Difference between revisions of "Vinyl Cutter"

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(1408, this is only the beginning.)
(→‎localplot: Moved documentation to github)
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== localplot ==
 
== localplot ==
  
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The shop now owns a barebones HPGL cutting program called [https://github.com/makerslocal/localplot localplot].
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The shop now has a small HPGL plotting program called localplot. Documentation is hosted on [https://github.com/makerslocal/localplot/wiki github].
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=== Install ===
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Compile from source with qmake or qtcreator. I haven't built any packages yet..
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=== Use ===
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* In Inkscape, click 'Save As' and save your path as a .hpgl file.
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* Make sure your user has serial device privileges.
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* Connect the USB->Serial adapter from the USCutter to the computer.
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* Open localplot.
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* Find the serial device and click 'Connect' (the default settings should work).
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* Open the hpgl file. Click 'Load'
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* Check the file in 'View' and 'Read' panes.
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* Click 'Plot!'
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== Cutting manually from Linux ==
 
== Cutting manually from Linux ==

Revision as of 11:09, 3 April 2017

Creator:
omegix
Status:
Purchased, Setting Up
Born On:
17:35, 15 October 2012 (CDT)
Last Updated:
11:09, 03 April 2017 (CDT)

Overview

This page will eventually be the home of instructions, information, settings, and tips and tricks for using the vinyl cutter. Right now this is just a fundraising page for buying a vinyl cutter for the shop. List your contribution and if you know of a good vinyl cutter, add it for consideration!

Contributors

  1. Omegix, $45 - PAID (SELF)
  2. Ramgarden, $50
  3. TylerCrumpton, $50 - PAID
  4. Enabrintain, $50, - PAID
  5. DanNeilson, $20 - PAID
  6. Barbara, $30 - PAID
  7. CrashCart, $25
  8. Daniel Valdez, $20 - PAID
  9. Random Donation - $10

Totals $175 + $50(iff 871) + $75(at$300cutter) = $300 for the MH-871 + TBD?

About Vinyl Cutter

Status

  • Unpacked, needs to be setup Done!
  • Mini-class on using the vinyl cutter and related software Done! (But ask tylercrumpton if you missed out on the first one)
  • Control computer still needs:
    • A hard drive
    • OS; Some version of Windows would be nice.
    • Vinyl cutter drivers
    • Vinyl cutting software; we have a copy of SignBlazer that came with the machine.
    • Right now, we're running on a "Bring Your Own Computer" basis.
  • Computer and cutter need a more permanent home.
    • The idea is to put it upstairs, somewhere out of the way but easy to get to.
    • Keeping it near the large table in the art area would be useful, since sometimes you need a large area to work with the vinyl.
  • Wiki needs to be updated with instructions and info
    • This page will be eventually replaced with more detailed information on using the vinyl cutter.
  • First vinyl order will most likely be made on Friday, November 30, 2012.

Consumables and Materials

Please see the Vinyl Cutter/Vinyl Consumables page for more information on group orders, and usage of the materials.

localplot

The shop now has a small HPGL plotting program called localplot. Documentation is hosted on github.

Cutting manually from Linux

Need: A USB to Serial adapter.

For our purposes, I'm referring to this USB->Serial device as /dev/ttyUSB0

Install Inkscape and InkCut v1.0

Tell InkCut to output to file, not printer or serial. When you click "Plot" it'll bring up a window where you can copy all of the raw plotting commands. Copy them, and then paste them into a screen session: 

screen /dev/ttyUSB0 9600

The system will cut the vinyl, and you can close the screen session.

Links:

Interesting links

Retrieved from "https://256.makerslocal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Vinyl_Cutter&oldid=21152"