I am looking for some software that can can 2d plans from books into Dxf files. I have searched but cannot find what I am looking for. Has anyone done this or able to recomend some software that will let me do this?

Your better off learning how to draw them in a CAD program. The results will be infinitely better.

But if you want to try it, google WinTopo.

I agree with Gerry. You'll end up basically redrawing them anyway.

However this software is better than some others I've seen at that sort of thing.

http://www.vextrasoft.com/?source=vextractor

Greg

I have noticed that i will have to edit them a ton. I will just redesign it in cad to my own liking thank you.

Dang I type slow:)

You got it ,sometimes easier to trace over the top of it
Like even as stated in the above link It converts it to vector so you can EDIT it.

Most auto trace programs will throw up way too many nodes which you get to thin out.
The trace program will copy both sides of the line with every conceivable flaw creating a node
And when you let the program do it you can loose detail.

On line drawings and plans in my experience its faster to import a picture and trace over it.

I have learned to do this due to the fact that some drawings will cause the computer to lockup from to many god dam nodes.

In short use auto trace to create vector renderings of pictures
Manually trace plans and line drawings.

Best of luck

Dave

I have been asking the same for about 20+ year or since DXF was invented so here's how I do it. I'm not trying to promote or endorse any software here but Corel is the way to go. Bring in the scan in black n white bitmap and lock it and manually draw over it in a different color line or place your picture under Wacom board and trace it. This opens a whole new world of how to's and AE coders are not visual people, that part of their brain does not comply well.

For a "FREE" drawing program try "Inkscape"
Open source freeware with lots of features

Dave

I am looking to do the same and I haven't found any help. With all the Aerospace and Computer fields you would think someone would come up with an easy way to scan an image and cut it the same size it was scanned???

You can get there - but its several steps.
Sorry no silver bullet and Santa didn't have your wish list in time! http://www.gravomaster.com/Tristan_Dean/scan2cnc.html is one way.

Also check out http://www.imsrv.com/rasterfratz/ you scan to a JPEG then use Rasterfratz (a trial is available) to get some g-code.

Again - no simple one step process scanner to router -- maybe a niche you could fill by writing one!

:cheers: Jim