Software

[ggeh]

What would be the best software for bringing in photos and editing them to cut steel signs? I now am using bobcad, sheetcam, and mach3. Thanks, gar

[Gamelord]

Corel Draw or Inkscape seems to be the most common. There are plenty of others.

[gamble]

Corel draw has auto trace. That alone has saved me thousands of hours of design. Half the stuff I do I wouldn't do it if I had to draw every line by hand

[ggeh]

Coral draw has so many versions out there how do I know which one is best for using it for plasma cutting?
On the Inkscape I down loaded it and was able to bring a photo of one of my sons military patches in. I can enlarge it, move it around, and deform it, but cant figure out how to trace it so I can cut it out. Any help and or suggestions?

[gamble]

Most people use x6 for Corel but I bought x7. It was the cheapest. I am still a novice with it but it does what i need it to do
A lot of videos and tutorials you find will be x6 since its been out longer
I got it new for about 60-75 on eBay.

[ggeh]

You said Coral Draw X7 has auto trace, can you explain what that is and or does?
I have looked on ebay to and seen the different ver. and a wide range of prices form $70.00 to all most $500.00. I didnt want to spend that amount of money on a program with out talking to some one that had some experience with it first .
Thanks, Gary

[gamble]

I import or copy an image I find. Mainly a black and white or drawing image. Click trace (and there are many different options) and then it will trace the image. I export it as a dxf and import that to my cad software. From there I will edit the nodes.
You can do node editing in Corel but I forgot how and I more comfortable with my torchmate software

[Gamelord]

I put a step by step on tracing an image in Corel here...
http://plasmaspider.com/viewtopic.php?f ... oda#p90341

This has a bunch of other info in it as well.

As for versions, I suggest using X7 if you can. You should be able to find a copy for a great price. Be sure to check that it is a FULL Version not and UPGRADE...unless you have a previous version you can upgrade from.

[ggeh]

Thank you Gamelord for your step by step instructions on tracing. I appreciate the time you guys put in to help newbies like my self. I'll be looking for a full ver.of X7 and after its installed I'm sure I'll be back with more questions.
Thanks, Gary

[ggeh]

Thanks Gamble for your help. I just brought in three images and was able to trace them with your help.

Thanks,again Gary

[gamble]

I see it's going to pay for itself today already