V-carve and pocketing
V-carve and pocket toolpaths, straight from an image
Carve lettering and designs into the board instead of cutting them out. Magic Carve generates V-carve and pocket toolpaths in the browser and shows you the carved result before any wood is cut.
Tracing is free in your browser. A free account exports files of up to 40 shapes; paid plans from $2 a month export without limits.
How it works
Trace your design
Upload a logo, lettering or drawing and trace it into closed shapes.
Pick V-carve or pocket
Choose a V-bit for bevelled carving or an end mill to clear the shapes flat to depth.
Preview and export
Check the shaded carved preview, then download G-code for your router.
Why woodworkers use Magic Carve
Sharp V-carved corners
The V-bit follows the middle of each shape and runs right out into its corners, giving crisp bevelled edges.
Depth limit and flat floors
Set a maximum depth; wider areas are cleared flat at that depth, and the Studio tells you how much of the design that affects.
Pockets that leave islands
Pockets are cleared from the middle outward and keep the bit a full radius from every wall and island.
A preview that shows the truth
The carved preview simulates the actual bit along every move, so corners it cannot reach show up before you cut.
Questions
What is V-carving?
Carving with a V-shaped bit that goes deeper where a shape is wider, so both sides of the cut meet the drawn line exactly. It gives the bevelled look of hand-carved lettering.
Which bit should I use?
A 60° or 90° V-bit for V-carving; a flat end mill for pockets. The Studio warns you if the bit does not suit the operation.
How long does a V-carve take?
The Studio estimates the time for every job from the toolpath's length, the feed rate and the moves between cuts.
Is it free?
Generating and previewing toolpaths is free. A free account exports files of up to 40 shapes; paid plans from $2 a month export without limits.