PDF in PartWorks 3.5?

[rickbw]

I am a new desktop owner and am attempting to learn working with PartWorks. I did attend the training in Durham (and would recommend it to any new users!). My question is this - I see that pdf is a type of file that can be opened in PW, but when I attempted to open a file, I get an error message that states there are no vectors. The file I was attempting to open was a pdf page from one of the projects from Woodmarvels. I have attempted to load a printscreen of the file. is it possible to open a PDf file like this?

[adrianm]

A lot of PDF files contain bitmaps rather than vector drawings and those types can't be opened in PartWorks.

You can open the PDF in an editor like full Acrobat or Foxit for example and export the bitmaps and then trace them in Partworks.

Or you can use a screen capture tool to create a bitmap from the PDF in the way it looks like you might have done for your picture above.

[hh_woodworking]

Import it as bitmap into partworks and then trace. That is best you can do with a screen shot

[gundog]

Since it is drawn on a grid just draw it yourself it would be pretty simple and a good exercise for a new owner my .02 You only need to draw 4 parts and save a mirrored copy of each the other parts are just strips and a rectangle. If I were going to draw that I would start with a rectangle the size of the parts largest measurements and add nodes one at a time and edit the added nodes for desired position to define each of the points. It looks like you could pull the scale off the grid in the drawing. if each square on the grid is 1" it would make it really easy but even if it is not you could draw it that way and just change the scale afterwards to suite you.

Mike

[gundog]

Here is an example I just drew off that grid drawing you posted.

Mike

[rickbw]

Wow Michael - thanks. It will be good practice to attempt what you have shown.

[gundog]

You are welcome if you have any question post them I or someone else will help you.

Mike

[ssflyer]

Jon offers dxf and/or eps files for the designs. If you bought the pdf version, you may want to contact him about obtaining the files in vector format.

[rickbw]

Ron,

Good idea. I have attempted to contact Jon for the last 4 days (by using the "contact" link on his website) but have gotten no response - anyone have any idea how to contact him?

[zeykr]

You might try a Private Message on this forum:

http://www.talkshopbot.com/forum/member.php?u=6306

[rickbw]

Yes Ken, I tried that also on Tuesday, but have not heard from him. Thanks for the idea tho.

[myxpykalix]

The last time i had contact with him, i believe he was in the process of relocating to Australia so he may be in the middle of that. I know he was in the middle of converting alot of his files from laser files to being able to cut on a shopbot.:eek:

[rickbw]

Wow, Australia - I'll give him a couple more days!

[myxpykalix]

i think he was going via rowboat, so it might be more then a few days!:eek:

[rickbw]

I'll let you know when I hear from him, I actually purchased a download subscription from him last week and I was concerned about not getting anything back (even tho Paypal was executed the same day).

I hope the boat arrives soon!:)

[WoodMarvels.com]

Hi guys, I was on my way up North (look up Hearst, Ontario, Canada on a map) and living in a hunting cabin for the past 10 days or so - so that was my big rush to get the files uploaded from the ShopBot Desktop filming. Yes, I offer DXF/EPS as PDF just isn't the way to go unless you want to trace things square by square in PartWorks (can't imagine the headache from doing this).

I'm slowly working my way through releasing my most of my laser files in compatible and optimized file formats especially for the ShopBot (CNC Routing)... so Richard, hang in there! It's coming!

What I would suggest is that you get the DXF (it's what I work from), open it in Illustrator or other vector program, DOUBLE the scale and re-align things accordingly while making your new "square holes" 6 or 12mm. This is what I've basically been doing... if you are new to this, just send me a request (you have my e-mail now) and I'll put a model that interests you the most ahead of the queue though I can't test it until I return South in about a month.

Jon
ps: Australia should happen at the end of Jan'12 if all goes according to plan.

[gerryv]

Hey Jon, Stay away from the Longlac Hotel!

[WoodMarvels.com]

I have relatives who allow me to couch-surf so all is good... they know that if they want to get rid of me they just need to close their internet connection and I'm gone!

Jon