Hi, first post

I've started using Inkscape because I've built a CNC Router and this is the perfect place to get most of my graphics.

Although I've used Inkscape, I'm still in the dark about a lot of the stuff I can do here. One thing I need to get straight is the measurement of the graphics for when I convert my DXF files into Gcode it needs to be exact. Is there a way to do this other than using the grid technique.

Is there an Icon that you press and a ruler magically appears

I'd be grateful for any help here.

Thanks a lot.

Michael
(centurion)

Hello,
The version 0.91 of Inksacpe has a new tool for measuring: the rule tool. Give a try and see if it works.
Also, you can configure the units to obtain millimeters, inches.
More information about that, consult the guide:
the Inkscape Guide
If you want more information, submit some example file, and / or screenshot

Thanks for replying.
This is a graphic of half an airplane propeller (not very well drawn) I wanted it to measure 3.5ins (88.900mm) across the middle and 4mm at the left hand side.

Although there is a measuring tool in the extensions it wont measure from those points I've just described. Or it does and I haven't figured it out yet.

Perhaps you can show me how its done properly. I've included a graphic.

Michael.

Hello:
I've attached a drawing with the dimensions put on it, just using the dimension, an measure extensions (my inkscape is in spanish, so the name of the extensions may change).
But you say you are using inkscape with a CNC router, so.
1.- One thing is Measure the dimensions of your design.
2.- Other thing is Draw those measurings as it were a draft, to be used as a guide i guess.

As i said, just for measuring your design, you need to put your document with the correct units (Inkscape can recognize milimeter and inches). Consult the guide provided before please. The measure tool in Inkscape 0.91 can help you with that too.

With the extensions you can put the dimensions in the drawing, as a part of the design, the drawing. Inkscape can do it, but the proccess require of many steps. Like provide auxiliar geometries, and adjusting the position and size of the text. Inkscape is not a CAD program,... (period?).

Other things to look:
-Inkscape also adds the wide of the stroke in the measuring. But it depends of configuring the preferences.
-You can have a general idea of the width and the height of any object in the top bar, when the object is selected.
- Inkscape can import and export in dxf format. ... well more or less, some objects can't be imported/exported.