Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Duplicating (mostly) a real part - which CAD program ?

Hi Alan,
I've got to do the same thing and I think it can be done in Corel. I think you
need to do a vector capture of the part first from a picture. Then you can
manipulate the geometry it in a CAD program. Here's a link to an article that
might describe the process you''re looking for:
http://www.letterhead.com/ubb-cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=000049;p=0
cheers,
Denis

On Sat June 3 2006 21:45, Alan Rothenbush wrote:
> I'm mounting new front calipers on my motorcycle, and the calipers on
> this bike (83 Goldwing) mount to an unusual "swinging arm".
>
> The new calipers will require a new swinging arm .. no way to use the
> current one and modifying it is not really a good idea (in case this
> slightly mad idea doesn't work out).
>
> This means a block of Al 3" x 3" x 8" with maybe 80% milled away. (No
> chance I'd trust this to a casting).
>
> Lacking drawings or dimensions for _anything_, the final shape will be
> determined ad hoc.
>
> However, the initial shape (in plan view) and the location of three key
> mounting holes _is_ predictable, and it would be nice to CNC this initial
> shape.
>
> I see taking a pic from straight above, feeding it into a CAD program and
> then tracing the outline.
>
> However, I do not know of a (free or low cost) CAD program that allows me
> to put a picture down as background and trace around it on another layer,
> creating a DXF out of this layer.
>
> Any thoughts ?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>
> Alan