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

> --- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, Alan Rothenbush <beer@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > 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.
>
> 1) Vector CAD 30 day free demo, $59 for non expiring license
> Heads up digitizing tips and tricks:
> http://vectorcad3d.com/support/Digitizing.htm
>
> 2) Rasterfratz 30 day free demo, $99 Traces image files directly to
> DXF or G-code http://www.imsrv.com/rasterfratz/
>
> Fred Smith - IMService

Inkscape to convert image files to DXF
Free, no rectriction from http://www.inkscape.org

Dolphin CAD to convert to outline to a drawing.
Free, only restriction is a dolphin logo printed on a print off the drawing.
http://www.dolphin.gb.com/

Inkscape is really good, I have spent litterally 100's of pounds over a period of time on Raster to Vector software and they all are about the same, some marginally better than others.
Inkscape is on a par with Traceart and Wintopo but at no cost.

John S.