If you have a LightBurn camera, there's a easier method. In LightBurn, select the Camera Control tab from the top right corner. Click on “Update Overlay” to display a picture of your workspace in the software. Place the knife (or whatever) on the laser bed with a contrasty background, paper would probable do. To trace an image, click the “Trace” button in the Camera Control window. This process captures an image from the camera and converts it into vector paths. You can choose a specific part of the image to trace and edit it using the usual LightBurn functions.
Thank you @AmericanCivilWarFacts. I agree that LB has this functionality IF your laser has an overhead camera. I would add that the majority of lasers do not have an overhead camera so hopefully this gives an alternative. Maybe I'll do a follow-up video showing that option for those who do have cameras.
Hi @RichardCarlisle-k8t That is definitely a great way if you're using simple shapes. I've dealt with oddly shaped objects that are sometimes difficult to get a good reference measurement to scale to which is why I tend to default to this method. It's a little more time consuming for sure but it works for me. Thanks for sharing!
@@thetinkerverse My last project like this was a laser cut foam toolbox insert. I layed out all my wrenches (a couple dozen) on a contrasting background and took a photo. Then I took the photo into lightburn and traced. I measured the largest wrench (1") and sized the vector of all of the wrenches so 1" wrench was the same as the one measured. After the cut, all 2 dozen wrenches fit just right. But I see your point on fitting something more intricate with tighter tolerances.
@@RichardCarlisle-k8t I'm actually doing something similar for tap/die/bit storage. That was going to be in an upcoming video but I did similar with laying it all out and then designing around the scaled picture. So many fun things that you can do with a laser :)
Hi and thanks for the feedback. I don't disagree but honestly lasers with cameras are in the minority still so having an alternate method is worth talking about. As I mentioned to someone else I may do a follow up video showing how to use built in cameras to accomplish this.
I'm sorry you feel it is useless however I did say any photo editing software. You can do this with any number of free tools online such as Adobe Express, Canva or any number of other online tools or local tools such as Photoshop, Affinity Photo, etc...
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This has to be the most useful video you could have made for me. Thank you so much.
If you have a LightBurn camera, there's a easier method. In LightBurn, select the Camera Control tab from the top right corner. Click on “Update Overlay” to display a picture of your workspace in the software. Place the knife (or whatever) on the laser bed with a contrasty background, paper would probable do. To trace an image, click the “Trace” button in the Camera Control window. This process captures an image from the camera and converts it into vector paths. You can choose a specific part of the image to trace and edit it using the usual LightBurn functions.
Thank you @AmericanCivilWarFacts. I agree that LB has this functionality IF your laser has an overhead camera. I would add that the majority of lasers do not have an overhead camera so hopefully this gives an alternative. Maybe I'll do a follow-up video showing that option for those who do have cameras.
Great video! That will save a lot of time not having to trace. Thanks!
very cool explanation thanks!
Great timing with this! Exacatly the job I am trying to do right now :)
Thank you for posting such a informative video.
to scale the vector, measure the knife length (lets say 8"), make sure dimensions are locked and set the height to 8".
Hi @RichardCarlisle-k8t That is definitely a great way if you're using simple shapes. I've dealt with oddly shaped objects that are sometimes difficult to get a good reference measurement to scale to which is why I tend to default to this method. It's a little more time consuming for sure but it works for me. Thanks for sharing!
@@thetinkerverse My last project like this was a laser cut foam toolbox insert. I layed out all my wrenches (a couple dozen) on a contrasting background and took a photo. Then I took the photo into lightburn and traced. I measured the largest wrench (1") and sized the vector of all of the wrenches so 1" wrench was the same as the one measured. After the cut, all 2 dozen wrenches fit just right.
But I see your point on fitting something more intricate with tighter tolerances.
@@RichardCarlisle-k8t I'm actually doing something similar for tap/die/bit storage. That was going to be in an upcoming video but I did similar with laying it all out and then designing around the scaled picture. So many fun things that you can do with a laser :)
A lightbox under the object should silhouette an object with no shadows.. Make one wit LEDs and opal or frosted glass.
Great feedback and probably necessary for complex shapes where you don't want shadows to create any confusion. Thanks for that!
An easier way is to use your camera in lightburn and trace the image.
Hi and thanks for the feedback. I don't disagree but honestly lasers with cameras are in the minority still so having an alternate method is worth talking about. As I mentioned to someone else I may do a follow up video showing how to use built in cameras to accomplish this.
@@thetinkerverse Yeah I agree, its how I did it before I got a camera fixed above the laser cutter. Keep up the great work.
Since we don't have your photoroom account this is useless....
I'm sorry you feel it is useless however I did say any photo editing software. You can do this with any number of free tools online such as Adobe Express, Canva or any number of other online tools or local tools such as Photoshop, Affinity Photo, etc...
great content, thanks for sharing.