Toolpaths

Operations turn layer geometry into machine motion. Each operation targets a layer, uses a bit from your bit library, and keeps its result cached until the geometry or parameters change.

The operations

• V-carve — the sign maker’s signature cut: a V-bit traces variable depth so lettering gets crisp beveled walls with sharp inside corners.
• Engrave — traces open paths (single-line fonts, decorative lines) at a set depth, in depth passes when needed.
• Pocket — clears an enclosed area flat, with concentric clearing and configurable stepover.
• Profile — cuts along or around outlines to free parts from stock, with holding tabs so pieces don’t shift on the last pass, and start-point control over where the bit enters.
• Fluting — decorative grooves along open paths.
• Relief — carves 3D height from a grayscale depth map or an imported 3D mesh: a roughing pass hogs material (layered, or full-depth terrace-by-terrace), then a finishing pass traces the surface.

Bits and feeds

The bit library stores each cutter’s geometry (diameter, V-angle, and so on) plus feeds and speeds — in millimeters or inches, including inch-grid chiploads. Operations reference bits by name, so updating a bit updates every operation that uses it.

Sanity checks before cutting

ChantoCNC checks that the chosen bit can actually produce the shape — a slot narrower than the cutter, a fill operation on open centerlines, and similar mismatches are flagged when you configure the operation, not discovered on the machine.

Depth strategy

Operations cut in depth passes sized to the bit; where it’s safe you can choose full-depth strategies that cut each region once at final depth instead of layer-by-layer, trading spindle load for time.