Problem with Gcodetools extention

[RoyS]

I've been working with Inkscape for some time now, to convert raster images to vector, and to generate g-code for various woodworking projects that I make on a CNC mill. For the past couple of months, though, when I insert 'Orientation Points' and 'Tools Library' into drawings, those items are HUGE.

The purple selection arrows are the actual image size, which is 12.500" X 12.500".
If anyone can tell me how to correct this, I would really appreciate it! TIA!

Screenshot:

Screenshot.jpg
(150.3 kB . 1600x900)
(viewed 396 times)

[brynn]

Welcome to the forum!

The first thing I would want to look at, is whether the Scale is set properly.  Can you share an SVG file which shows the problem?

If you want to look into it yourself, try this FAQ item:  https://inkscape.org/learn/faq/#inkscape-092-my-drawings-are-just-quarter-their-original-size-when-i-open-them-program-xyz  But if that doesn't help, let us see an SVG file, so we can investigate.

Hhm, it seems there's a little popup window covering the zoom factor (bottom-right corner) in your screenshot.  It would be interesting to see that as well.  But we can get it from the SVG file.

[RoyS]

Hi Brynn,
Thanks for the reply. I don't think scaling is the problem, as the G-code dimensions are all OK. Attaching the SVG file. Thanks again for your help.

WREATH_All_Layers_for_Gcode.svg
(121.76 kB . 12x12)
(viewed 265 times)

[brynn]

Yes, the scale is set wrongly.  Please follow this routine.

• File menu > Document Properties > Page tab > Display Units (at the very top) - set this for px
• File menu > Document Properties > Page tab > Scale (about the middle of the pages) - set this for 1.0
• Go back to File menu > Document Properties > Page tab > Display Units (at the very top) - set this for inches
• Never touch the Scale setting again.  If you need to change the units, you will see that the Scale setting changes, but just ignore it.  It's just Inkscape doing what it needs to do, to keep your document sizing correct.  (yes, I know it's confusing - I've been arguing for a better setup, but I'm just one voice)

Now that that's fixed, you'll see your image size is not 12.5 inches.  It's 0.125 inches.  So you might need to fix that.  And then you'll probably want to re-set the orientation points.

I do agree that the orientation points (green box) is a little bit bigger than it should be.  But with the scale set properly, it's much closer to its normal size.  You can select and move it around, so that it doesn't interfere with viewing the drawing.  And maybe after you re-set the orientation points, it will be the right size?  I'm not sure.

[RoyS]

Nope, that doesn't work. When the Display Units is changed from pixels to inches, the Scale changes to 96.000. As a result, the generated G-code dimensions are all 96X what they should be (Although the oversized Orientation Points and Tools Library (green) box do return to normal ).
I was hoping someone would know how to edit the 'gcodetools.py' file to change the size of the Orientation Points, and the Tools Library box.
Thanks for trying, though! I can work around this bug; it would just be easier to have those items at normal size.

[brynn]

Yes, the scale is supposed to change.  That's how Inkscape works.  You can believe me or not.

All I can say is that the green box is the right size, if you set the scale properly.  Of course you'll have to redraw or scale your image after fixing the scale setting.  Then everything will be right.

[RoyS]

I don't think you understand the problem I'm talking about. It's not a question of whether I believe you. Yes, I know the scale is 'supposed' to change; One inch = about 96 pixels, at my monitor's resolution.
The problem is that the G-code generated with that scale setting is not correct; the wreath I'm making would be 1,200 inches instead of 12-1/2 inches. Not too many folks have doors that big. 
As I said, I can work around this problem. I'm just hoping an Inkscape guru can tell me how to edit gcodetools.py to suit my particular needs.

Thanks again!

[brynn]

Well I don't know all the facts about your workflow.  I suspect you've tweaked something else along the way, to make it work with the wrong scale setting.  But I don't know enough about either your workflow, or what the workflow should be (since I don't have any kind of cutter, or use gcode at all).

It doesn't make sense to change the programming to fit your workflow.  It makes more sense to correct the workflow.  Unfortunately I'm not the best person to sort out what you might have tweaked to make it work.  And I certainly can't tell you how to edit the program files (PY file). (because I don't know how)

All I know is that by using the correct scale, there is some way to make your drawing cut at the right size.  I just can't tell you exactly what needs to happen.  But hopefully someone else will be along, who can help.