Shaper Trace for digitizing

[tinspark]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=shaper+tra ... _sb_noss_1
This is what I saw when I opened the UK Amazon link to shaper tracer.
I though you were tring to be funny !!

This is actually FUNNIER now !!
Not sure what the guys over here on this side of the pond are seeing, or my ai browser is just a little jaded.. Hmmmmm

Your link is UK amazon IDK? I live in the US

[adbuch]

Doug - he posted the wrong link and the others have just been reposting it. Go to Amazon and type in "Shaper Trace" in the search line and it will get you to the correct page. I reposted the link I used in my last post.
David

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDLDTGD8?re ... in_title_1

[adbuch]

Doug - I did a few test this evening using my Mega Trace frame- it is scaled up by a factor of 2. So this means that the trace result will also need to be scaled up by a factor of 2.

I used it on a cardboard template first. This might be a template for some particular part I would want to cnc plasma cut. It has some curves and holes, so it would not be that easy to simply measure it and draw from scratch.

I am quite pleased with the results of this 2x Trace Frame, and expect that increasing the Trace Frame to a 3x size should work just fine. Also - although I am using a 3D printed frame for this test - my previous experience using flat paper frames leads me to believe that I would get identical results with a paper frame.

For another test - mainly to check for squareness and overall scale of the resulting trace - I drew a 10" x 16" rectangle using the fine tip marker that came with the Shaper Trace. I have purchased a few extra of these fine tip markers on Amazon at a much cheaper price than the ones Shaper sells.

The trace results (using the Centerline trace mode) gave what I think are excellent results. The overall results are within .030" or so (worst case) and considering that the rectangle I drew does have some line width (width of fine tip marker) I think this is a very acceptable result.

David

[plasmanewbie]

Very impressive results from your DIY oversize frame David! Is this going to be your "got to" for tracing from here on in? Is it that good and that easy?

[tinspark]

Yes 1/32" +,- is very acceptable results. Thanks for the share!!
Looks like a nice tool

[adbuch]

Very impressive results from your DIY oversize frame David! Is this going to be your "got to" for tracing from here on in? Is it that good and that easy?

Yes Plasmanewbie - I expect this (and the larger frames I intend to print) will be my "go to" tools for tracing larger parts - and even some of the smaller parts I might work with. For tracing large templates - the results for this trace frame are on par with the results I get from my Calcomp digitizer boards.

The Shaper Trace is much quicker to use than the Calcomp digitizer boards. Just take the picture and it automatically converts to svg.

The Calcomp boards require me to get out the computer and set it up, calibrate the board every time, do a lot of hand work using the Calcomp drawing stylus, use the Logictrace program set all of this up, and finally convert to dxf.

David

[plasmanewbie]

That is so cool David, I didn't think it could get much easier than those digitizer boards! Thanks for all this info and your efforts with testing and posting

[adbuch]

That is so cool David, I didn't think it could get much easier than those digitizer boards! Thanks for all this info and your efforts with testing and posting

I have a Jumbo Trace frame on order. The Mega frame is 2x, and the Jumbo is 3x. I will report back once I have it and get a chance to try it out.
For anyone interested, you can order these frame from the link below. In order for these to work, you would still need to spend the $99 for the Shaper Trace frame with software, and then you can use the software with these larger frames.

When I get around to it, I plan to print (paper print, not 3D print) some of these larger sizes to try them out. I have previously printed smaller sizes and they have worked fine.

David

https://makingathome.myshopify.com/?syc ... 28bae767d2

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[tinspark]

Pretty cool David!
Will be a very handy tool indeed!
Can’t wait to
see what awesome thing you come up with to use your ShaperTrace for!!
Please share, please share

[plasmanewbie]

Super cool David! Thanks for the videos, looks so easy to use!

[adbuch]

I'm still planning to paper print some of the larger frame sizes to try out. I have tried some smaller paper printed frames and they give similar results to the 3D printed frames. Doug and Plasmanewbie - I will also look forward to seeing what projects you come up with if and when you get your own Shaper Trace frames. At 99 bucks I think it's hard to go wrong.

David

[tinspark]

YEp . I am thinking about ordering one before the price hikes!!

[adbuch]

YEp . I am thinking about ordering one before the price hikes!!

Doug - I will look forward to hearing how you like the Shaper Trace once you have it in your hands. As I said - I am planning to paper print some of the larger trace frames and I think others could do the same. Once you have your original Shaper Trace - these paper prints will be a much more economical way to go than spending the $150 for the 3D printed frame.

Also - with your skill set - you could probably plasma cut a larger frame as well. I thought about doing it that way also - cutting the frame and holes for the dots - and then making some white plugs to press into the holes. That would be a fun project.

David

[tinspark]

YEp . I am thinking about ordering one before the price hikes!!

Doug - I will look forward to hearing how you like the Shaper Trace once you have it in your hands. As I said - I am planning to paper print some of the larger trace frames and I think others could do the same. Once you have your original Shaper Trace - these paper prints will be a much more economical way to go than spending the $150 for the 3D printed frame.

Also - with your skill set - you could probably plasma cut a larger frame as well. I thought about doing it that way also - cutting the frame and holes for the dots - and then making some white plugs to press into the holes. That would be a fun project.

David

I havent actually ordered one yet, But its in my amazon shopping cart.
I am up to my eyeballs here with the warm weather in Central CA. whipping the yard in shape, building a new trailer and a myriad of other things.
I think I will love that spaopertrace gizmo, but need to catch up on pressing things before I get one shippped here.
But do definitely want one!! Looks like a FUN TOY!
I see a few members buying everything known to man and do not even have time to unbox things, let-alone time to play with their stuff.
I try to learn from "ALL" of my fellow members , good and bad stuff. Then see what my balance point is..
If U "catch my drift" :>)
Trying to keep it balanced my friend!!!

[djreiswig]

I see a few members buying everything known to man and do not even have time to unbox things, let-alone time to play with their stuff.

Joe!!

[adbuch]

I've got a few things still in boxes - but only had them about a month now. New Bambu Labs 3D printer and large format paper printer/plotter. I also haven't tried out my new little tool from Amazon for installing threaded inserts into 3D printed parts.

I bought an Ikier laser engraver like the one Tom has and I've got it put together, but not working yet. I was waiting until I complete the cart I am building for it. Just about done with that cart now.

But I can't compete with Joe with his warehouse full of unopened 3D printers, used plasma tables, and all the other stuff he has been buying.

David

[tinspark]

I see a few members buying everything known to man and do not even have time to unbox things, let-alone time to play with their stuff.

Joe!!

I was very respectful and named no names, ans respectfully plead the fifth:>)

[tinspark]

I've got a few things still in boxes - but only had them about a month now. New Bambu Labs 3D printer and large format paper printer/plotter. I also haven't tried out my new little tool from Amazon for installing threaded inserts into 3D printed parts.

I bought an Ikier laser engraver like the one Tom has and I've got it put together, but not working yet. I was waiting until I complete the cart I am building for it. Just about done with that cart now.

But I can't compete with Joe with his warehouse full of unopened 3D printers, used plasma tables, and all the other stuff he has been buying.

David

Admittedly, I have a few things in boxes, and made a few purchases recently that I got great deals on that only come around every year or so!

!Guilty as charged!