creating a texture?

[Carve Daddy]

hi guys....just wondering how I can create my own textures...:confused:

I would like to make several, however, the main one I'm looking for is an "old weathered pine" look...something like this:
http://i719.photobucket.com/albums/ww199/Baja_Daddy/Wood_Texture.jpg
thanks in advance...

[JOHNB]

search for "wood grain" pattern. one was posted a long time ago.

[Kenm810]

Here's one I posted a while ago,
I entered a photo I had in to CW's Designer,
and use the texture on several of my projects. :wink:


Old Barn Wood (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=4825&highlight=barn+wood)

[Carve Daddy]

thanks guys.....
I was doing a lil tinkering, and just imported the image as if it were an image....it looks pretty good, I just cant figure out how to add them to "textures"...I guess I will just keep them in my "patterns" folder and use them that way, as a pattern instead of a texture.

[mgnagy]

thanks guys.....
I was doing a lil tinkering, and just imported the image as if it were an image....it looks pretty good, I just cant figure out how to add them to "textures"...I guess I will just keep them in my "patterns" folder and use them that way, as a pattern instead of a texture.

Yeah, that's pretty much what you're going to have to do.

Another neat idea on making cool textures would be to download a free program called Gimp. It's a free alternative to Photoshop (if you have PS - use it!) and just draw a line. Then just play with all the filters until you get a good texture. Make sure to use grayscale from the get go so you have an idea of what the end result may look like when you import it into the software.

I've been able to pull off some really cool effects with this and I thought I'd share.

[James RS]

I just made this from the picture you posted, thought I'd give it a try.

Jim

[miragese]

I would like some other textures other than the ones installed with designer. I would like some that are more flat, like fish net. Has anyone found a web site with textures?

[Kenm810]

miragese,

Sorry to say, so far as I know we're not able to add actual texture Files to Designer.
A few of us have worked around it a bit by importing photos as .png files,
and make them into designer .ptn graphic files that we can incorporate into our carvings.
It's not much, but if you can get a photo of a pattern you like, in most cases you can carve it.

[miragese]

I did not know of saving as a pattern. I was saving downloads as jpegs. I like the grate look was that a photo?

[Kenm810]

Yep you got it, right of the Web, I saved it as a .png photo file
and imported the image file right into designer. :wink:

[Fletcher]

That Dentist's sign was done using a sandblaster. A friend of mine has a business doing those. He cuts adhesive vinyl mask, places it where needed, and then sand blasts away at the unmasked areas. The masked areas and the harder grains in the wood stay higher and the softer grains get blasted away and therefore end up shallower. He then paints them, or if required, sends them to a local artist for painting.

However, some of the wood grain patterns you guys have shown here would probably look just as good, if not better, than that! This little machine and software open my eyes daily to new possibilities! :mrgreen:

[Kenm810]

I've been doing textures like this for a long time,
on Signfoam and wood.

It's just something else to add to your toy box. :wink:

[Rick P]

KenM810,
Can you expalin how you did this texture?

[Kenm810]

I took Carve Daddy's Photo of weathered Pine from the first Post in this Thread,
turned it on its side, stretched and cropped to the size I wanted,
then imported its png photo into Designer to as a Pattern and saved it as a ptn file.
You can then make it nearly any shape or depth you need.
I've done the samething with several other Photos or Graphics
to get the textured results I want for my projects. :grin:

[Kenm810]

I’ve posted this info before -- “probably others have too”,

But you can carve signs or plaques the look like Bark covered or Wood Grained Log Slabs.
Then add your Text and Graphic patterns to them as needed, and finish it will your paints or stains.

For example you just use a cut-off from a Pine 2" x 6" :cool:

[Woodhacker]

Here is another woodgrain pattern I created in CorelDraw. It got it's start from the original .jpg posted by Carvdaddy. Just a little tweaking and ya get something brand new. The .ptn file is too large to upload, but I will email it to anyone who would like to have it. Hope ya like itl

[Rick P]

KenM810,
More questions...sorry...how do you select and edit the text in the wood grained appearing log slabs ??

I tried the usual way, but could select the text??

[Kenm810]

Hi Rick P,

All the Text and Graphics in the those examples were added in CW Designer.
You can type multiple line of the same Text, or single Lines to change the Font and Size.
It's the same with the Graphics, the moon I used behind the pine was just a circular dot
that I sized to what I needed, and all added in Designer. :wink:

If you have time, you can play with the .mpc files to see how easy it is to do

[Rick P]

Kenm810,
To be able to edit the text I had to delete the curved surface feature and then I don't know how to return to the curved design with my text.

I must be missing something???

[AskBud]

Kenm810,
To be able to edit the text I had to delete the curved surface feature and then I don't know how to return to the curved design with my text.

I must be missing something???

Hi Rick,
Start again. I think you may find it works better, and faster, to click the TEXTURE Icon so the design turns to Brown rather than the gray. Odd texture/colors seem to slow my PC down while designing.

If you go to the Carving List, on the Left, you can Right Click the text and select EDIT. It is sometimes faster than trying to click the correct spot within the text on/in the design (due to the complex design on some projects).

PS: The Dome used is the Vertical Dome.
AskBud

[Ike]

Rick I think the reason you can see the text is it might be set too deep or has been inverted?

Ken, I mean master, my question I love the look, but how do I make it larger? I tried resizing it for a 24" long sign and wanted a wider board. I don't know how!

Ike

YAY I fungered it out!!! I mean figured it out!

[Kenm810]

It's kind of fun to play around with textures to see what you can come up with,
You can make the log slab by grouping the W-G Pattern
with a Carved Region and the Dome menu to make any size sign you need.

[Ike]

It's kind of fun to play around with textures to see what you can come up with,
You can make the log slab by grouping the W-G Pattern
with a Carved Region and the Dome menu to make any size sign you need.

Ken you are the best! I am going to introduce this new sign as soon as I get home!

Ike

[Kenm810]

Hey Ike, Looks Good! http://forum.carvewright.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

Here's one Carved to look like a Old Tattered Board

[Woodhacker]

Alright Ken...how the devil did you make that "Tattered Board" texture? I have been playing around with the WG pattern and various surfaces and it works very well. I even made a texture. But, I can't figure out how you got the knot detail in there. Would you be willing to share that one?? Great job!!

[Kenm810]

Hi Richard,

I'm always willing to share, -- I came up with the pattern of Barnwood grain 2yrs ago this month,
I posted it back then and have used it on several of my projects since.
It's one of many of my early patterns that I can no longer post the ptn file became of the changes in the Designer Versions over a year ago.
Fortunately you can still do a copy/paste from the mpc file and use it if you like, you can stretch or pull it's size and shape to suite your needs.

Old Barn Wood (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=4825&highlight=Barn+wood)

[Kenm810]

Here's one I didn't think would work, --- But it does!!

You're more than Welcome to play around with this one a bit,
I'd like to see the variations that some folks will come up with. :grin:

[Woodhacker]

Thanx buddy...I think this will go real well with a couple of ideas I have. What program did you use to design the pattern? Or, is this another one that was copied from a .jpg and turned into a grayscale and then imported as a .png??? I gotta learn ALL these techniques...lol. Thanx again.

[Kenm810]

The Barn Wood Pattern was one that I digitally photoed the sample of wood that I made myself,
and save as a png file, I used CW Designer to finish the ptn Pattern
and started using a carving it the the same day.:wink:


Ps. --- I use grayscale only about half time. :razz:

[Walker Sky Ranch]

How do you think I could create this texture?

[mtylerfl]

How do you think I could create this texture?


Hello,

Textures like that (and an unlimited variation of other textures) can very easily be done in the Aspire software (http://www.vectric.com).

The way a texture like what you showed is done, is to use Aspire's "Create Texturing Toolpath" feature and assign a ballnose bit. Specify depth, length, max % overlap, stepover variation, and direction angle. Then you click "Calculate" and the toolpath will be performed on-screen.

You then generate a preview of that tool path. After the preview is displayed, Aspire has a very useful feature of being able to create a dimensional relief component of the toolpath preview. You can then save the component as an STL or Greyscale file so you can convert it to a CarveWright pattern.

Another cool thing...you can assign and/or create whatever virtual bit you desire...in other words, you can create custom bits that do not actually exist in real life! Want a 4" Ballnose? - go for it! A giant V-bit? - that too! Yes, you can even create any custom decorative bit you want by drawing a vector shape that represents your virtual bit profile! The possibilities are immense.

Here's a screenshot of a texture created in Aspire by assigning a 1/2" ballnose as the bit...

[Walker Sky Ranch]

Hello,

Textures like that (and an unlimited variation of other textures) can very easily be done in the Aspire software (http://www.vectric.com).

The way a texture like what you showed is done, is to use Aspire's "Create Texturing Toolpath" feature and assign a ballnose bit. Specify depth, length, max % overlap, stepover variation, and direction angle. Then you click "Calculate" and the toolpath will be performed on-screen.

You then generate a preview of that tool path. After the preview is displayed, Aspire has a very useful feature of being able to create a dimensional relief component of the toolpath preview. You can then save the component as an STL or Greyscale file so you can convert it to a CarveWright pattern.

Another cool thing...you can assign and/or create whatever virtual bit you desire...in other words, you can create custom bits that do not actually exist in real life! Want a 4" Ballnose? - go for it! A giant V-bit? - that too! Yes, you can even create any custom decorative bit you want by drawing a vector shape that represents your virtual bit profile! The possibilities are immense.

Here's a screenshot of a texture created in Aspire by assigning a 1/2" ballnose as the bit...


Thanks for the tip.. I checked out the Aspire software, very impressive, but for Aspire Software $1,995, that's a little on the high end .. any alternative suggestions?

[c6craig]

Hello,

Textures like that (and an unlimited variation of other textures) can very easily be done in the Aspire software (http://www.vectric.com).

The way a texture like what you showed is done, is to use Aspire's "Create Texturing Toolpath" feature and assign a ballnose bit. Specify depth, length, max % overlap, stepover variation, and direction angle. Then you click "Calculate" and the toolpath will be performed on-screen.

You then generate a preview of that tool path. After the preview is displayed, Aspire has a very useful feature of being able to create a dimensional relief component of the toolpath preview. You can then save the component as an STL or Greyscale file so you can convert it to a CarveWright pattern.

Another cool thing...you can assign and/or create whatever virtual bit you desire...in other words, you can create custom bits that do not actually exist in real life! Want a 4" Ballnose? - go for it! A giant V-bit? - that too! Yes, you can even create any custom decorative bit you want by drawing a vector shape that represents your virtual bit profile! The possibilities are immense.

Here's a screenshot of a texture created in Aspire by assigning a 1/2" ballnose as the bit...

Hi MT,

As you are the "master of patterns and POMS" :) maybe you can help me understand this. I would love to be able to create my own patterns, nothing as nice as what you do but passable for what I need. I would just like to get to the point where I don't have to rely so heavily on the kindness of others here for patterns.

I looked a bit at Aspire and it looks OK but I'm not sure what the usefulness is of some of it. That and it is aweful expensive.

What's the point of being able to create all these virtual bits that dont exist (like a 4" ballnose) if you dont really have a bit to carve with?

Thanks,
Craig

[mtylerfl]

Hi MT,

As you are the "master of patterns and POMS" :) maybe you can help me understand this. I would love to be able to create my own patterns, nothing as nice as what you do but passable for what I need. I would just like to get to the point where I don't have to rely so heavily on the kindness of others here for patterns.

I looked a bit at Aspire and it looks OK but I'm not sure what the usefulness is of some of it. That and it is aweful expensive.

What's the point of being able to create all these virtual bits that dont exist (like a 4" ballnose) if you dont really have a bit to carve with?

Thanks,
Craig


Thanks for the tip.. I checked out the Aspire software, very impressive, but for Aspire Software $1,995, that's a little on the high end .. any alternative suggestions?

Hi Guys,

That's the great thing about Aspire - you can accomplish just about anything you want, as far as dimensional relief pattern-making for our machines. At 2K, it's not for everybody, but it is considerably less $ than the closest competitor (ArtCAM for $7500 to $10,000 plus an annual fee to keep the software current!). The Aspire developers used to work for the ArtCAM company (Delcam) for 15 years, but they decided to start their own company and develop an easier-to-use software and one that was more affordable to a much larger audience.

OK, that's enough of the 'pitch' - sorry, can't help it - I do get excited about it, don't I?;) One of these days, I should do my own Tips & Tricks on how to make patterns specifically for the CW using Aspire - so much power and flexibility there.

Walker Sky Ranch, you can check out some of the 3D software suggestions and links that others have posted here and there in the forum. You can also try creating patterns using greyscale "painting". Creating textures from photos of wood, etc. shouldn't be too hard to do - you just need to find a suitable photo (or take photos yourself like Ken does in his wonderful texture examples).

None of the other products or 'graphic-technique' alternatives are specifically equipped with the tools for artistic relief modeling in the same sense that Aspire and ArtCAM are, but you could certainly create many, many useful items with the alternatives. For example, my Victorian House project was created almost entirely with greyscale "painting" in a photo editing program! - it nearly 'killed me' with the over 50 hours it took to make it, but it is doable - especially if you have a really solid graphics background and if you like torturing yourself!;)

On to Craig's question...

Thanks, Craig. As much as I use Aspire, I haven't even come close to realizing its full potential, by a long shot. It can even do 3D wrapping for 4-axis machining, but I have just barely 'played' with that feature! Lots more to explore...and I do not consider myself a 'master', by any means! I'm just one of thousands of users that has a great time learning and using the software.

Craig, anything you create with a "virtual bit" or otherwise, will ultimately become a relief model (a pattern). For us CW users, the patterns are carved with the CW's 1/16" Carving Bit. For example, the Secret Key holder decorative edge looks like an ogee bit carved it...but, no, I created my own custom profile shape (based on a molding profile I found on the web). Same for the Classic Round Clock - it's a custom profile around the perimeter that I created based upon the actual antique post office clocks. I swept the profile along the edges of the 'frame' (in this case I used the 2-rail sweep feature, not the custom bit toolpath, but I could have done it either way - no difference at all in the outcome).

After converting the Aspire model to a pattern for the CW (by saving as an STL or Greyscale bitmap), it is carved entirely with the 1/16" Carving Bit. So to sum up, whatever you create, the CW can probably carve it!

[c6craig]

Wow, maybe someday :) Thanks for the great explanation MT!

Craig

[Walker Sky Ranch]

mtylerfl
Thanks for the great info.. Aspire it is!! not right now, but soon!

[liquidguitars]

Save your money Aspire is way over priced for what the software can do " old and slow" it's not 3D but only 2.5 D to boot. with Aspire your upgrade path is limited for future projects. I think It would be better to learn one of the available 3D programs like Moi or 3D-coat more power, less $$$

The price for Aspire is 1995.00 U.S :mad: as a way to market this junk I think Vectric will give money to its agents to promote it's software on the forums like this. :)

LG

[mtylerfl]

Save your money Aspire is way over priced for what the software can do " old and slow"

The price for Aspire is 1995.00 U.S :mad: as a way to market this junk I think Vectric will give money to its agents to promote it's software on the forums like this. :)

LG

Hi LG,

Of course, you are entitled to your own opinion, and I respect that. Regardless, I can't think of much that I cannot do with the software as far as creating beautiful and useful relief patterns for our CW or any other CNC machine.

I sure wish I got paid when I sang the praises of Aspire, ArtCAM, the CarveWright or any other product I really like and enjoy!

[cnsranch]

Save your money Aspire is way over priced for what the software can do " old and slow"

The price for Aspire is 1995.00 U.S :mad: as a way to market this junk I think Vectric will give money to its agents to promote it's software on the forums like this. :)

LG

Did you write that book - "How to Win Friends and Influence People"?

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_20.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSfox000)

[liquidguitars]

Did you write that book - "How to Win Friends and Influence People"?

I guess I more of a closer type, and I have made a impact in my industry 3D. As a result I know tons of artist going on to make 100k buying homes that i have influenced I see no real advantage to learn a expensive 2.5 software in this new Voxel world we live in.

I probably be moving on soon as a muse then you guys can get you Aspire on. :) who knows..

[jpaluck]

LG

Besides the guitars you build, I have seen the 3d models you have on your site...you would be a hard guy to argue with..LOL..Awsome work...and saw the dates of some of those 3d works can only imagine what the software learning curve was back then

[Kenm810]

My poor Boy's way to do it,

I use CW Designer with the help of the free graphics program (Paint.Net) http://www.getpaint.net/index.html

In Designer I use the 1/2" bull nose bit to make a few rows of small vector line slashes from left to right across the top of my Project Board,
select all and finish the board with repeated copy/pastes. Then do a Screen capture to crop and save as a png file in Paint.Net.
I can now import the png photo into Designer to save as a ptn pattern to use on my mpc projects,
Also each time I open the pattern I can change the lighting on it and modify it in the Designer Pattern Editor and
Photo it again and again to morph the original png file into nearly any Wood Grain Pattern I might want.
Nothing Fancy at all -- :neutral:

[liquidguitars]

John, Thanks!

Ken, that looks like a nice and fast way to make the texture in Designer..

Policies:

Regarding Aspire:

5.Advertising, spamming, and trolling are not allowed. This includes using the Forum email or message system to spam other members. Product announcements of direct interest to the CarveWright community are acceptable, but blatant advertisements or repetitious discussions of outside products are not allowed.

LG

[LeatherMan]

Very much appreciate all the help so many of you folks give! Not to mention the freebies like the wood grain texture. I've been using the CW for making small embossing blocks to press onto leather (mostly Corian). The machine is awesome!

I remembered I had to have a sign of my biz to hang at the local tourist trap that's opening May 1st. The sign I whipped out is perfect! Dang I miss woodworking!

Thanks again!

Dan, Dan the Leather Man....

[fwharris]

Very much appreciate all the help so many of you folks give! Not to mention the freebies like the wood grain texture. I've been using the CW for making small embossing blocks to press onto leather (mostly Corian). The machine is awesome!

I remembered I had to have a sign of my biz to hang at the local tourist trap that's opening May 1st. The sign I whipped out is perfect! Dang I miss woodworking!

Thanks again!

Dan, Dan the Leather Man....

Dan,

Glad to hear your leather embossing process is working out for you and also glad to see you are doing some wood too!! :D

[mtylerfl]

My poor Boy's way to do it,

I use CW Designer with the help of the free graphics program (Paint.Net) http://www.getpaint.net/index.html

...

Excellent tip, Ken! We appreciate it!



Policies:

Regarding Aspire:

5.Advertising, spamming, and trolling are not allowed. This includes using the Forum email or message system to spam other members. Product announcements of direct interest to the CarveWright community are acceptable, but blatant advertisements or repetitious discussions of outside products are not allowed.

LG

You're gettin' funny, now.;)