Why does my V-carve cut to full depth in one pass, and how do I make it take multiple passes?

Why this happens

Unlike the Profile and Pocket forms, the V-Carve toolpath form has no pass-depth field. It takes the number of Z passes from the Pass Depth stored in the tool database entry for that V-bit. If that Pass Depth is large (for example, 1"), the toolpath plunges to full depth in a single hit. Check the value on any V-bit entry you use rather than assuming it is sensible.

The fix

1. Open the Tool Database, find your V-bit, and set a sensible Pass Depth. A common starting point is 0.1 to 0.2" for hardwoods, more for soft material, and less for delicate tips (shop advice, test on scrap).
2. Recalculate the V-carve toolpath. Multiple Z passes are now generated automatically wherever the carve is deeper than the Pass Depth. Shallow areas still finish in one pass and deep centers step down.

Pro tips

• This is per tool, so it fixes every future V-carve with that bit.
• Deep V-carving in one pass is a classic way to snap a fine V-bit tip or get deflection-fattened letters. Multi-pass costs time but buys accuracy.
• If you edited the database entry but the toolpath didn't change, you may have edited a different tool than the toolpath uses. Re-select the tool inside the toolpath form (it stores its own copy of the tool settings).