How to get panels into VCarve Pro 7.5

[EddyCurrent]

You need some CAD software ideally, such as Sketchup or there are others. As it's just flat sheets it should be very easy to draw up. I think VCarve Pro does include CAD facilities so you may be able to draw your panels just using that software.
Sorry to sound harsh, but it's similar to what someone said here recently, if you struggle to measure up and draw some flat panels you might need to think twice about using a CNC machine.

There's a list of software here that may have something you could use for CAD; http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/6707-...D-CAM-Software

Here's a video of someone drawing gears using VCarve Pro;

[gorbo]

I would go for the trace way but you need datum points to keep scale of the piece, trace function works best with clear defined edges to work to try using black and white photos

[EddyCurrent]

I would go for the trace way but you need datum points to keep scale of the piece, trace function works best with clear defined edges to work to try using black and white photos

That's the last thing I would do but maybe that's just me ?

[GEOFFREY]

Me too Eddy. Just draw out an accurate grid on the pattern, measure and transfer the dims from the grid to a matching grid on the cad screen. Good luck. G.

[EddyCurrent]

You could use your machine to probe an existing template or do it manually. Put a pointed tool in the collet, jogg the X axis a set amount each time, bring the Y axis across until the point is on the edge of the template, make a note of the X,Y coordinates, then it's easy to recreate it in your CAD software. Joint the points using curves, straight lines, or whatever is appropriate.

Here's a video of a cheap to make probe that could do the job, a better one would just trawl around the outside edge itself.

[JAZZCNC]

I don't use Vcarve pro but this is easy to do in any Cad/Cam package and I do it all the time for parts that don't need high accurecy. It's just a matter of scale and if you have templates to reference from then it's no problem.

Easy way is to draw 2 lines the length and width of the part then scale the photo to these lines. This will get you to within nats bollock in size then just use the trace function or as is often the case it's just as quick to free hand trace around the picture. Then create G-code and cut air around your original template to see how it matches. Make any changes as needed.!!. . . . . Simplizzzz.!

[gorbo]

That's the last thing I would do but maybe that's just me ?

I have used this method with success, but that's just me

[EddyCurrent]

I'm pleased it works for you and I too have used it for small items but how far away from the existing panel template would you need to be to get a photograph without lens distortion ?

[JAZZCNC]

I'm pleased it works for you and I too have used it for small items but how far away from the existing panel template would you need to be to get a photograph without lens distortion ?

Eddy these panels have HUGE margin for error in CNC terms so it's not a problem.! . . . How do I know.? Because I did exactly what I suggested when I upgraded our Ducato Van at work. It was same Shape Van as previous model so ripped out old knackerd panels for templates and took Pic. Worked like a charm dropped a pencil in spindle drew shape on board for comparison and was within mm's.