Importing sketchup files into other cad cam software

Scott M · 17 Apr 2011, 13:35

I have been exporting dxf files created in su to our thermwood machine.I was wandering if there might be a plugin out there to join all the segments in a arc or circle to one continues arc or circle.When I use the export dxf/stl plugin and export lines it exports all segmints as idividual lines.The machine still cuts fine except that it will not reconize a circle as a drill operation.Also the segminets have to be verry small or else the cut comes out jagged.Another reason is if we importe a su file with arcs into ecabinets shape manager it will not allow us to trim the segments on a arch keep getting a error message canot trim lines on different plains. Maby someone is using sketchup along with ecabinets?

Dropout · 17 Apr 2011, 13:56

Hi Scott

Not an answer, but what are you using to export dxf files? I'd like them for my router.

Scott M · 17 Apr 2011, 14:29

Dropout,
I am using the plugin export dxf/stl downloaded from the ruby library.By the way what type router are you cuttin with?

mac1 · 17 Apr 2011, 15:20

Since you are using a plugin I assume you are using SU7 free. Su8 Pro can import and export dxf /dwg. It has a 8 hour trial period so you can use it as a stand alone file export tool( lots of export time) and see if that helps any. DoubleCad has a free version I use often to go from Su8 to dxf and then I can open in Su7 by its dxf plugin.

Scott M · 17 Apr 2011, 15:30

Mac1,
I am using su8 free.Can you post the link for the doubleCad program.I woul like to check it out.

Dropout · 17 Apr 2011, 17:50

@scott m said:

Dropout,
I am using the plugin export dxf/stl downloaded from the ruby library.By the way what type router are you cuttin with?

I am running a Gerber Sabre router. I have the same plugin but I can't get it to work properly.

Are you doing mostly cabinet work? If so, there is another combination of things that I use that works well. It doesn't handle holes or curves though.

Scott M · 17 Apr 2011, 18:30

Dropout,
We use Ecabinets mostly for our cabinets but I am intrested in your system.
As for the dxf/stl export plugin.For our thermwood post it reads the layers created in the dxf files.In su layers are for visual purposes.I have to creat groups and name them just as you would a layer for example a outline operation for 3/4 material the group would be named outline z0p75,a centerline cut using a 3/8 cutter plunging 3/8 deep would be another group named centerline d0p375 z0p375 the d is the dia. of the tool and the p=the desimal. pocket cuts ,chaincompout,chaincompin,dadoes are handled in the same way.Thatis for our machine I am not sure about yours. I use su for complacated shapes. Mac1 posted that he used double cad I found the download for it but could not install because the searial number was rejected. maby he could help out with this.

mac1 · 18 Apr 2011, 03:58

Were you down loading the free or pro version. The link is http://www.doublecad.com/Products/DoubleCADXTv3/tabid/1100/Default.aspx. Sorry I cannot do any thing about SN numbers. The free is limited so maybe it will not help with CAD??
Scott see my additionaal inf in your other post / question above

Dropout · 18 Apr 2011, 13:05

@scott m said:

Dropout,
We use Ecabinets mostly for our cabinets but I am intrested in your system.
As for the dxf/stl export plugin.For our thermwood post it reads the layers created in the dxf files.In su layers are for visual purposes.I have to creat groups and name them just as you would a layer for example a outline operation for 3/4 material the group would be named outline z0p75,a centerline cut using a 3/8 cutter plunging 3/8 deep would be another group named centerline d0p375 z0p375 the d is the dia. of the tool and the p=the desimal. pocket cuts ,chaincompout,chaincompin,dadoes are handled in the same way.Thatis for our machine I am not sure about yours. I use su for complacated shapes. Mac1 posted that he used double cad I found the download for it but could not install because the searial number was rejected. maby he could help out with this.

I use this for cabinet design: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=80&t=32789&hilit=cabinetsense and Paranest to lay it out: http://www.cabinetpartspro.com/OtherProducts.aspx . Cabinetsense has the proper export that imports nicely into Paranest which lays the parts out on whatever size sheets you want. This will not handle holes, curves or dadoes though.

dedmin · 18 Apr 2011, 13:23

@scott m said:

I have been exporting dxf files created in su to our thermwood machine.I was wandering if there might be a plugin out there to join all the segments in a arc or circle to one continues arc or circle.When I use the export dxf/stl plugin and export lines it exports all segmints as idividual lines.The machine still cuts fine except that it will not reconize a circle as a drill operation.Also the segminets have to be verry small or else the cut comes out jagged.Another reason is if we importe a su file with arcs into ecabinets shape manager it will not allow us to trim the segments on a arch keep getting a error message canot trim lines on different plains. Maby someone is using sketchup along with ecabinets?

DoubleCAD wont help You with arcs and circles imported from SketchUp - they still will be just bunch of small lines. You have to recreate them if You want true geometry. For 3d this is easier in SpaceClaim - http://www.spaceclaim.com/en/Resources/VidPlayer.aspx?v=Whats_New_2011.flv#
Look at the Archive - SpaceClaim 2009+ Sketchup Import

akigrimm · 18 May 2011, 20:32

Sorry, I don´t know your ecabinets program, but on behalf of the circles: If I would export a circle into woodwop, it would create a routing routine. For drilling i have to enter a center point and not a curve. Could that be true for your situation?