Carving a Contour Line Art Picture Using a CNC Router

I have been playing around with various ideas for using a CNC router. I like the look of a "Contour Line" picture but did not know how to go about creating one. Not being the best Artist in the world, I decided to get some help using AI. I Found a "Contour Line" style picture on the web and proceed to ask ChatGPT how I could create a similar image. After some back and forth, ChatGPT gave me a Contour Line Art Prompt Template. Using that template a a picture of my dog, The rest is history.

Computer

Carbide create

CNC Router

Carbide Create software or equivalent CNC software

Carbide Motion software software or equivalent machine control software

Wood

Stain (optional)

Spray finish, Lacquer or Polyurethane

1. Using the below Template, ask Chat GPT to create a Contour Line Art from a picture you uplaoded.

Contour Line Art Prompt Template

Prompt:

Create a contour line art illustration of [insert subject here].

The image should be made entirely of smooth curved lines that wrap around the form to define its shape and depth.

Include a background made from flowing contour lines that complement the figure.

Use black lines on a [white or black] background.

Keep the design clean, evenly spaced, and CNC- or laser-ready in a vector style.

Emphasize form and flow rather than texture.

High contrast and minimal shading.

🔧 Optional Modifiers

You can mix and match these phrases:

1. Viewpoint: side view | front view | 3/4 view | top view
2. Line feel: tight contour lines | fluid topographic lines | varying line thickness
3. Background: wavy field | concentric lines | topographic terrain | circular burst
4. Subject details: wearing hat | holding shotgun | classic car front | dancer pose
5. Output intent: SVG vector design | CNC-ready | laser engraving pattern | 2.5D carving prep

1. Change the first line of the prompt to, "Create a contour line art illustration of the attached photo." and upload a photo.
2. Use the optional modifiers as desired.
3. ChatGPT will now generate a picture as a response.
4. Download that picture as a png file.

1. Open Carbide Create and start a new file.
2. Using the Irace Image function, select the desired file.
3. Select the Trace Image button, when the image has traced select OK.
4. Draw an outline around the image if desired.
5. Select all the vectors the click on Boolean button then for the Boolean Type, click on the "INTERSECTION" icon followed by OK.
6. Redraw the outline.
7. Add Tabs to the outline.
8. Save the file.

1. Select all Vectors with the exception of the outline.
2. Select the VCarve option followed by the VCarve bit you wish to use then OK.
3. Select the Outline.
4. Select the Contour Toolpath, choose a bit.
5. Set the Max Depth to the thickness of the material,
6. Select the Offset Direction to Outside/Right, then click OK.
7. Run a Simulation to check that the carve is correct.
8. If everything is fine, save the file.

1. Secure the material to the waste board.
2. Load the file in Carbide Motion.
3. Set the zeros point for the stock (in this case the zero point chosen was the center of the stock).
4. Commence cutting, changing the bits as required
5. When cutting is complete, remove the material from the waste board and cut off any tabs that may have been used.

Stain and finish as desired using stain, varnish, lacquer, etc. as desired.