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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: mikkekeswick on November 01, 2016, 09:45:00 AM

Title: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: mikkekeswick on November 01, 2016, 09:45:00 AM

I'm looking to have some templates cut for some new bow designs. I am going to have the templates cut by a laser cutting company out of clear Perspex.
I would prefer to be able to do the drawings myself and would like some advise as to what is a good programme to use to generate the profiles.
I have no idea as to the best (easiest to use!) programmes available now...any help appreciated.

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: BenBow on November 01, 2016, 10:37:00 AM

I'd check with the laser company to see what format they can use first.

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: monterey on November 01, 2016, 11:32:00 AM

I'm looking forward to what others have to say on programs.  I use a program called Cad Std.  It's a struggle (at least for me  :)  ).  It does allow printing full size on multiple sheets so you can use it to make your own template.

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: passion for knowledge on November 01, 2016, 12:24:00 PM

There's an open source program called Inkscape that uses Bezier curves. A Bezier curve has handles on the nodes that enable you to tweak things pretty easily. It's free and powerful.

Download from  https://inkscape.org

It can output PNG, OpenDocument Drawing, DXF, sk1, PDF, EPS and PostScript.

Most router software can convert EPS for cutting.

If you are on a Mac, make sure you have XQuartz installed.

 https://www.xquartz.org/

You don't need a CAD program if you are just making profiles.

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: Mad Max on November 01, 2016, 06:42:00 PM

I use a Ms-dos CAD called Drafix I got in the early 90's
***Ben*** mine will export to AutoCad.DXF format
I thought that was all you need.  ?


I have cadstd too, for printing.
I can't seem to catch on to the new stuff.

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: monterey on November 01, 2016, 09:47:00 PM

I have a Linux partition on the desktop and downloaded the fanciest schmansiest cad program you can imagine.  All for free.  It's way beyond my feeble understanding.   :o

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: beachbowhunter on November 07, 2016, 07:35:00 PM

Adobe Illustrator

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: passion for knowledge on November 08, 2016, 08:08:00 PM

Illustrator $29.99 per month.
Inkscape $0.00 forever.

In terms of bow profiles they both have the functionality you need.

Title: Re: What programme for drawing bow profiles?
Post by: Kohlqez on November 11, 2016, 11:23:00 AM

I'm a little old school since I don't have a printer that can do 6 foot sheets nor the money to have forms cut by laser. I just get a big A piece of paper, like for a banner or something, fold it exactly in half, then draw half the profile, cut it out and unfold. Then I have one whole profile that I can trace onto a board. It's not quite as fancy as using computers and lasers and whatnot, but it gets the job done.