Need help to organize my files!!!!!!

[gibl5s]

This is my 2nd time to write on this forum and was told by a previous botter that I would get smeared by some for being a beginner, BUT, that was NOT the case. I was helped in DEPTH by several senior members and I certainly appreciate that. Now, after saying that, I need some help in organizing my files. I have bought hummm about 90 files from vectric and I would like to talk to someone about how to organize them. How to save the toolpaths, etc. If this makes any sense to any of you. I want ALL my files to where I can know exactly where and what I have. If any of you could help I really appreciate it. I probably need to talk to someone via phone. just PM me.
thanks so much

[knight_toolworks]

I have a cnc routing folder then under that I have customer folders under a sub folder named after them folders for artwork well I am just lazy and throw it in as I collect it (G) I make a new toolpath file and save it in the shared network folder as needed. But I don't cut the same thing that often and it works ok.

[chiloquinruss]

I think you've asked one of those questions for which there is no right answer. I think we all have our own methods and that whatever method we use its difficult to keep maintained. So as a first pass I'll tell you how I do it.

I have a notebook paper job log, showing what the job is, etc,. and a number. On the computer I create a folder with that number as the folder name. In that folder I create the Aspire files and all of the toolpaths required for the job. If there are any issues with the job I also create a word file detailing the issues. I do this for even the little quickie jobs. Its a pain but if I don't do it for everything then I get in the bad habit of skipping this process and well . . . . . . :eek:

For purchased files I create a folder with the name of the supplier and then post everything in that folder. I do NOT change any of those files because usually the tutorials are tied back to the actual files.

I do all of this on my design computer and then transfer a copy of the folder with the toolpaths to the bot computer via a thumbdrive. If I have to alter any of the files to get a final cut I make sure I copy those back to the thumbdrive and back to the design computer.

Anyhow that is how I do it and if you ask 20 botters you will most likely end up with 20 different methods! :D Russ

[ron_moorehead]

Be sure to keep all your files under one master folder so all you have to do is drag and drop one folder to backup your files and make sure you backup to a external hard drive often.

[adrianm]

As Russ says the best solution is the one that works for you.

Like most people I tend to organise everything with a folder for each job within which I keep all the relevant files.

I used to set up shortcuts back to the original components used in those jobs but, after messing up a couple of source files, I now copy everything I use into the folder.

This leads to a lot of duplication but hard disk space is peanuts compared to the time cost of tracking down what I've changed by mistake!

As for files that are not yet connected to a job I store these in folders related to the image type (2.5D, 3D, 2D, bitmap etc) but I edit the Custom tag information within the file properties to enable me to search for that type of image. For instance if I had an image of an Easter Chick I would create tags of "Easter" "Chick" "Poultry" etc. I have several thousand files so this makes things much easier.

Don't forget to factor in backup strategies. I have real time backup that monitors the changes I make to the files and keeps multiple revisions. I have an automatic end of day copy to an external hard drive which triggers an off site copy to my Google drive as well.

[Rob Gunn]

I have a master folder labeled Shopbot. Then under that are sub folders labeled as each project with a reference date (Redbud sign 7_24_12). Then under each of those folders I keep everything that pertains to that project, CAD drawings, V-carve geometry, tool paths... The tool path file I try to label with a logical name like "redbud_letters_.5dia_90deg__7_25_12" Of coarse everyone has there own way of file management, you will just need to play around and use what works for you. Another big help is I like to keep a running list of cutters that I have on hand (diameter,angle,length,shape...). This helps when I am in the warm house on a could winter day working on a project on my laptop. The shop out back is could and I dont want to have to run out there to see what tools I have to use for a toolpath that I am wanting to get done.

[gibl5s]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help. I was having trouble opening certain files and didn't know why. I found that you have to assign it to something like (partworks,partworks 3d, etc.) to open it. hummmmm. I got that!!!!!
Not on top of the mointain yet, BUT, I wont have to hit that bump again!!!
Thanks guys, it would be a dark road without ya'll.

[feinddj]

I organize my files on my second hard drive. Each Customer gets a folder. Jobs are then sorted by a new folder per job by date. Almost all of my work is one offs so having the date is the easiest. The Aspire files go in these folders. All cut files are on the network drive so they can be accessed by the control computer. These are sorted by customer and then date as well.
Busy customers also have year folders that I sort out at the end of the year.

[bcondon]

I organize mine by:

folders :

Company
customer or production project or library of objects purchased
project
All file pertaining to the project including aspire, cut files, etc



Back up for me is to pull the COMPANY directory and add the date to a 1 Gig book drive

I also have a directory called "ideas" for things that are in the development phase like nuclear reactors or next space shuttle...


Thanks

Bob
It was hard to get myself organized at first because the shopbot was just so cool. It continues to be wicked cool, but I kept on misplacing my files!

[bcondon]

Make sre you can copy hose files back every now and then... I have worked with too many companies that don't test their backups EVER! and when they need them, they just as well might not have ever bothered...

[Bob Eustace]

Perry something not mentioned by anyone is the new feature in the updates that lets you see a small thumbnail of whats actually in a folder. Whilst this takes up a lot of screen space I find it extremely useful for files downloaded from forums just in case you might need them in the future. They also tend to have weird names!

[gerryv]

Maybe someone in the know could comment on using "Metadata" tags on each file you create which, as I understand it, allow you to search much easier. I've read it's great and kind of how Google works so well.

[adrianm]

Maybe someone in the know could comment on using "Metadata" tags on each file you create which, as I understand it, allow you to search much easier. I've read it's great and kind of how Google works so well.

See my reply earlier in the thread. I do it for all my files.