Answered
Having difficulty joining vectors - single line closed vectors
(please also see all added comments below) I imported my design from a dfx. I created the vector, made sure there were no duplicates. I then went to create the tool paths and I of course got many errors. In looking at the vectors more closely, I have many little vectors. I have tried using the join nodes function but it will not join.
I did do the closed, open and duplicate check in vector doctor, I do not have any duplicates. The curved shapes at each end seem to be closed (not sure how) but the two long arcs are open.
Also the node is short of the end of the vector (see image attached), not sure how to fix.
Any suggestions would be great.
Comments
Basically I want to join these vectors and don't know why I can't. When using the vector doctor i get this:
I can't figure out how to fix these intersections.
Thank you
Ok, I tried using the node editor and I found that I have closed shapes. I pulled the green node in the middle down and created this shape:
I don't want the lower part, but if I use the trim tool the whole thing goes away.
If you have overlapping vectors you need to remove the overlapping part then join the vectors, the way I do that is one duplicate the layer the vectors are on in case I screw things up I have the original (or copy and paste all the vectors on a different layer (then shut that thing off (you don't need any more visual then necessary)
Now back to the original vectors, If you have overlapping lines you need to remove the sections that are overlapping, (no duh, right) how you do that is node editing (letter "N" on the keyboard) you will have to locate the areas that are offending using 1 vector at a time find a spot where you can either use the letter "R" to remove part of the line back to a node or you can use the letter "I" to put one in place then remove a part of the line so you can get close to the end point of the other so you can use the close vector by either adding a line or moving the lines to close them. If you use the "cut" sometime the thing will disappear like you've experienced, doing node editing you can get close.
Did this help, sometimes I ramble.
mike
mike,
Thank you for responding. In node editor, if I press "R" I get the relief drop down, as with "I" I get the view drop down. I have been working in node editor and as far as I can tell the nodes snap together so I don't have any over hangs. I drew a new vector that intersected the my last example and was able to cut out what I didn't want but still can't join them.
In node editor, you can see that there is not even a node where I get an intersection error (middle of the arc). It is one arc.
Z
I'm sorry I forgot to say that you have to have the mouse pointer on the vector between the nodes in order to delete the section between the nodes.here is the instructions form the help manual
Okay, I just reread your post, I also wanted to show that you can find the info from the helps for shortcuts.
Now onto the other part in node editing you can drag a node so it is on top of the other node and therefor it will marry with the other one. If you go to the settings you can specify the gap (I set mine to .0001, kind of close, this is for the joining vectors to coincident nodes) for you, you could just join vectors with a line then delete the node by hovering over the node then hitting the "D" key.
take a look at this when you are in node editing, you do not have the mid-point checked, also when you want to join 2 vectors you have to have both highlighted.
Hopefully I have you all fixed, if not point out where I missed it.
mike
If you have an arc (or rather drew one) in node editing highlight the arc then with the mouse pointer on the arc hit the "B" letter this should give you a midpoint (if the box is checked.
mike
Mike,
I apricate the help. Unfortunately I am not following. I am using the node editor, have the vector highlighted, hovering over the node and nothing happens when I press any letters on my keyboard.
I am very concerned that this will happen for every design I have. I have drawn them in autocad because that is what I am familiar with. I have 44 shape and size specific parts that I have imported into carveco. It is not worth it, if for everyone, I am going to have to edit each specific curve and line.
I have to imagine there is a better process.
Z
Hope this helps
Practice by making a rectangle or an oval or a circle or any closed polyline then cut one node off then move one (node) out away from the other one, or just make 2 lines parallel to each other then close the babies.
mike
here are three pics of the same rectangle closed 3 ways
mike
on these I added a node by highlighting the node (selecting) then using the letter I (not necessary to be caps) Then I deleted the sections between the nodes by using the letter R (again not necessary to be in caps) Crap, they got turned around. Whenever you want to connect 2 nodes, lines together you have to make sure that both lines are highlighted (very important, if they are not the software isn't going to do what you are asking it).
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