Well done @spokegrat
ill have to do a video of my homemade one too with these backplates
Hi
slightly off topic question but what software did you use to design the plates?
or does anyone know of any free software I can use to design similar that can be sent to manufacturers?
Hi
slightly off topic question but what software did you use to design the plates?
or does anyone know of any free software I can use to design similar that can be sent to manufacturers?
I know what I use, and that is CamBam (and no, it's not what your dirty mind thinks that it is), I draw simple stuff with it, and export the G-code to my machine.
But you can also use Inkscape, it's freeware, and also exports .DXF files, but the mfgr. still needs to know what to do with it, eg. toolpaths need to be made, based on the size of the cutter, but a quirky bloke knows how it works.

Ok, a .DXF (Autocad Exchange Format) is a vector orientated file, but you still have to specify some parameters, so look at this piccy.
The part that needs to be cut out is in red, the blue square is the toolpath, and that's smaller, why? Because I used a tool of 4 mm, when you're using a laser, then the tool size is (almost) neglectable.
View attachment 106165