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

Tue Jul 22 11:28:16 CEST 2008

Csaba,

I don't use Front Designer, but using QCad I create parts for knobs, 
sockets etc, and include "hidden" areas such as pots and the back of 
sockets. This way you can make sure everything will fit on the panel. If 
you put different objects on different layers then you can easily show 
just what you want to be engraved on the panel.

If you make a library of knobs then you know how large to make the 
legend for each knob. With CAD, to get the final result it's usually a 
lot easier if you make auxiliary constructions to guide you...

Stew.

Csaba Zvekan wrote:
> This is probably a dumb question. Why are you guys making knobs and 
> display it with Front Designer? Aren't the markings of the poti (the 
> scale ) enough? And drilling. I wouldn't want a knob engraved on my 
> panel or am I missing something here ? :)
>
> Csaba
> On Jul 22, 2008, at 10:20 AM, Tom Bugs wrote:
>
>> 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
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