Carvey is a 300-watt 12,000-RPM spindle suitable for cutting and carving into a variety of wood, wood products, plastics, etc. Carvey can even carve through your material depending on the thickness of your material and the length of the cutting flutes on the bit. How long the carve/cut will take is proportionate to the depth of cut (how many passes), the diameter of the bit (the smaller the bit, the more time it will take to finish), and the density of the material (how fast it can travel). The max dimensions of your piece are 12” wide (X) x 8” deep (Y) x 2.75” tall (Z). |
This class is designed for you to learn the basics of Easel (the online design software) and the Carvey. Our project together will be for you to design your diploma and then carve it. You may keep it if you wish, but we would welcome it as an addition on our soon-to-be display wall.
We will carve on a 5.875" x 5.875" x .125" mdf tile that has been colored with spray paint. We will carve/etch a very thin layer to remove the paint and expose the dark inner core. We have a variety of painted tiles available and ready for your selection. If you wish for a specific color, you may come in ahead of class to prepare your own using the paint booth (instructions for use are on the side of the booth). Additionally, while at class, you will have the opportunity to paint a new tile for future attendees. This will keep the inventory up, and you get to learn 2 stations in 1 class! You may bring in (and leave) any spray paint that you no longer need. We'll be happy to add it to our inventory!
Before you can register for the class, you will need to complete the design of your diploma. It should only take 30 min to complete. The section below provides a brief tour of the navigation of the Easel layout as well as the specific requirements for the diploma. After you have finished the design, complete this form, and you will be emailed a code for use when registering for the class.
Your Carvey Diploma will need to include: your name, date of the class, and a picture or icon of your choosing.
Open https://easel.inventables.com/ and sign in.
Create an account if you have not already done so.
Click “New Project” (Green button on the top-right.)
You should see something like this (website is continually updated and improved so subtle differences may be possible).
The numbered steps below correspond to the numbered links/locations in the picture above.
Set the Machine to Carvey. You will know you are correct when you see the red corner (a no-carve zone) in the lower-left of the design area.
You will be designing your Carvey Diploma. Please set the Material Type to MDF and the Material Dimensions to
X: 5.875 inches (5 7/8")
Y: 5.875 inches (5 7/8")
Z: .125 inches (1/8")
Bit dimensions (recommend either 1/8" or 1/16") depending on the level of detail your design requires.
Insert standard Shapes, if desired.
The Font selector is pre-loaded with many options. Not all font selections will work with all bit widths. Be sure to click on ‘Simulate’ (Step 11) to see how it renders. Either enlarge text size or reduce bit size for better results.
The Pro Design Library filled with Icon/Picture selections. Pick something that makes you smile or represents you or import your own (step 8).
Apps: Powerful options for customizing your carve. Maze generator, box generator, inlays, rubber stamp, etc. Play around to see what you can come up with. Not required for your diploma but great ideas for your next use!
Import your own SVG or DXF. Can also convert JPG/PNG but may have mixed results.)
With an object selected, set your depth of Cut. For this class, depth only needs to be .01 inches.
Click on Shape for additional edits to your shape (size, aspect ratio, angle, font, etc.).
Simulation for rendering and estimate of carve time.
Pro tip! Select multiple objects (press and hold shift on your keyboard, and click additional shapes) and a new floating alignment toolbar will appear to assist! You can align Left/Right/Center/Top/Middle/Baseline.
Keep in Mind:
Submit your ideas and questions to Carvey@make717.org! |