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.
I'd check with the laser company to see what format they can use first.
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.
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.
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.
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
Adobe Illustrator
Illustrator $29.99 per month.
Inkscape $0.00 forever.
In terms of bow profiles they both have the functionality you need.
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.