I am making files for laser cutting of model boat parts. I want the curved outline of the deck with rectangular cut-outs that fit tabs of other parts. I have tried making the whole outline including cut-outs in straight segments (all nodes are specified from x/y data) and then selecting the outer border nodes to "make selected segments curves" but it also curves the non-selected nodes. Perhaps a Boolean joining of the curve to rectangles might work but when I try that shape changes totally. I'm still learning some of the basics, but if I knew the best approach I should be able to learn the necessary process.
Edit added later:
This seems to work:
- create the curve without the cut-out nodes
- add a pair of nodes just outside the cut-out zone
- within the zone add 4 nodes to make the rectangular cut-out and position them accordingly
- select each segment of the cutout and select to become straight lines
- also change the two short segments between the cut-out and the main curve to become straight. This will create short flat segments along the main curve but if they are short it will not affect the desired overall shape.
Thanks. I will consider that. My situation is a bit different: (Sorry haven't found the way to upload screen shots yet). Imagine the complete flat deck as one piece, with little notches around the periphery. But already on reviewing the advanced shapes tutorial I think I can add the notches without loosing the contour of the main outline.
Yes the LH one is like the shape needed. But there are only about ten indents along each side, so most of the object is smooth curve. Also, the indents are all perpendicular to the fore/aft axis and lend themselves to x/y coordinate specifications.
All doable in Inkscape: Use scatter to align number of openings to contour on one partially half; mirror horizontally - combine and Boolean subtract from deck-shape:
Beginners' Questions Combining curved and rectangular segments
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I am making files for laser cutting of model boat parts. I want the curved outline of the deck with rectangular cut-outs that fit tabs of other parts. I have tried making the whole outline including cut-outs in straight segments (all nodes are specified from x/y data) and then selecting the outer border nodes to "make selected segments curves" but it also curves the non-selected nodes. Perhaps a Boolean joining of the curve to rectangles might work but when I try that shape changes totally. I'm still learning some of the basics, but if I knew the best approach I should be able to learn the necessary process.
Edit added later:
This seems to work:
- create the curve without the cut-out nodes
- add a pair of nodes just outside the cut-out zone
- within the zone add 4 nodes to make the rectangular cut-out and position them accordingly
- select each segment of the cutout and select to become straight lines
- also change the two short segments between the cut-out and the main curve to become straight. This will create short flat segments along the main curve but if they are short it will not affect the desired overall shape.
If I got it right this is what I'd do:
1. draw 1 plank
2. use tiled clones for the whole deck and combine (make 1 path object)
3. put/draw the deck outline on top - centre align
4. select all go Path->Intersect->Path break apart to make single planks:
Thanks. I will consider that. My situation is a bit different: (Sorry haven't found the way to upload screen shots yet). Imagine the complete flat deck as one piece, with little notches around the periphery. But already on reviewing the advanced shapes tutorial I think I can add the notches without loosing the contour of the main outline.
Mmmh - something like this maybe? Just guessing:
Yes the LH one is like the shape needed. But there are only about ten indents along each side, so most of the object is smooth curve. Also, the indents are all perpendicular to the fore/aft axis and lend themselves to x/y coordinate specifications.
All doable in Inkscape: Use scatter to align number of openings to contour on one partially half; mirror horizontally - combine and Boolean subtract from deck-shape: