Merging a rectangle and imported curve

[toddmaci]

How do I merge a rectangle and a curved handle that I created using a fit vectors to .jpg.(in PartWorks) I am creating a handle for a piece old farm equipment. I am used to using the trim function

Thanks,

Todd

[tmerrill]

Todd,

You can do what you want in 2D using the Boolean Functions (Add and subtract).

But if you are trying to do 3D as in a handle shape, you won't be able to do it in Partworks. A program like Aspire would be required.

If you need more, can you post a picture or email me.

Tim

[mitch_prest]

very likely you are dealing with 2 closed vectors. What you will need to do when you have them on the screen together is under edit vectors... click node editing.. now pick one of the vectors on screen .. you will see the nodes.. right click on one of them and you will see the option to cut. this will split the vector.. you will need to split both vectors and then join them to each other..then you will use the join open vectors to unite the two ...
hope that is what you had in mind
mitch

[john_l]

I don't use Partworks so I dont know if its there, but a "weld" feature is what you meed to look for.

[joe]

Todd,

Have you investigated using a graphics program for the creative process? If you are planning on doing anything very creative, like this, that may be the answer.

Router programs aren't really up to speed in the design world. An older version of Corel can be bought on E Bay for a few bucks.

[beacon14]

In PartWorks you can weld two closed vectors very easily. Look at the icons under "Edit Vectors", third line of icons, 2nd from the left. Select both vectors (select one, then shift-select the other), then click the "weld" icon.

I used to think I had to do all my designing in my CAD program and import when all was ready for toolpaths, but the more I learn about PartWorks the more I can do in that program.

[joe]

David is correct. You can do some simple, basic design things with PW. However it's very weak, lacking distortion modules, color management, fades, and most everything necessary for complex design work. I don't think it's able to incorporate a Wacom Tablet either.

You may get along with a simple welding process, so give that a try.

Joe
www.normansignco.com (http://www.normansignco.com)

[beacon14]

Joe knows his work better than anyone. Most of the design work I do is just vectors, which PartWorks handles very well. 25 years in business and I've never heard of a "distortion module". So I guess it depends on what type of designing you are doing and what other software you have at your disposal.

[joe]

Thanks for the complements.

I don't know of any graphics program on the market today that doesn't have a Distorton capabilities.

Like you, most design artists work in vectors. From there we apply colors, lettering, bitmaps, welds and other techniques.


8388

[beacon14]

That's why I leave signs to the pros like Joe.

In reality I still use DesignCad for anything complex, since I'm pretty fluent with shortcut keys for most commands. It's hard to let go of a program that has been working hard for me for 15 (?) years. But for a lot of what I do PartWorks is more than capable.

It also comes down to training. Seeing Tony M. demonstrate PartWorks at a couple of camps really opened my eyes to what it can do. If you can arrange to watch someone work with it you might be able to get up to speed much more quickly.