BOTTOM.crv

1-Flowerpot_Terrace_TOP.crv

(cont.)

Vectric Project Tutorialwww.vectric.com

Flowerpot TerraceSTEP 1 - Open and Review the Project FilesStart your VCarve Pro or Aspire software and open the project files. (fig. 1)

Carefully review all the toolpaths and make any necessary changes to suit your particular bits and machine. The toolpaths are currently set with feeds, speeds and pass depths that were used in creating the original sample. Please don’t use them directly until you review them for your own setup. It is VERY IMPORTANT to recalculate all toolpaths after making any edits/changes. Preview all toolpaths again to visually verify the project outcome on-screen.

STEP 2 - Run the ProjectWhen you are satisfied with your settings, save the toolpaths to the appropriate Post Processor for your machine, place your material on your machine bed and proceed to run the files. Here are some pointers on running the 2-sided files...(fig. 2a, 2b, 2c)

Flip over the material width-wise, then run the BOTTOM file

After machining the TOP file, flip the board over across the (shortest) width. Insert two alignment dowel pins into the holes in the spoilboard and replace the board onto the pins plain side up.

Re-apply a secure hold-down method. Then run the BOTTOM file.

Two-sided TOP and BOTTOM Fence Part Files

Run the TOP file FIRST!

Single-side File

fig. 1

Run the TOP file first.

fig. 2a


After flipping the material width-wise, run the BOTTOM file


fig. 2b

fig. 2c


(cont.)

Flowerpot TerraceSTEP 2 - Run the Project (cont.)Additional information for two-sided carving...

For the alignment holes of the prototype sample, I set the depth of the alignment drill holes to 1.1 " when I ran the first file . This drilled all the way through the 0.75 " -thick material and into the spoilboard, creating the two alignment holes in the spoilboard about 0.35 " deep to insert the 0.25 " dia. alignment dowels for placing the flipped board upon. (fig. 2d)

I flipped the board over, pressed the board onto the dowels, resecured the hold down and then ran the

. I maintained the same X,Y zero location on the machine bed throughout the complete project run. Inserting a couple dowels into the holes in the spoilboard and into the material holes, yields perfect alignment between the back and front of the material. I suggest running the project as I did - especially if you are new to 2-sided projects.

Alternatively, you can change the drill toolpath on the first side of the material so it is just 0.55 "deep. Then after completing the first side, remove the material, rezero the bit to the spoilboard and drill the same holes into the spoilboard giving you the total depth of 1.1 " . Then insert the dowels and replace your material onto them.

Another consideration with this alternate technique is you don’t have to maintain the same X,Y zero location. You can move the spindle to a different location, rezero X and Y and then continue with drilling the holes in the spoilboard, placing the material and machining the second side. If you have a ‘pristine’ spoilboard and don’t want to drill into it, this approach would help by not drilling all the way through the material on the first side. Instead, secure a sacrifice sheet of mdf (or whatever) on top of your spoilbard and drill the holes into that for aligning the second (flipped) side.



Your boards will look something like this...(fig. 2e)

STEP 3 - Separate Parts from Material and SandSeparate the parts from the material. Sand off tab remnants and undesirable toolmarks. (fig. 3a, 3b, 3c)

fig. 2d



Shelf-and_Posts.crvfig. 2e

Separate parts from boards

fig. 3a

fig. 3b

Sand the parts

fig. 3c

Ready for assembly

STEP 4 - AssemblyTest fit the parts, then glue the fence and shelf parts together. Clamp until glue sets. (fig. 4a, 4b)

Remove clamps, then glue the four corner posts to the fence assembly. Reapply clamps until dry. (fig. 4c. 4d)

Remove the clamps and glue on the post toppers/caps.(fig. 4e)

Clamp til glue sets (30 to 40 minutes)

Glue fence and shelf parts. Start with one corner, add the shelf, than add remaining fence sections. Use CA glue or pin nailer to tack parts and ease assembly.

STEP 5 - Apply FinishApply your choice of finish. Here’s what I used on the sample Flowerpot Terrace made of Select Pine: (fig. 5a, 5b, 5c)

• Applied two coats thinned Bulls Eye SealCoat(50/50 SealCoat and denatured alcohol)

• Sanded when dry

• Applied three coats of Spray Shellac

• Several light coats Krylon Clear Acrylic spray

In ConclusionCut four small squares of self-adhesive cork or felt pads and press them onto the bottom of each post. Insert your flowerpots and add small artificial plants or flowers to complete the project. I hope you enjoyed making your Flowerpot Terrace! Happy Carving!

Michael Tyler


(cont.)

Flowerpot Terrace

fig. 4a

fig. 4b

fig. 4c

Glue the four corner posts to the fence assembly.

Clamp the posts to the fence until dry.

fig. 4d

fig. 4e

fig. 4c

fig. 5a

Apply thinned SealCoat. Sand when dry.

fig. 5b

Apply Spray Shellac

fig. 5c

Apply Krylon Spray

• 3M Radial Bristle Discs from mcmaster.com or amazon.com(stack 3 discs at a time on your rotary tool mandrel) 80-grit: part # 4494A19 220-grit: part # 4494A18

• Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat (same as 100% de-waxed shellac) and Denatured Alcohol• Spray Shellac (Zinsser Spray Shellac is exactly the same as SealCoat)• Terracotta Flowerpots• Self-Adhesive Cork Sheeting

4 "

Items Purchased at Home Depot™ or Lowes™

Krylon Clear Glossfrom WalMart


Materials Source Page

• 1" diameter round wooden “ball knobs” (for post caps)

Items Purchased at Hobby Lobby™

The trademarks, service marks and logos used and displayed in this document are registered and unregistered Trademarks of Vectric and others.

RESOURCES...There are numerous resources for Vectric software owners to make their experience with their products more enjoyable. The Vectric website includes video tutorials and more, to provide a good overview of the software products and how to use them. Please visit the Support page for a complete listing of available resources for you.

Vectric Support: http://support.vectric.com/

Vectric User Forum:

Every owner should join the Vectric User Forum where fellow users share their experience and knowledge on a daily basis. It is a FREE service that you will surely appreciate. A handy Search Feature helps you find answers to any questions you may have. There are Gallery sections as well, where you can post and view photos of projects created with Vectric software.

IMPORTANT: Before outputting any toolpaths you should carefully check all part sizes and the material setup to make sure they are appropriate for your actual setup.You should also check and re-calculate all toolpaths with safe and appropriate settings for your material, CNC machine and tooling.

Terms of Use: This Project and artwork is provided on the understanding that it will only be used with Vectric software programs. You may use the designs to carve parts for sale but the Files and/or Vectors, Components or Toolpaths within them (or any derivatives) may not be converted to other formats, sold to, or shared with anyone else. Copyright 2017 - Vectric Ltd.

http://www.vectric.com/forum/

This project was created by Michael Tyler and is


Additional Resources

current version of: flowerpot terrace - vectric ltd · 2018-07-17 · •...

Documents