Signs from DXF

[Gerry A Brown]

Hello,

We have been approached by a sign company in the area to route signs on our router. Their software will export files in DXF format.
Has anyone tried to cut signs from DXF files? I use TurboCad & have read through the CN manual about running DXF files & it looks like it will be a lot of work to get the sign file to the point where it could be run on the machine. I have attached the jpg of the sign they want cut, the white would be cut away.
The sign is 54" x 84" & the field would be .5" deep.

I can see cutting simple panels with pockets & dadoes but don't know if it will be worth trying to get the sign file to the point it can be run?

Thanks,
Gerry

[Daniel Odom]

It would be nice if islands in pockets were supported, I'm not complaining though, dxf nesting is great for simple parts. I've seen people on here post ways to do this by dividing entities with islands into separate pockets... looks time consuming, but not impossible. Another way to do this is to manually offset poly lines by distance equal to the diameter of the bit and use a center-line layer to manually lay out the tool path for the pocket, use chain comp in and out on the letters outlines.

[Gerry A Brown]

Hi Daniel,

Islands in pockets.......that is where I was coming to a halt in my thinking to make this work but did not not know what to call it

I think the DFX import will work well for some things but I am starting to think that signs is not one of those things.

Thanks,
Gerry

[Neville Bastian]

Gerry, we use artcam for signs and things we find a bit hard through Ecabinets. Are your sure the signwriters software does not export to the Thermwood as Artcam does. I think enroute does as well? Maybe you could get a dxf and send to the Thermwood guys and they could say if it possible?
Regards

Neville

[Kerry Fullington]

Gerry,

Cut 2D software from Vectric is the easiest and least expensive way to do that sign.

[Brad McIntosh]

ArtCAM Express (Thermwood is an ArtCAM representative) should be able to do that as well for about $150. You may want to add the Advanced 2D Machining Module for some advanced "pocketing" features (about $150 extra). ArtCAM Express also has other modules that can be added on if you need additional features.

[Gerry A Brown]

Hi,

So the consensus is clear. Well I am off to evaluate the programs you all have suggested.

One of my customers once told me his biggest fear was that he would spend almost enough to get what he needs.
That is always my concern when I am buying software like this although most seem to have a reasonable upgrade path.

Thanks everyone for your input,

Gerry

[FredHirsch]

Gerry,
We've been running the Vectric packages from version 1. Works very nicely with the router. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Fred

[Gerry A Brown]

Hi Fred,

I downloaded ArtCam express, VCarve Pro & Cut2D trial editions & are working through them to see if they will do the job for me.
They will all obviously do this sign but I need to think about future jobs also. The Full version of ArtCam is a bit of a heart stopper when you get to the bottom line

Thanks Fred,
Gerry

[Scott Marshburn]

Hi Fred,

I downloaded ArtCam express, VCarve Pro & Cut2D trial editions & are working through them to see if they will do the job for me.
They will all obviously do this sign but I need to think about future jobs also. The Full version of ArtCam is a bit of a heart stopper when you get to the bottom line

Thanks Fred,
Gerry

Check out Aspire Trial Edition.

[Gerry A Brown]

Hi Scott,

I was trying to avoid spending that much but we do have a rotary playback on our router so it may be the best way to go.

Thanks,
Gerry

[Terry Davis]

We use Aspire by Vectric which works very well with the router, you can import dxf's directly and apply a tool path and cut or import a photo and vectoriize, apply toolpaths and cut that way. Also does rotary and 3D work.

[Gerry A Brown]

Hi Terry,

We went with V Carve pro. It looks like it will do everything we need to do & if we decide we need Aspire we get a very good upgrade discount. We also bought Cut3D for those odd jobs

Thanks everyone for your advice,

Gerry