Looking to get this into gcode

[ukracer]

What's the best way?

 

[MattH]

You'll need to create a DXF from measurements and then use a CAM program to create the GCode via the correct postprocessor for whichever machine the code is for.

 

[ukracer]

It's creating the DXF I have more issues with..lol

I can use sheetcam and torchmates own driver software for the last two parts.

 

[I'm getting on a bit]

Should have an export option in cad

 

[ukracer]

Should have an export option in cad

That assumes I have CAD and I know how to use it.

 

[mike os]

any free cad program will do those or try onshape... dont know about output from that tho as I have only glanced at it...

 

[MattH]

You could use Microsoft Visio if you have access to it. It will export as DXF.

 

[I'm getting on a bit]

That assumes I have CAD and I know how to use it.

Do you have a drawing/dimensions ?

If so I'd do a cad/dxf file for you if you get stuck

 

[mike os]

if you have a drawing it becomes a lot easier

 

[brianblock]

I could also do you a .dxf if I had dims

 

[ukracer]

OK guys working on that then. Be back in touch tommorow if baby sitting allows.

 

[stormin]

Use a scanner to create a pdf image and import to Autocad using a pdf to dwg converter will get it into vector format. Then just a matter of scaling to correct size and save as dxf.

 

[graffian]

Use a scanner to create a pdf image and import to Autocad using a pdf to dwg converter will get it into vector format. Then just a matter of scaling to correct size and save as dxf.

Does that work?

 

[brianblock]

Does that work?

No.

 

[graffian]

No.

That's my experience.
I tried scanning then live trace in illustrator to make a vector; then I spent longer tidying the
vector up than I would have spent drawing it from scratch.

 

[ukracer]

I am now waitin for the real article to turn up so I can get exact dimensions from it.

 

[Will_s87]

you can download autocad for free from the autodesk website if you select it as an educational tool, any variety will do, I've been using it for about 2 years (educational version), a minute to learn, a lifetime to master as they say

 

[gerrymoore]

Serif drawplus 6 works well for me...draw the shape to scale and export as a dxf..I use it all the time for my plasma cnc.

 

[ukracer]

Serif drawplus 6 works well for me...draw the shape to scale and export as a dxf..I use it all the time for my plasma cnc.

Is that not a paid for program though mate?

 

[gerrymoore]

Mmmmmm. ..is it. ..????