VCarve Pro Easy Start: Material setup, bitmap import/trace, toolpaths and gcode exporting

This video will show you how to setup a project in VCarve, import bitmaps, trace them to create vectors, draw a circle to cutout the project, create vcarving and profile toolpaths, select bits and export your toolpaths to create gcode files for importing into your gcode sender. Although I use the XCarve CNC machine, this video will apply to whatever machine you use. I made this video because, when I got started with VCarve I was incredibly intimidated and, as a result, I had a very slow start. Although this is a 30 minute video, the process is quite easy and it's only this long because I take a little time to explain each step so you'll understand why you're doing what you're doing. OPTIONAL: In one section of the video, I talk about modifying GRBL settings in the XCarve's XController. If you are running a stock XCarve, you probably won't need this information. If you made some upgrades to your z axis, you might want to increase your plunge rate. This is where you start. You're looking for the $112 setting for your z max rate. Make sure your machine can handle any increase in plunge rate before you change this setting. And remember that you may need to convert inches to mm when making the change. Phil Johnson has some great tips for the XCarve, including how to edit your GRBL settings. You can find that info and the rest of his tips and tricks here: http://www.designsbyphil.com/x-carve-tips.html There's more than one way to skin a cat; others may do this differently. This is how I do it. If you have a suggestion or notice a mistake that I didn't catch, please KINDLY let me know in the comments. I hope this is helpful. Happy carving!