I've created an image in Inkscape using the Draw Bezier tool to use as a SVG image to send to my laser cutter.  But need to clear out a rectangle section so I can later add text from the laser's program .  Can you offer any suggestions how to create a clean break in the lines to show an open space?  The image attached shows the rectangle in red, that's the area I want to remove the lines from.  I've tried the Path>Cut Path to remove the lines, but when I send to my laser, the lines are still readable.

My question is: does the cutter recognize properly the clipping path?

That’s a good question, I’ll have to research that.  I was just trying to see how Inkscape can erase a section of lines and have it show clear.

That’s a good question, I’ll have to research that.  I was just trying to see how Inkscape can erase a section of lines and have it show clear.

Most cutter software does not respect clip paths. 

There are a few options I'd explore (I'll presume the artwork is to be engraved.):

• Convert the strokes to paths and union, to get a monolithic (single) path, then use path-difference to make the hole.
• Make artwork a bitmap, trace to get a monolithic path, delete the original paths and background, then use path-difference to make the hole.
• If using .92.xx versions, Path-Ops>Difference extension can be used to automatically cut the paths individually.

Feel free to share the SVG file for better answers.

http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Paths-Combining.html