Toolpaths and Machining: Fluted Weave

Carveco Tutorial: Weaving Crossovers with Fluting Toolpath

In this tutorial, we explore the Weave Crossovers feature in the Fluting Toolpath, available exclusively in Carveco Maker Plus and Carveco. This option helps create cleaner, more elegant fluted paths when vectors cross over each other.

🔹 Preparing Vectors for Fluting

• Fluting works best with open vectors—make sure your paths have a clear start point.
• You can introduce a start node or break the vector slightly to convert a closed vector to open.
• Create rotational or mirrored copies to experiment with overlapping shapes.

🔹 Standard Fluting Path Setup

• Use the Fluting Toolpath tool and select your open vectors.
• Set a finish depth (e.g. 0.02”) and select a ball nose tool (e.g. 1/4”).
• Choose Curved Start and Curved End fluting types with entry/exit values like 20%.

🔹 Why Weave Crossovers?

• Without weaving, fluting paths that cross will overlap harshly, causing visual clutter or tool marks.
• Enabling Weave Crossovers lifts the toolpath at intersections to smoothly pass over/under each path.
• This mimics a woven ribbon effect, perfect for decorative layouts.

🔹 Enabling Weave Crossovers

• In the Fluting Toolpath options, simply tick the checkbox for Weave Crossovers.
• Recalculate your toolpath and simulate it to preview the effect.

🔹 Simulation and Result

• Run a toolpath simulation to confirm the weaved overlap appearance.
• Observe how the tool lifts and dips to pass over intersecting shapes with grace.
• This not only improves aesthetics but can reduce tool chatter at sharp intersections.