Using dxf files
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- Posts: 31
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Using dxf files
Hi Guys I need a little help and info on turning dxf files into tool paths. I have a dxf file for a quadcopter I want to cut for a friend. I import the file into vcarve and it is not actual size. It is really big, how do I get it to the drawn size?. also all the lines are not joined. I do not know how to join the lines all at once. I did take the outer profile and join the lines ,then was able to give it a tool path. I am looking for the steps you take to import and assign tool paths to the dxf file. Thanks for any info you can give....john
Re: Using dxf files
This is from Aspire but it should be the same in Vcarve.
Use the Model size on the screen after you select import. Keep Lock XYZ ratio selected and change one of the values to fit the size you want. In my case I have a 7" x 4" board. I've changed to x value to 7" and the other values changed to match the new size. Select apply, make any other changes you want and then select OK to create.
Use the Model size on the screen after you select import. Keep Lock XYZ ratio selected and change one of the values to fit the size you want. In my case I have a 7" x 4" board. I've changed to x value to 7" and the other values changed to match the new size. Select apply, make any other changes you want and then select OK to create.
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- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2011 1:21 pm
Re: Using dxf files
Thanks for your reply. Here's a few pics of the problems.My job setup is 12"x18" so you can see how big the file is when I import it. The 2nd and 3rd pics are of the web design on the top frame. The lines don't come together so I guess the only thing I can do is re-draw those parts.
Re: Using dxf files
There are a few things that you can do to help yourself.
If you are using AutoCAD to generate the dxf file, use the PEDIT command and turn your lines into polylines which will then open as closed vectors in V-carve. That command or a similar one is usually found in other CAD packages also. The needed item is to have a closed vector shape for tool path generation.
Within Vcarve, you can still fix them, using the close commands near the bottom of the left menu pane. Select two lines then join them with the command, then add a line one at a time with the same command unil the shape is closed.
Hope that helps a little.
BillK
If you are using AutoCAD to generate the dxf file, use the PEDIT command and turn your lines into polylines which will then open as closed vectors in V-carve. That command or a similar one is usually found in other CAD packages also. The needed item is to have a closed vector shape for tool path generation.
Within Vcarve, you can still fix them, using the close commands near the bottom of the left menu pane. Select two lines then join them with the command, then add a line one at a time with the same command unil the shape is closed.
Hope that helps a little.
BillK
Re: Using dxf files
That's a useful (of course) tip for those folks who have autocad. I've seen a fair number of anomalies with dxf files over the years, and for VCarve/Aspire use, barring having an app like Autocad to automatically fix things up, you are somewhat stuck with a manual approach using VCarve/Aspire. This post may also be of use - http://cncsharktalk.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=846
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Re: Using dxf files
Thank you both for your input. I don't have AutoCad. The file was done by someone else. I tried the close command and it works great [ thanks billk] On that web design there is only 4 cut outs that have the extra lines. So I get rid of the lines I don't need and use the close command to join them i should be good to go. If I find out what size the holes in the frame are,could I size the frame by that. Bringing the frame down til the holes are the same?
Last edited by johnnycat500 on Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Using dxf files
Even better if you knew the distance between the centerline(s) of some of those holes. You could then set up some reference lines in a grid structure, grab all the vectors and resize to that.
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Re: Using dxf files
Thanks Joe. I emailed my friend to get that info. Thanks for all your help,much appreciated.
Re: Using dxf files
Is it possibly in metric? It would come in very large. Not sure on scaling in vcarve but would use either 25.4 or .03937 to get it to inch size.
Hope the info may help you or anyone else.
Hope the info may help you or anyone else.
It is my belief that the only dumb question is the one not asked
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- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2011 1:21 pm
Re: Using dxf files
You are right on the mark!Worked on another dxf file and it did the same thing. had it sent to me in inches and everything is roses. So now I bring in the file ,high lite it and use join open vectors. now it is ready for tool paths. Thanks everyone for your help