Machine cutting area dimensions is the range the center of the spindle can reach. To get the actual dimensions of your machine, home it to (0,0), then jog all the way to the right to get your max X, and jog all the way back for the max Y.
The selection of machine in Vcarve is for creating the correct G/M Code for the machine’s instruction set. The material dimensions you set in your project actually don’t matter. The important parts are the [Z Zero] and [XY Datum] positions, as this is the reference point from which all vectors/toolpaths are calculated. I think of the design software as a map generator. When you define your work 0 on the machine, you are placing the map’s home reference point at this location.
Example: You can create a project with a material size of 48x48, and use it on a machine that is 24x24. However, you can only execute the toolpaths for the vectors that fit within the machine’s accessible area. In the example below, I have 10" diameter circles centered in each square foot section.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Your actual material can be any size (that fits between the rails. If it’s smaller than the toolpath, you’ll just cut air where the toolpath is outside the material.
- You can cut material outside the machine dimensions (up to the bit radius). The toolpath (spindle center) has to remain inside the machine limits.