Hello world!

[welderbabe]

I'm a sculptor, maker, teacher, human! I have an Inventables Carvey and am trying to create g code toolpaths to cut gradients so I can carve relief photos. I have a Fusion 360 acct & Inkscape and have been trying to find the workflow to convert, would greatly appreciate help!!! You can see what I normally do at PamelaOlin.com. Thank you in advance for any support!

[adbuch]

Hi Pamela,
Welcome to the forum! Nice website! I am somewhat familiar with Fusion 360 - can you show us a sample (photo or stl file) of what you are interested in cutting?
Thanks,
David

[welderbabe]

I'm interested in using B&W photos to do relief carvings, so need to be able to create tool paths for gradients. I can do this with simple B&W images but have not been able to figure out how to convert smooth gradients to tool paths. My research keeps coming back to Fusion, I can't find a tutorial that just addresses my goal. I really don't want to take the deep dive when my needs are specific. At this point, I'm open to any way to accomplish this! Even working with someone who can convert for me!!! Thank you for responding!

[acourtjester]

Welcome aboard, interesting happy side of life, very colorful
You may want to look at this site. https://www.google.com/search?q=gradien ... e&ie=UTF-8
have fun
Tom

[adbuch]

I'm interested in using B&W photos to do relief carvings, so need to be able to create tool paths for gradients. I can do this with simple B&W images but have not been able to figure out how to convert smooth gradients to tool paths. My research keeps coming back to Fusion, I can't find a tutorial that just addresses my goal. I really don't want to take the deep dive when my needs are specific. At this point, I'm open to any way to accomplish this! Even working with someone who can convert for me!!! Thank you for responding!

So it sounds like your question is how to create a solid model with gradients from your photo? Or do you already have the solid model and are having problems creating the tool paths in Fusion 360? Presumably these gradients are contained in your solid model. It would be easier for me try to help you if you would provide an example stl file that you are working with, or if you haven't progressed that far - then the images and/or file that you do have.
Thanks,
David

[welderbabe]

Thank you! I don't have a solid model, want to be able to take any b&w photo and carve in shallow relief. I know I'm over my head, don't even know how to ask!!

[adbuch]

You mentioned that you do this for simple black and white images. Perhaps show an example of that and describe your process as a place for us to start.
Thanks,
David

[adbuch]

Pamela,
Vectric Aspire would be one way to accomplish this. I own Aspire and it is pretty easy to learn and use, but sort of pricey.
This video will give you an idea of the work flow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5nuP1z702U

Here is a photo from the internet that I converted using Aspire.

man.jpg (59.13 KiB) Viewed 879 times

man.jpg (59.13 KiB) Viewed 879 times

Vectric also offers PhotoVCarve used to convert a photograph to a CNC relief. You can see how it works here.
They offer a free trial and the cost to purchase is around $150.
David

https://robocnc.nl/?p=2121
https://www.vectric.com/free-trial/photovcarve

[welderbabe]

I am using a Carvey cnc (from Inventables) with a MacBook Pro, I checked out the Aspire products, all for Windows. The images I use to cut currently are simply imported into the Easel software (jpg or svg or g code are my options). They are simple B&W, no gradients. I draw on my iPad Pro, images go to Mac via iCloud, import into Easel, adjust size, depth, bit, etc & carve. I've got to believe there's a fairly straightforward way to take a photo and convert it into tool paths to carve effectively 2.5D. I can use Inkscape to convert files.

[adbuch]

Pamela,
Vectric products will run on a Mac using Parallels Desktop. Priced from $29.99 to $79.99 depending on the version. This may be worth a look.
David


"Fast, Powerful and Easy
Run thousands of Windows apps like Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Access, Quicken, QuickBooks, Visual Studio, even graphic intensive games and CAD programs without compromising on performance or rebooting."



https://www.parallels.com/pd/general/?g ... jPEALw_wcB

[adbuch]

I draw on my iPad Pro, images go to Mac via iCloud, import into Easel, adjust size, depth, bit, etc & carve. I've got to believe there's a fairly straightforward way to take a photo and convert it into tool paths to carve effectively 2.5D. I can use Inkscape to convert files.

Are you saying that you manually trace over the image using your iPad Pro? It would be helpful to see some photos showing the image you start with, the image after "drawing" on it, and what your finished drawing and carved part look like. I am trying to understand what your specific process is so I can try to help you achieve you desired end result.
David

[adbuch]

I am using a Carvey cnc (from Inventables) with a MacBook Pro, I checked out the Aspire products, all for Windows. The images I use to cut currently are simply imported into the Easel software (jpg or svg or g code are my options). They are simple B&W, no gradients. I draw on my iPad Pro, images go to Mac via iCloud, import into Easel, adjust size, depth, bit, etc & carve. I've got to believe there's a fairly straightforward way to take a photo and convert it into tool paths to carve effectively 2.5D. I can use Inkscape to convert files.

Pamela,
Since we haven't heard back from you, I assume that you've got it all sorted out with Parallels and are up and running.
David