separating .f3d file to cnc certain parts

[mcasselli]

I have a .f3d file of a support table for a V1 lowrider cnc. I want to cut some of the parts out on my shapeoko via carbide create but the file is not being exported, via myhub, into the dxf format that is recognizable by Illustrator so that I can create a svg file, carbide create does not recognize the dxf that the myhub downloader recognizes. I would love to have my workflow up to speed so that I can use fusion as my sole cad and cam software, but that will take some time. ANy thoughts? Here is the link for the full .f3d file that I am trying to disect-https://a360.co/2T0PjgI

[karina.harper]

Hi @mcasselli!

Thanks for posting about your issue.

My favorite way to create a clean .dxf for export from illustrator is this method : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4s2p2epaeg 

The workflow is to create an offset plane facing the silhouette you want to cut, then projecting the geometry onto that plane, and then right click -> export the sketch as a .dxf file. 

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't say that the CAM environment in Fusion is awesome! If you are interested in learning more, check out some of our online learning materials.

Let me know if that solved your problem or if you would like me to elaborate further.

[mcasselli]

OMG so simple, though I had to join the paths in Illustrator but again, so
simple. I really want to use Fusion for its cam posibilities as I am trying
to set up a digital fabrication lab for my sculpture program at Antioch
College. I have a number of different diy machines as well as a shapeoko 3
xxl and a buildyourowncnc laser cutter and would love to have one piece of
software to control it all from design iteration through to fabrication.
Thanks for that simple heads up, still a little confused bu sketches and
how they exist in a design that is not my own. I could also use an indepth
tutorial on all of the settings that are neccessary for setting up the cam
with regards to different machines-basically how to set up the correct
machine descriptions so that I can switch back and forth depending on the
machine and process I desire to use. Really wish I could take a course with
a live instructor so that I could ask specific questions while working
through the software. Fusion is a new approach for me, I have used
vectorworks since 1996 to do my design work and these two pieces of
software are vastly different from one another so I find myself
tryingthings I know from vectorworks but realizing that I just cant do that.
Thanks again,
Michael Casselli

[karina.harper]

Hey @mcasselli,

I'm glad that helped!

Your digi fab makerspace sounds awesome! My previous position was actually as a Makerspace coordinator in a high school, and I quickly ended up using Fusion for all my machines (laser, CNC, 3D printers...). The sketch environment is a great tool to use for the laser cutter, I really enjoy how flexible it is.

As for sketches in a file that is not yours, it depends on how you are accessing it. If you downloaded it and then uploaded it to your account it now belongs to you and any edits you make to it will not update to the original owner. If the file is shared, meaning the original owner shares rights with you, then any updates you make will be seen by them as well.

On the machine-specific tutorials, I found a Fusion 360 -> Shapeoko tutorial on youtube for you here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_sbHmBj-I0 I haven't watched all of it but it looks pretty good! When I'm learning something new, I like to watch videos and follow along in the program so I can have the muscle memory.