Easel Pro users can get a cleaner finish and better-looking carving by using raster toolpaths to carve wood. The raster toolpath setting changes how the bit moves across your material when carving filled shapes in your project.

By default, Easel uses the Offset strategy: the bit typically starts in the center of a filled area and gradually works its way to the edges, following the contours of your design.

By contrast, with the raster approach, the bit's toolpath moves back and forth in a linear direction.

The main advantage of raster toolpaths comes when carving wood. Because the bit moves linearly in parallel lines, using raster can help you follow the direction of the wood grain. By carving with the wood grain, you will see a much cleaner finish on the resulting carve.

Choosing a raster direction

To use this feature, open the Bit menu (1). Under Toolpaths, change the Fill method (2) from Offset to Raster X or Raster Y.

You can choose to have the raster direction move parallel with your X-axis (Raster X)...

...or with your Y-axis (Raster Y):

The appropriate choice should be made based on which way you've mounted your workpiece on the wasteboard. If the wood grain is oriented horizontally, choose Raster X. If the wood grain is oriented vertically, choose Raster Y.

Two-stage carves

When a raster direction is selected, all filled shapes will automatically be carved using the same raster strategy for the corresponding workpiece. If you are doing a two-stage carve with a roughing and detail pass, you can pick the fill method used for each bit. Open the Bit (1) or Detail Bit (2) tab and set its Fill method (3).