How do I prepare a vector profile for Turn and Spin in Aspire, and how do I use Spin to create a coaster or decorative plaque?

Overview

Turn and Spin both require a single open vector as their profile input: no closed loops, no multiple vectors. Getting that open vector right is half the battle. This entry covers the profile preparation workflow (including modifying clipart profiles) and the full Spin workflow for creating coasters, decorative discs, and circular plaques. For how the tools work in general, Scale to Exact Height and rosette building, see the entry on how the Turn and Spin tools work.

What Turn and Spin Need: One Open Vector

Both Turn and Spin require exactly one open vector selected: a line with two distinct end points (no closed loop). This vector defines the cross-section profile of the finished shape.

Turn: Rotates the profile around the line from its start point to its end point, creating lathe-style shapes (bottles, balusters, columns, bowls). The profile should represent the silhouette of the shape. The profile can run beneath the line between the two end points.

Spin: Rotates the profile around its LEFT END POINT to create a circular component based on the profile shape, such as coasters, rosette backgrounds, decorative discs, and boss elements. The tool always spins around the left end point, so you may need to move the vector to the right side of your job to leave room.

Method 1: Clipart Profiles

The Clipart tab can hold ready-made open vector profiles. If your installed clipart includes rotary or molding profile folders:

1. Open the Clipart tab and find the profile folder
2. Double-click any profile to place it in the 2D view
3. Confirm it is an open vector, then scale it to the size you want
4. Run Turn or Spin

Method 2: Modifying a Clipart Profile (Node Editing)

When the clipart profile is close but not quite right, modify it:

1. Place the clipart profile in the 2D view
2. Press N to enter Node Edit mode
3. Click any node and drag to reshape
4. To add more shape control, right-click a segment and insert a new node
5. Use the right-click menu on a segment to change it between a straight line and a curve
6. Press N again to exit Node Edit

Method 3: Drawing a Profile from a Line

A quick technique for creating a custom curved profile:

1. Draw a straight horizontal line at your desired length (for example 1.5")
2. Press N to enter Node Edit
3. Insert a node at the midpoint of the line
4. Drag the new center node upward to create a dome or arch
5. Continue adding and adjusting nodes for the desired silhouette
6. Press N to exit. The result is an open vector profile ready for Turn or Spin

Method 4: Combining Two Vectors Into One Open Profile

Sometimes you need a profile that combines two separate vector segments, for example a baluster leg that has a horizontal foot plus a vertical rise:

1. Draw the first segment (for example the horizontal foot)
2. Draw the second segment (for example the vertical rise)
3. Use the trimming scissors to trim any overlap
4. Make sure the two end points you want to join are very close together
5. Select both vectors and use Join Open Vectors
6. The two segments merge into one continuous open vector
7. In Node Edit, delete any redundant nodes at the join point

The result: one clean open vector profile ready for Turn or Spin.

Turn Mode: Baluster or Bottle Workflow

1. Place or draw your open vector profile in the 2D view
2. Lay it out so the line from its start point to its end point runs along the length of the finished piece, with the silhouette bulging above that line
3. Select the profile vector
4. Go to the Modeling tab, open Turn and Spin, and select Turn
5. Click Apply
6. The component appears in the 3D view as a lathe-turned shape
7. If it looks correct, click Close, or adjust the profile in Node Edit first

Size rule: the distance between the profile's end points becomes the length of the turned component, and how far the silhouette rises above that line becomes its radius.

Check size: Hover the cursor over the 3D model to read its dimensions at the bottom of the screen.

Positioning: If the component lands off to one side of the job, select the profile vector, use Transform to move it where you want the component, and re-apply.

Spin Mode: Coaster and Decorative Plaque Workflow

Spin rotates the profile around its left end point, sweeping it a full circle to create a circular shape.

Creating a Simple Coaster

1. Draw or select the profile: Use a molding profile from the clipart, or draw your own edge profile, such as a curved lip shape, an ogee edge, or a simple angled bevel
2. Orient the profile: The left end point will be the center of the coaster. The profile extends to the right, defining the radius of the disc. For a 4" diameter coaster, the profile should span 2" from the left end point to the right end.
3. Position the left end point: The coaster is centered on wherever the left end point sits in the 2D view. Move the profile so the left end point is at the center of your job (X = half job width, Y = half job height).
4. Select the profile vector, open Turn and Spin on the Modeling tab, and choose Spin
5. Click Apply. The profile spins around the left end point, creating a circular disc component with the profile shape around its edge
6. Scale to Exact Height if needed: check this box and enter the desired component height

Coaster Profile Tips

• Ogee edge profile: Creates a classic decorative coaster with an S-curve edge
• Simple bevel: An angled straight line gives a clean beveled-edge coaster
• Flat profile with decorative tip: A mostly flat line with an upturned end gives a flat disc with a small raised rim

Adding a 3D Relief on Top

After creating the coaster disc with Spin:

1. Place a 3D clipart or relief component (logo, monogram, decorative motif) centered on the disc
2. Set it to Add or Merge High combine mode
3. The relief sits on top of the disc surface
4. Run 3D Roughing and 3D Finishing toolpaths on the combined result

Turn vs Spin Quick Reference