The Secret to Fixing DXF Files for CNC Project Success!

[@kencampana5512]

Great video, Garrett. One suggestion I have is to move each selected item to a new layer before converting to curves. This helps assure nothing is overlooked.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

kencampana5512, Thanks for the suggestion! Layering can definitely help keep things organized and ensure you don't miss anything during the process.

[@mriley52]

One of the best videos I have seen cleaning up nodes on DFX files. Great job!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

mriley52, Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you found the video helpful!

[@RichardFortin77]

I have over 5000 DXF files in my computer. This tutorial will certainly be super useful again and again . . . and again. Thank you.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

RichardFortin77, I'm glad to hear that you found the tutorial useful! With that many DXF files, you'll definitely get a lot of use out of it.

[@dave012175]

Thank you my friend!!! Another GREAT tutorial. I have spent hours working with dxf files from Etsy and other places trying to correct this exact problem. Quite often I give up in frustration... Thank you very very much for enlightening this technique in Vectric....

[@IDCWoodcraft]

dave012175, You're very welcome! I'm glad you found the tutorial helpful!

[@WestleyBranton-j6y]

Probably one of my best learning lessons. Thank you Mr. Garrett

[@IDCWoodcraft]

WestleyBranton-j6y, I’m glad to hear that you found it helpful! Keep enjoying your woodworking journey!

[@glersongomes]

Your English is clear and easy to understand, which makes it easier for non-native speakers (my case), Thank you for the class

[@IDCWoodcraft]

glersongomes, I'm glad to hear that you found it easy to follow! Thank you for your kind words!

[@BillS-p8b]

This process really worked great for me. Thanks so much for the video.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

BillS-p8b, I'm glad to hear that it worked well for you! Happy woodworking!

[@WilliamDevault]

I learned a lot from this video. Amazing software and excellent information. This will save me a bundle of time. Thank you

[@IDCWoodcraft]

WilliamDevault, I'm glad to hear that you found the video helpful! Happy woodworking!

[@ifiwooddesigns]

Great tutorial on cleaning up nodes. Only thing missing was to show the tool path and the difference in times between the original DXF and the newer edited version. Keep up the great work.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ifiwooddesigns, Thanks for your feedback! I'll consider adding tool path comparisons and time differences in future tutorials.

[@bradyboothe6173]

Agreed. I appreciated the explanation in the video but was wondering the whole time how it would affect cut times. Clearly it affects the computer calculations (lots of lag in the video), but how much do all of those extra Gcode lines cost your machine? A timed cut comparison would be great since it is going to depend on the complexity of the design. Thanks for the video, Garrett.

[@RattlecanFabShop]

Perfect timing. I just made to switch to VCarve PRO and encountered this working on a project for a buddy. If I had hair I would have pulled it all out but this certainly helped. Thanks Garrett!!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

RattlecanFabShop, I'm glad to hear that the video helped you out! VCarve PRO can be a bit tricky at first, but it sounds like you're getting the hang of it. Best of luck with your project!

[@RattlecanFabShop]

@@IDCWoodcraft I appreciate the wishes, Sir. I come from an AutoCAD and Fusion background so it's just trying to lear where they buttons and menus are located. I appreciate your products and videos.

[@allenhuckabee3764]

This is super cool. I receives several of these file types that I just gave up on…now I can revisit them to clean them up. Thanks!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

allenhuckabee3764, I'm glad you found this helpful! Enjoy working on those files!

[@alfredforbrich4836]

Great video, excellent detailed description on how to convert the files. These are perfect instructional video. Thank you Garrett.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

alfredforbrich4836, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Your feedback means a lot.

[@gregsettle1581]

Very helpful, Garrett. A massive time-saver! Thank you!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

gregsettle1581, I'm glad you found it helpful! Enjoy your woodworking projects!

[@davidmanierre]

As a long time Autocad user, I think I can get some good use out of the info in this video. Thanks Garrett.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

davidmanierre, You're very welcome! I'm glad to hear you found the information useful.

[@JUDYJENSEN-z4y]

this video will really help me. I was trying to make tree ordainments and it was making my computer not responding

[@IDCWoodcraft]

JUDYJENSEN-z4y, I'm glad to hear that the video will help you! Tree ornaments sound like a fun project, good luck with it!

[@WoodMan61]

Excellent instructional video as usual. Thanks Garrett

[@IDCWoodcraft]

WoodMan61, You're very welcome! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@kristenbruno6842]

Thanks. Appreciate the intensive review (I used to know some of this stuff, ... but its been awhile...). Also, and just as important, I really like your IDC Woodcraft coffee mug. The slight screw in top makes it drip proof. Much better than the push-down style lids.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

kristenbruno6842, Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the review and the coffee mug.

[@wayneettestad5462]

Another Great tip, So good to know! Thank you Garrett. Ps. Love your new place too, It's Awesome !

[@IDCWoodcraft]

wayneettestad5462, I'm glad you liked the tip! Thanks for the kind words about the new place!

[@bubba6945]

ive always avoided node editig as it was so time consuming. this is gonna make a huge difference

[@IDCWoodcraft]

bubba6945, I'm really glad to hear that! Node editing can indeed be a bit daunting, but it sounds like you’re ready to tackle it now. Enjoy the process!

[@Headdancer1]

As always Garret great info and well presented. Thanks for the detailed explanation.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Headdancer1, I really appreciate your kind words! I'm glad you found the explanation helpful.

[@CurtBellon]

I can already feel the frustration leaving my body. Can't wait to start playing witn it. 😜

[@IDCWoodcraft]

CurtBellon, That's awesome to hear! It's great that you're feeling uplifted and ready to dive into some woodworking fun. Enjoy the journey!

[@martinyallaly5746]

Great video to add with all of the other informative tutorials. Keep them coming.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

martinyallaly5746, Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm glad you're enjoying the tutorials!

[@mikegoins5663]

Thanks, great video, you made my day.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

mikegoins5663, I'm really glad you enjoyed the video! Your kind words mean a lot.

[@MuanzawaMuanza-ok9in]

this video will save me a lot of time and troubles.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

MuanzawaMuanza-ok9in, I'm so glad to hear that! It's great to know that the video is helpful for you.

[@bubba6945]

good info. I learnt something new thats gonna make life so much easier thanks

[@IDCWoodcraft]

bubba6945, I'm so glad to hear that! Enjoy your woodworking projects!

[@billysmether6237]

Another great video! I always like to explain the difference between a bit map and a vector. A digital picture is a bit map. Created by coloring little squares (pixels). Think of a checker board. They have a limited size range depending on the size of the file. If you zoom in on a bitmap to far you will see the zig zag edges of the pixels. A vector is created by two points and a formula for the line that runs between them. The beautiful thing about a vector is you can change the size because the formula recalculates the line and it looks the same, just smaller or larger. Adobe Photoshop is based on pixels in pictures. You can change each pixel. Adobe Illustrator is based on vectors, where objects are always adjusted for different sizes in projects and do not lose their quality. You can see the difference by zooming in on a picture with Paint (bitmap). You can open a pdf with the famous Adobe Acrobat, and zoom in on a vector, for example, text. If it is a true vector and not a bitmap, (Acrobat can use both image file types) you will see the edges of the object stay nice and rounded or clear, no matter how far you zoom in. Vectric uses vectors (wonder if that is where the name came from). You will notice that a file can also be exported (and imported) as a pdf in Vectric. Now you know why Vectric has a convert a bitmap file to a vector file. Vectric works with vectors.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

billysmether6237, You’ve explained the differences between bitmap and vector graphics beautifully! It's great to see your understanding of how these file types work, especially in relation to CNC woodworking and design software like Vectric. Vectors really do make a significant difference when scaling designs without losing quality, which is crucial in our field. Thanks for sharing such a detailed insight!

[@justme8366]

Good job of explaining the steps.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

justme8366, Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the explanation helpful.

[@computerdepot3373]

I am so glad you repeat the same straight line information 6 times. Makes for a loooong video.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

computerdepot3373, I appreciate your feedback! Sometimes repetition helps reinforce the technique, but I understand it can feel lengthy.

[@leeleber8165]

One thing I have noted when converting DXF to usable curves for V-Carving, every black node on a curve will cause the Z axis to pickup and create a v carved corner. You can decrease the time to for your router to execute the v carving by converting the black nodes in the middle of curves to smooth nodes using the node edit tool. The router will now cruise through those nodes instead of stopping and picking up the Z axis. This saves a ton of machine time, which is especially important if you are making multiples of your project.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

leeleber8165, That's a great observation! Converting those black nodes to smooth nodes can really streamline the V-Carving process and save precious time. Every little optimization like that can make a huge difference when working on multiple pieces. Thanks for sharing your insight with the community!

[@shreejicncrouter]

good job very useful 👏🏻

[@IDCWoodcraft]

shreejicncrouter, Thank you! I'm glad you found it useful!

[@fishkeeper50]

A good introduction to the Curve Fit tool. Okay everyone, go find a few DFX files to download and play with them to get familiar with what the tool does. Try out all of the different settings so you know what each one dose and you will have one of the best tools in the software to use from now on. Play with the software, you won't break it! Have fun, cut some wood!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

fishkeeper50, It sounds like you're really excited about the Curve Fit tool! Exploring different DFx files and settings is a great way to learn and get comfortable with its capabilities. Enjoy the creative process, and I hope you make some fantastic projects with it!

[@southofthenorthwind2457]

Love this video! Does this work as well with the Vectric Pro that hasn’t been updated, and is the upgrade worth it?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Excellent question! Yes, it will work an older versions the same way. You don't necessarily need to upgrade, they upgrades have added features that make designing a little faster but overall, not necessary

[@ClinToneCust23]

Hey Garrett thanks for the video. I was wondering if you can show me how to size a closed vector. I know I double click the vector and resize a shape with the with the mouse but what i would like to be able to do is click on a vector and make it .05 larger or smaller and it keep the exact same shape. Can you help with this? There must be a way i can do it but i cant remember all the videos and lessons.. probably learned it last year and slep since then.. lol

[@JackInTheShop]

You just need to use the Offset Vector and check the "Create Sharp offset corners" box

[@ClinToneCust23]

@@JackInTheShop Okay so basically I just create an off set vector thats .005 or whatever "Create sharp offset corners" and then just delete the old vector.. Thanks for the tip. Imma try it.. I think i did that before but didnt check the sharp corners and it was all roundy and wierd.. lol

[@IDCWoodcraft]

ClinToneCust23, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! To resize a closed vector while maintaining its shape, you can use the offset feature in your CNC software. When you offset the vector, just set the distance to either 0.05 units or whatever size you need. This will adjust the overall dimensions without altering the shape itself. Happy woodworking!

[@jenniferpurper5325]

Great explanation. I learned a lot. One thing I noticed on my dfx file while practising was that there was 3 copies of everything layered on top of each other. I can delete them one at a time and solve a lot of problems. I hadn't noticed this before. Is this something you've noticed with files? Any idea how to easily remove the duplicates?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

jenniferpurper5325, I'm glad you found the explanation helpful! Duplicates in DXF files can be a common issue, especially when importing designs. Many CAD programs have features that allow you to select and remove duplicate objects, often found in the cleanup or optimization options. It’s worth exploring those features in your software to streamline your workflow. Happy woodworking!

[@jackcolgrove1326]

I never knew how to do that!!! Does this work in 11.5 or only in12

[@fishkeeper50]

Curve fit has always been in the Vectric software. It is a tool that is often overlooked. One thing I stress with my customers is to play with the software, you are not going to break it but you will learn about how different tools work. If you find a tool that you just can't figure out go to the help menu and read about what that tool dose. Don't get caught trying to get everything perfect, work lose and have fun. You will find that in most cases that your design only needs a few tweaks here or there to finish it up. Also, the Vectric videos are really helpful but start at the beginning of them and work through them. One of the biggest complainants I hear about the videos is that the person was lost because they did not know what the presenter was talking about. The problem was that they chose the video because they liked the looks of the project but since they did not watch the preceding videos that taught the basics of each tool they had no idea what was going on in the video.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

jackcolgrove1326, I'm glad you found it interesting! It sure does brother!

[@TomGlander]

Here's another interesting note: If you compare file sizes of DXF with cleaned up files, the cleaned up files are much smaller in size. Every node you remove reduces the size, or reduces "node bloat." It's fun to compare sizes, and even more fun to machine your designs when they are as clean as you can make them.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

TomGlander, Absolutely! Cleaned up files can greatly enhance both the performance and efficiency of your CNC machining. Reducing node bloat not only streamlines your designs but makes the process smoother overall. It's great that you're exploring this aspect of your workflow! Happy machining!

[@samspade2519]

I know that part of this video was demonstrating each tool. Could you have selected the entire project, select curve tool keep sharp corners and preview. Like you did with Santa but selecting the whole project?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Great question and the one thing I forgot to summarize with. Yes!

[@hinddee]

Great info, but why would someone want to convert it to a DXF file in the first place? Is it to deter copying? Personally I'd ask sell for a SVG or find a different design somewhere else.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Now that's an awesome question! It's because dxf is the standard for file exchange, not SVG. But I agree, ask for a SVG instead.

[@777smitty4]

Just curious but can’t you import a dxf into cad then export it as a svg problem solved

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Write! Never thought of that. I will certainly test this theory!

[@RaymondHalicki]

Can STL files be imported into Vectric and do they have problems similar to DXF?

[@IDCWoodcraft]

RaymondHalicki, Yes, STL files can be imported into Vectric software, and they generally handle 3D models well. However, issues can arise if the STL file has non-manifold edges or other geometry problems, similar to what you might encounter with DXF files. It’s always a good idea to check your STL file for any errors before importing, just to ensure a smooth workflow. If the geometry is clean, Vectric should handle it nicely!

[@RayJayH]

@ First of all, great video! Second, thanks for a quick response.

[@fredsmachinewerks4811]

Hello Garrett . There are a few online program that will convert DXF to SVG and other formats that would make life easier. I think , Not sure 100% but I user a laser program call lightburn it will convert DFX to a lightburn file with out all the nodes. Does V carve have this option, if not may something they would consider adding. To V Carve Pro cheers

[@IDCWoodcraft]

fredsmachinewerks4811, Hi there! VCarve Pro does have some capabilities to import DXF files, but it might not convert all the nodes as smoothly as you'd like. It's definitely a good idea to suggest your feature request directly to Vectric, as they often consider user feedback for future updates.

[@dalcassian56]

Is this applicable to importing/opening autocad files saved as .DXF ?? If not, coild you create a video on the best way to transfer Autocad to Vectric? I have used Autocad for 25 years, so i have numerous designs already created. I tried using Fusion360, which imports well due to it being Autodesk as well, but it has difficulty with v-carve inlay design. Thank you in advance😊

[@IDCWoodcraft]

dalcassian56, Yes, you can import .DXF files into Vectric software, and it generally works well. If you're experiencing issues with specific designs, it might be related to the complexities of the files. For v-carve inlay designs, ensuring the vectors are clean and closed can help in getting better results. Creating a video on transferring designs could be a great idea; thanks for suggesting it!

[@MehdiShatti]

I don't check the box for replace selected vectors. So my vectors are always exactly the same before and after node clean up.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

MehdiShatti, It sounds like you're noticing that the node cleanup process isn't altering your vectors as expected. Not checking the box for replace selected vectors means you're essentially keeping the original ones intact. If you have specific settings or procedures in mind, it might be worth double-checking the options available to you in the software. Happy woodworking!

[@lenshelton2810]

A machine with a proper controller doesn't stop and change direction on every node, it instead has path smoothing with a tolerance. Also, bezier curves may speed up Vectric, but it doesn't speed up the controller because controllers can only do arcs.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

lenshelton2810, You make a great point! Many modern CNC machines do utilize path smoothing to enhance movement and efficiency. It's true that while Bezier curves can improve the design process in software like Vectric, the controller's ability to execute those paths hinges on its capability to interpret them as arcs or linear movements. It’s all about finding the right balance between software capabilities and machine limitations. Thanks for sharing your insights!

[@AveryBooth-tf5ni]

Hello Garret. Im wondering if there is a way that i can look at the gcode read out. I have a project that the job stalls at the same time everytime. Its line 3855 of 12160.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

AveryBooth-tf5ni, Hello! You can definitely view the G-code directly in your CNC software, or you can open the G-code file in a text editor. This will allow you to see exactly what's happening at that specific line and help you troubleshoot any issues. It's a great way to understand the commands being executed as well! Good luck!

[@mindbender50]

Nodes also can cause what looks like chattering but really its just the jerking from one node to the next... and if you have many thousands it will look like your curves have chatter along all the long curves.. This may send you down the rabbit holes of trying to fix a gantry problem that's not there don't ask me how I know!

[@IDCWoodcraft]

mindbender50, That's a really insightful observation! Nodes can definitely create the illusion of chattering if there are too many or if they aren't spaced properly, leading to confusion while troubleshooting. It's always a good practice to examine the path in your software before jumping to conclusions about hardware issues. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@JayHuemann]

While I appreciate the explanation- this could have been done in at least half the time. Too much unneeded repetition and time talking about what you are planning on doing.

[@IDCWoodcraft]

Hi Jay. Thanks for the input. I will definitely take your suggestion into consideration!

[@rolco7763]

Garrett takes the time to explain well and this is very important for all beginners like me !