How to turn an image file into a toolpath

[landcrush]

I want to turn this image I scanned into a toolpath so I can engrave it with my CNC router. Not exactly sure how to go about doing that...

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

You can insert it into a Fusion 360 model sketch as a Canvas and then trace it the best that you can or bring it into Inkscape and convert it into an SVG file which you can import into Fusion 360 very easily.  I do not use Inkscape so I cannot advise you there.  The Sketch created by the SVG file can easily be turned into a cutting toolpath.

Edit: Inkscape is a free application.

[landcrush · Accepted solution]

Well, I didn't want to wait too much longer to respond to my kind mentor who has helped me so much, but it took awhile because this reply really sent me down a rabbit hole. I use a Mac, and while Inkscape is available for Mac, for some reason, it has stopped working on later operating systems like OS Mojave. So...... I found a Linux / Ubunto Distro named Zorin and installed it on a different drive. I booted into that and installed Inkscape and got my image files transferred over. Opened the file and proceeded to follow the procedures outlined to vectorize the image file. The "wisdom" from the Youtube guide I was following said to scan 20 times. Well the OS froze, then Inkscape crashed, and I ultimately got nowhere. I'm sure this will work under the right conditions, I just don't know if I can create those conditions.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

I am sorry, but nowhere in your original post did you mention you were using a MAC as I would not have recommended Inkscape.  I took your image, from your original post, and converted it into an SVG file which you can bring into Fusion 360 and scale it as desired.  It is attached.

[landcrush]

Well I think the Inkscape idea was a fine one, regardless of what platform I'm using. It really should have installed and run on Mac OS X because the Mac OS is based on UNIX. The SVG file you attached in its current form is not what I'm after. I am looking to turn the image file into a vector file. I've already tried tracing this pattern in Fusion using the fit point spline tool ( see attached ), but it's too much of a trudge, I'm looking for a quick and easy way to vectorize these files.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

A SVG file is a Vector format file.  In the Screencast I prove that it is.  I take the SVG file, created from your original image, and insert it and extrude it.  I do not know why you believe it is not a Vector format file?  If you want to unlock the sketch and edit it, go to the Browser, edit the sketch, and select what you want to change, unfix it using the Fix sketch constrain command and you are ready to edit to your hearts content.

[landcrush]

You're right John, my apologies, I was confused. I first opened the file in Adobe Illustrator, and it appeared to still have all of the background artifacts in it. Frankly, I'm mystified as to how you created that .svg file from the image file I uploaded. Can you share that method, it looks like it's going to work well for me.

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

I am running Windows 10 and used Inkscape to convert a JPEG to SVG so this process my not suit you.  You asked how I did it, so I created a Screencast on my process.  I used SnagIt to capture the image from your original post but you could easily use any screen capture application to get the raster image.  I also do not know much about Inkscape, just enough to get what I want. 

By the way, Screencast processing seems to offline right now I am attaching an MP4 video.

[landcrush]

Hi John,

That was VERY informative. I managed to get through somewhat of the same process in Illustrator, but the key component was the unfixing, mainly because the artwork I have has unneeded complexities within the outline that I needed to find a way to remove. Thanks again my friend!