CurtisKemper Report post Posted November 22, 2012 I was wondering if anyone uses a PC to make their patterns and if so what applications do you use? I have a small CNC machine from a company called Torchmate and I have been using the CAD application that came with it to make my patterns. Here is an example of one I made. I was wondering what others are doing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted November 22, 2012 I draw all of my designs by hand. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikesmith648 Report post Posted November 22, 2012 I used to have a similar machine to the Torchmate. Haven't thought about using the CNC program (I still have that). gives me ideas though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted November 23, 2012 I use Adobe Illustrator if I need something precise and repeatable. I use italics only when I don't realize they're on. Too lazy to retype. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cem Report post Posted November 23, 2012 I use Illustrator as well I also have that program you have it's actually called Signlab and is made by Cadlink they third party license it to different manufacturers of CNC and vinyl cutting machines. I got it with my Klic N Kut Maxx which is a vinyl cutting machine, I import my illustrator files into it as I learnt illustrator first and prefer it to drawing out stuff in the Signlab / KNK Maxx software just find it a bit clunky compared to Illustrator. Clair Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JustKate Report post Posted November 23, 2012 I also use Illustrator for 2d work. The only drawback of that is, it's not cheap. I've also gotten very nice results from InkScape, which you can download for free. http://inkscape.org/screenshots/index.php?lang=en Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zyurelaie Report post Posted January 24, 2013 Freehand = gimp (free) with the advanced drawing add ins (free) or my favorite art rage pro (80$) Vector graphics and pattern drafting / layout = Inkscape (free) Cutting down vector image for accurate printing for test purposes = posterazor (free) Other output = freecad (uhhh FREE cad...) sketchup (free) or on one occasion Blender (free) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chief31794 Report post Posted January 24, 2013 I use Inkscape as well. I figured I had enough money tied up at Adobe on Photoshop. Inkscape does a great job and I print out the .svg file and send to Blackriver Laser and they make all my templates. I am attaching a pdf of the banjo strap and rifle sling templates I had made recently. (I notice out west it's holsters and saddles, here in the south it's Rifle Slings and Banjo Straps, oh well). Chief Banjo Strap.pdf RifleSling.pdf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
