By now almost every CNC Router owner has seen software do fancy photo carvings in wood. Most of these softwares
are very expensive and require extensive training to do this kind of programming. ImageCarve is a product that lets anyone
create image carvings easily. The results are the same as the high priced softwares g-code, and can be as detailed as you
want.
The idea is simple, just take an image into a photo editor and "clean up" the background and make the image
look like you want it. When you get it like you want it, convert it into a .pgm file. This is a file type that is a layered
grayscale. ImageCarve uses the different layers or shades to produce the depth of cut or Z axis depth, as well as scaling
the X and Y coordinates to the desired carving size. This still sounds complicated but, all you do is import the .pgm
file, select the maximum depth of cut, select the finished carving size, select the resolution or step-over amount, then click
convert! It is that easy.
Processing speed, of course, is influenced by many factors but the average time we have seen on a 10"x12" is about 2
minutes. This file size is around 2.5 meg of "text" G-Code.
Once the carving is done just apply stain, then sand lightly the entire carving.
The white or lightest shades will seem to rise out of the wood and the darkest will remain the color of the
stain. You will be impressed! Everyone is.
What you do with ImageCarve is limited only by your imagination. Tecnique and style will develop as
you try new cutters, resolution, stain, wood etc.
