V-Carving Text and Logos in Vectric Aspire on the Wolfpawn 4040 Pro
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V-carving uses a V-shaped bit whose cutting depth is determined by the width of the vector path. Wider areas cut deeper, narrow areas stay shallow. The result looks hand-carved.
Bit Selection
| Bit | Best For |
|---|---|
| 60° V-bit | Detailed text, fine lines |
| 90° V-bit | Bold text, wider designs, faster |
| 120° V-bit | Very wide fills, shallow profiles |
Start with 60° for most sign work.
Setting Up in Vectric Aspire
- Import or draw your vectors (text, logo artwork)
- Convert text to curves: Right-click → Convert to Curves
- Toolpaths panel → V-Carve / Engraving Toolpath
- Select your V-bit from the tool database
- Set Flat Depth (optional) — limits max depth to prevent going too deep on wide areas
- Calculate — preview shows the carved result in 3D
Recommended Settings
| Material | RPM | Feed (mm/min) | Plunge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine/MDF | 9000 | 1500 | 400 |
| Hardwood | 9000 | 900 | 250 |
| Plywood | 8500 | 1200 | 350 |
Getting Clean Results
- Sharp bit is critical — V-bits dull faster than end mills
- Run a pocket toolpath first for wide areas, then V-carve for detail
- Climb cut on final pass for smoother walls
- Slow down plunge speed — V-bits entering material at angle can chatter
Post-Processing
- Sand lightly with 220 grit across the carved surface — removes fuzz
- Blow out debris with compressed air before staining/painting
- Apply colored paint into V-carved channels, wipe off excess when semi-dry = painted inlay look
- Seal with satin or matte poly
Font Selection
Not all fonts V-carve well:
- Good: serif fonts with varying stroke width, clean sans-serif
- Avoid: very thin stroke fonts (barely carve), or fonts with inside curves that require tiny toolpaths