Help with translation please

[JustinG]

My name is Justin I'm 20 year veteran cabinet maker at a small 3 man shop here in Racine, Wi. I've been using shopbot and its affiliated software since 2007, mainly for cabinet parts and the occasional simple sign. Things have gone well with the machine and software until now. I decided to produce some 2d vector drawings needed for components of my bbq\smoker personal project. I have invested more than 50hrs designing and redesigning parts. Now I realize that I cannot export dxf files to send to a friends waterjet to cut the steel plate I need for the smoker. Is there anybody out there with the upgraded PartWizard software that exports dxf that could help me? I have three files under 170 KB that require dxf export. I would certainly compensate anyone for their time and trouble. Maybe a rack of ribs frozen for transport. LOL
Please email me for files,as I cannot upload .art files or post with alternate suggestions.
Thanks, Justin

[taylor]

you have mail

[ssflyer]

Hi Justin,

I'm not sure what format PartWizard saved files in. I'm not sure any version exported to DXF. The upgrade would probably be VCarve Pro, but I have no idea if that will import PartWizard files...

What option do you have on the, "Save As", menu?

One possible option, though not pretty, is to use the ShopBot converter to translate the .sbp toolpath file to DXF, but it will include the jogs, rtc., and will require substantial cleanup.

I do have several programs that import and export a lot of file formats. I could give it a try, if you like - easy enough, if VCarve or Aspire will import the PartWizad file, but once again, I have no idea...

[barrowj]

I have the latest VCarve Pro and it will export selected vectors in EPS, DXF, AI and SVG. Be happy to be of help.

Joe

[jerry_stanek]

I think he may have Partswizard that was a Delcam product.

[Brady Watson]

I'll hook you up...Send me an email with your file attached.

-B

[JustinG]

All files were created in PartWizard 3.2 As for the "save as", my only option allowed was ".art". I have become so accustomed to PartWizard now its hard to change. I won't let this problem happen again though. I'm currently teaching myself a free 2D autocad from Siemens called Solid Edge ST7. Thanks to all with timely posts and PM's. This site is an embarrassment of riches that I was not previously aware.

[ssflyer]

Hi Justin,

Now you've got my curiosity up. Mind posting one of your .art files? Probably needs to be zipped first...

I'd like to see what I can do with it.

[Brady Watson]

Ron - they are already done. They can only be translated with ArtCAM Pro.

-B

[scottp55]

" Heee's Baaaaack!!!" :) :) :)

[scottp55]

Sorry Ron,
Just glad to see Brady back in the saddle again:)
Thought he was Ticked at "Facebook Like Newbies" like me and had retired in disgust:(
I Wish the other "Masters" like Dana (electronics) et.al (You guys still lurk:). that paved the road for us, would chime in, But, if I had given the same information 20+ times and it was in the archives waiting for an intelligent Google search, I might get indifferent too!
Almost every single question has been answered multitudes of times, by the people that went before us...And They had to really work at an evolving tech.
I got my nose rubbed a few time for asking "stupid questions" when a few keystrokes and a couple of hours reading would have broadened my knowledge.
The forum is ALL WAYS there for you for an immediate answer to an emergency question, but a majority of the stuff is already HERE.
Where the heck did THAT come from?
36 hr day, but I'll post anyways:(
sorry for ranting.
scott

[tomc720]

Hi Justin,

I too have the latest v carve pro and I am about an hour from you. The program is on my laptop. I can let you import to my computer then transfer to where you need it. Let me know if I can help.
tomc720@gmail.com

[ssflyer]

Scott,

I too miss the posts from the "old guard" - hard to find knowledge, and a real willingness to help and share!

[JustinG]

Thanks to Brady and Mark I have viable dxf and eps formats. YEAH. I've attached the file but its designed for a specific size tank, each tank needs its own size. I come from a science background where the axiom is, knowledge is useless unless it is shared.
I would like to encourage fellow woodworkers to try metalworking/welding. Some skills translate well like sanding/grinding and a steady skilled hand is one key for welding. Also, the vector drawings most of us produce are easily read by waterjet, plasma jet and laser machine software, if exported correctly(read, mea culpa). Most job shops and larger steel yards have CNC cutting capabilities at reasonable prices.
Anyone interested in smoker design should check out Smoking Meats Forum. Another great bunch of of guys with a wealth of collective knowledge.

Thanks to all,
Justin

[David Iannone]

Justin,

Thanks for posting the file. This forum is a great resource. I would love to see a few pics of the finished product once fabrication is complete.

Dave

[tlempicke]

A down home system that I have used in the past.

Don't have access to a water jet or a computer plasma cutter so what I did was make a plywood cutout of the piece that I needed and then traced around it with the plasma torch. Most torches have a fixed collar about 3/8 of an inch from the plasma stream. You can get several pieces out of a cutout before you have to replace it.

[Brady Watson]

Just glad to see Brady back in the saddle again:)
Thought he was Ticked at "Facebook Like Newbies" like me and had retired in disgust...

LOL! Hey...I never left the proverbial 'saddle'...I just had a lot of stuff to clear off of my plate. Life, death (9 last year) and other things that cut into the proverbial time pie. There just wasn't time to stay on top of everything going on here...Family comes first.

Kudos to those of you posting pics of your work. That stuff really inspires others. I hope to put some more of my own things up this year. I don't answer as many posts as I used to because most of the regulars do a fine job without me chiming in. You guys be the hero for a while. ;)

-B