[sdiy] DRILLING TEMPLATE/GUIDE??? Front Panel Designer

[Tom Bugs]

Probably the most valuable tool I got since beginning to use 
FrontDesigner was a cheap set of digital calipers off ebay - cost under 
£10 inc postage, I think.

Yes, its a bit of a sweat, but you gradually begin making your own 
library -> I've made knob templates, but also 16mm pot templates (just 
to check that things fit), switches etc (with markings showing typical 
hole size & size of the washer & switch body size). You'll also get to 
know your parts a load better this way too (fnar).
I don't think anyone has particular libraries 'cos everyone uses 
different standards....

The libraries that came with FrontDesigner were totally useless!

Best,
Tom

Dan Snazelle wrote:
> Ok
> I am trying to use Front Panel Designer but it looks as if you must MAKE all your own objects. This is hard for me as i dont know how to figure out what size hole (or area for labels,etc) to use for the toggles i get from futurlec, the pots i get from futurlec, vs the ones i get from allied,etc. i think i normally use 16mm pots (which i assume means i would draw a 16mm circle?)
>
> but what about rotary pots? and LEDS? how big a circle for those?
>
> I was sort of hoping that it would be similar to EAGLE where you have a library of parts. But the library that came with it is about three parts long.
>
>
> I am having a real dilemna as i am trying to figure out how many pots i can realistically fit on a panel 19" across by 10.5" tall. so i not only want to draw the drill holes but the AREA that they might take up with a knob. is this possible?
>
>
> Am i Missing something? are there libraries i missed?
>
> thanks so much
>
>
>
>
>
> --------------------------------------------
> check out various dan music at:
>
> http://www.myspace.com/lossnyc
>
>
> http://www.soundclick.com/lossnyc.htm
>
>
> http://www.indie911.com/dan-snazelle
> (or for techno) http://www.myspace.com/snazelle
>
>
>   
>> From: czvekan at gmail.com
>> To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>> Subject: Re: [sdiy] (MOTM style) DRILLING TEMPLATE/GUIDE??? ready to start makng better looking panels
>> Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:40:50 +0200
>>
>> Ohh my god . I just reinvented the wheel. This is so awesome. In Front
>> Designer we only have to change the pen to engraver or mill what ever
>> you need. I have chosen 0.3 mm engraver. Then changed all objects with
>> that pen. Exported the thing to a *.plt file. Imported it with LazyCam
>> and it calculated like a minute or less and voilà my Gcode was
>> generated and I can see my design in MACH3. Awesome! . Now I know how
>> this is being done. A thirty bucks program Front Designer and and a
>> 125$ gets me engravings. This is really cool. You made my day, Tom . :)
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>>
>> Csaba
>>
>>
>> On Jul 20, 2008, at 3:46 PM, Tom Bugs wrote:
>>
>>     
>>> I don't have Mach3 on this computer so can't check, but I've used
>>> FrontDesigner outputs to engrave panels with Mach3. You import stuff
>>> through, if my memory serves me right, EasyCam that comes attached
>>> to Mach3 (or it did in my case). I can't remember the exact details
>>> offhand, but I didn't need any extra software, just FrontDesigner
>>> and Mach3
>>> Best,
>>> Tom
>>>
>>> Csaba Zvekan wrote:
>>>       
>>>> Also I always wondered how to make a G-Code out of a HPGL file. Is
>>>> there a converter?. I am using MACH3 has anybody some suggestions.
>>>> I really would like to engrave my panels with my DIY CNC in the
>>>> future. I just don't know how ? Or would I import it in AutoCAD and
>>>> re-import in MACH 3 ?
>>>>
>>>> Csaba
>>>>
>>>> On Jul 19, 2008, at 6:22 PM, Samppa Tolvanen wrote:
>>>>
>>>>         
>>>>> Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>>           
>>>>>> On Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 6:48 PM, Tom Bugs 
>>>>>> wrote:
>>>>>> And there's also FrontDesigner from Abacom (www.abacom-online.de)
>>>>>> - only 30euro or so
>>>>>> This *may* be more versatile than FrontPanelDesigner as you've
>>>>>> got more
>>>>>> exporting options including HPGL for engraving / milling
>>>>>>             
>>>>> At least it does scales automagically (Not a big deal in FPD
>>>>> anyway).
>>>>> HPGL originates from pen plotters, but I haven't found a driver
>>>>> thats
>>>>> output is treated good by FrontPanel Designer.
>>>>>
>>>>> http://www.emachineshop.com/ also has a fairly simple free CAD for
>>>>> mechanical design with .dxf support.
>>>>>
>>>>> Samppa
>>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>>> Synth-diy mailing list
>>>>> Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>>>>> http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy
>>>>>           
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Synth-diy mailing list
>>>> Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>>>> http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy
>>>>
>>>>         
>> _______________________________________________
>> Synth-diy mailing list
>> Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
>> http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy
>>     
>
> _______________________________________________
> Synth-diy mailing list
> Synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
> http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/mailman/listinfo/synth-diy
>
>