Using AutoCAD 2008 or 2012

[Sceneshops]

I just got my Shop Bot and plan on using it in a high school. For my drafting class we use AutoCAD 2008 and 2012. I tried looking in the archives but did not find much about using AutoCAD with the Shop Bot. Is anybody currently use this program and can you point me to a resource that could help me out.

[Coleman Becker]

you can use auto cad but you must export the vectors to partsworks to machine the product

[curtiss]

You can use AutoCAD to create complicated linework and save that to a DXF file. You may have to save it as a version 2000 dxf or 2002 dxf.

Locate the linework near the 0,0 / origin at the lower left. If your linework is a "few thousand feet away" from the origin in AutoCAD, it will be more difficult to locate in Vectric.

If you are using Vectric or Partworks/Vectric it should be able to open the dxf. I would create any needed text in the Vectric program.

[jerry_stanek]

I use autocad 2011 and Aspire and vcarve pro will open them

[SterlingDevelop]

We use AutoCad '08 exclusively - we're going to Rhino for some things this next year, but if you have any questions about using it in conjunction with the Bot, feel free to send a pm and I'll send you my #


Brent

[rhfurniture]

Hi,
I also use acad 08 exclusively. I draw all my work up in 3d, then toolpaths in oldstyle plines, and have written lsp programs that then write out sbp files directly. I find it very quick and efficient for most work, and gives me a good degree of control over the output. I also have vectric cut3d for 3d carving work.
I used to dxf out then import to partwizard (the similar predecessor to partworks), but as I draw all in 3d anyway, am reasonably fluent in acad, and have a pathological hatred of switching between programs, I took this route and am very happy with it.
You are welcome to play with my lsp files: http://www.craftfurniture.co.uk/technology.htm
You can download them from there, but they are the earliest versions as I have not updated the site for several years (I am now semi-retired). If you want my latest and best, please email me direct.
Ralph.