AutoCAD polylines and Vector pockets

[Jay Wiese]

I am trying to create pocketed letters into a panel for a sign. Here is what I have done so far and it isn't working. I inserted a bitmap image of the lettering into an AutoCAD drawing. Using AutoCAD I traced around the letters with a polyline. I then used Fit to make the trace smooth. I saved the file as a release 12 dxf. After opening the file in Vector, I am unable to use the closed polylines to create a pocket. I have access to AutoCAD and Photoshop. Any suggestions?

[clockmaker]

Hey Dude, You can't transfer a polyline from Acad to Vector OR Shopbot.You must EXPLODE it first!

[syp@earthlink.net]

I use plines all the time in autocad. I don't have any problem converting plines to shopbot files when using the shopbot converter. works everytime. I got my shopbot before they shipped with vector so I do not know about vector. with autocad you can offset plines to create pockets. try converting the rel 12 autocad file with the shopbot converter and not using vector.

[dmdraper]

Jay,

In order to use some of the pocketing routines in Vector, the lines making up the border must be at z = zero, and, they should be selected using the SHIFT-CLICK method. You can check the z depth by selecting the shape and then selecting menu options: SPECIAL - VERIFY.

Dave D.

[gerald_d]

Jay, would you mail (mailto:mechtron@iafrica.com) me your .dxf and tell me which AutoCad you are using?

[gerald_d]

Why do I get sent e-mails with viruses every time I invite e-mail at this forum?????


Yay! for Norton anti-virus

[Jay Wiese]

I think I figured out the problem. I am doing this sign requiring the polyline for a friend as a favor. In an attempt to save me some time, he had me show him how to trace using a polyline in AutoCAD. After struggling with his drawing, I retraced all the letters and it worked fine in Vector. I suspect he had gaps in his lines or who knows what! So much for saving time! Thanks for all of your suggestions. I will also give those methods a try.

Jay