ORIGINAL: Ilikebipes
Okay guys,
I would ask that someone REALLY dumb this down for me. I essentially need to know the process of starting from a pdf, jpg, tif, etc. file. What conversion program(s) is needed to simply convert these to a dxf file to let the equipment cut the work.
No enuendo or pragmatism, I just would like to start cutting templates. [8D]
Thanks for the help.
Brian
Simply put, there is no easy way to import a RASTER file,, (scanned image) and have software create an accurate cutting file to send to a laser or whatever. The MAIN reason this wont work , aside from technical mumbo jumbo, is that hand drawn plans are NEVER accurate enough to cut parts from with any expectation of a proper fit, at least not what we have come to expect from laser kits. If you want the advantages of laser cut parts, you simply MUST import to a VECTOR based drawing program, and redraw them accurately.
that's as simple of an explanation as you can get.
My two cents worth, I draw all my plans in autocad, typically traced from an imported PDF or TIF file depending on the situation. I trace the outlines,, bulkheads and rib LOCATIONS, then turn off the imported drawing and basically draw from the traced sketch I created in order to develope the fits and accuracy that is needed.
my two cents worth,, Your mileage may vary