New to dxf editing. Need advice

[Plasmaduct]

Good day all.
Very new to Cad programs and I currently have Flashcut CAD/CAM/CNC version 8 installed. I think the CAD is the standard version. I am trying to edit some existing dxf that I got from here ( add text and other objects etc.). I can’t seem to get them to add to the cut path. Is there anyone with knowledge of this program or maybe recommend another program for editing dxf drawings that is available for free. Thanks in advance

[acourtjester]

I use Inkscape for most of my work that has text in it and it is free with many YouTube tutorials for different functions. I would use this conversion software to convert DXF to SVG and then load that into Inkscape to modify. Inkscape in not good for uploading DXF files, and many DXF files are not identical due to the original softwares version, you will see different dates attached to DXF file formats.
https://www.dxfconverter.org/

[Plasmaduct]

Thanks acourtjester I’ll see if I can access the Inkscape program and check it out. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks again

[Plasmaduct]

I have the basics figured out with Inkscape but when I try to union my svg drawing with my text parts of my drawing drop out. For example I’m trying to add my Street address to the free dxf collection of the eagle and rabbit and the log disappears. And idea what’s going on ?
Thanks

[Addamup]

plasmaduct are your drawings and texts all on the same layer before you union? maybe make all objects to path including the text first.

[acourtjester]

Why don't you attach the file so we can give it a lookie.

[Plasmaduct]

Hey guys thanks for the reply’s. I worked on it a little last week and somehow got the log to stay. It seemed to have some “loose” lines or something in it. Once I zoomed in and edited it stayed. So that’s good. I transferred it to my CNC and there are a bunch of errors so I have to see if I can clean them up. Hopefully I’ll get a chance this weekend. Again thanks for the suggestions

[Plasmaduct]

hello again. How do I break apart/ungroup a svg so I can remove the text to add new text etc. ? thanks
I have the address attached to the drawing but I can't seem to get it removed so I can add a larger text to it.
it needs to be longer to wrap further down the curve. Also there are a couple blips in the drawing that I need to edit.
thanks

plaque moose.svg

(148.47 KiB) Downloaded 51 times

[acourtjester]

Ok this will take many screen shots to show how I do things. first either remove the fill or use the outline functions to get only lines.
now using the node tool to highlight the images nodes, go to path and break apart. In the screen shop you can see the different groups of nodes. Then click off the image and then click on the outside section to remove it, this left some smaller parts, click on them and remove them too. No with the circle tool draw a new oval around the remaining drawing, sizing it to your liking and us the align and distribute to center all parts. create and attach you new address info. This drawing has far to many nodes this will cause thousands of lines of code, it would be better to generate drawings with another program like Inkscape itself.

[Plasmaduct]

thanks acourtjester I managed to delete of the text and replace with new larger longer text. but for the life of me cant get the text to union with the drawing. When I do it the pic disappears and I just have the text and oval left.

[acourtjester]

Ok sometimes you need to fiddle with it try different things until you get what you want. Just use the edit and undo to revert back how ever steps needed.
For this I did the same remove then add the oval, next type your text, then use the put text on path under text drop down menu. This places it in the lower right section, double click at the start of the text, you will see the cursor blinking at the start of the text. Now use the space bar to march the test around the oval to when you want it. Make both the oval and the text paths, now the trick click on the oval. The lock the aspect ratio at the top soo any changes to size stays together, slightly increase the oval size until it just covers the letters bottoms. You may need to use the arrows to adjust it just right as shown. Now select all the letters and the hold down the shift key then select the oval and click on union button. Now on Monday there will be a quiz

[adbuch]

Great explanation!
David

[Plasmaduct]

Thanks acourtjester great instruction. It helped a lot .
Keith

[acourtjester]

Happy to help

[weldguy]

AC's the man! Great info, thanks AC