Shaper Trace - Easy Sketch to Vector

Shaper tools makes the Shaper Origin handheld CNC router. www.shapertools.com/en-us/origin I’ve had mine a few years, and I’ve had a great time with it. Like any CNC, the Shaper Origin bases its cuts on a digital file (specifically a “scalable vector graphic” or SVG). I believe the SVG is a pretty widely-used standard for other tools as well (like laser cutters and vinyl cutters).
Shaper Trace is a new gadget that converts a drawing on plain paper to an SVG. www.shapertools.com/en-us/trace I bought it for use with Shaper Origin, but it works with any tool that uses SVG files. Trace is a plastic frame with a dot pattern molded in. To use it, draw something that fits inside the opening of the frame (about 8 by 10 inches). Call up the software on a phone or tablet (buying Trace gives you access to the software), point the phone (or tablet) camera at the frame and take a photo when prompted. You don’t even need to hold the phone straight -- the software recognizes the dot pattern on the frame and automatically straightens the file.
It is quick to use and very slick, with no computer needed to get a usable SVG. The software has some ability to fix flaws in a drawing, but basically if you draw a squiggly line, you are going to get a squiggly SVG. If you need a file with precise measurements, it will be easier to make that on the computer as opposed to trying to make a precise drawing on paper and then converting that with Trace. But if you want a hand-drawn look, or you don’t need a precise size, Trace works very well.
00:05 Introduction
00:51 Hands-on test: shadow cutout for storing a new block plane
02:11 My drawing isn’t perfect
02:28 Capturing the drawing and saving the SVG
03:43 Depth of cut and cutting with Shaper Origin
06:37 Checking the fit and adjusting the cut
07:43 Conclusion and finished product on a French cleat
Workshop Improvement of the Week is my woodworking and project vlog. Hand tools, power tools, accessories and everything that goes into a shop are my topics. I'm making an upgrade a week (except for vacations!) until I run out of ideas, but there is still a lot more on my improvement and upgrade list. Please like and subscribe, thanks very much!
#diy #tools #woodworking #shaper #trace #shapertrace #workshop #cnc

[@kenburnette1121]

Your video was very informative, thanks.
I have a frame. I have attempted to do similar cutouts. With using the object, shadows cause problems, and you get better results with tracing. My question is why not trace the object, and use Inkscape to convert to a SVG. The advantage of this approach is you don't buy the frame and pocket the $100.00.

[@ranchdream]

I think the big advantage of Trace is that you don’t have to go to the computer. Trace also corrects for parallax distortion so might be easier to get an accurate drawing. But if you already have a flatbed scanner you could use that to scan a drawing then go to inscape or similar program.

[@ramaroodle]

Not sure that you understand how Trace works. The last 2 projects I've done I haven't had to use the computer. HALLELUAH! Not only does it scan to an SVG it also has a "smoothing" function that makes it a nice neat SVG that requires ZERO (let me say that again) ZERO work on the computer. 2 minutes MAX. 2 minutes and you have a PERFECT SVG waiting for you when you turn on Shaper.

[@ranchdream]

Thanks for the comment. I certainly agree that Trace lets you make an SVG without any computer other than your phone. (The video demonstrates exactly that, and it is easy to do.) And I agree the SVG is a perfect representation of whatever you have drawn. My personal weak point is the ability to make a great drawing. So sometimes for me the computer is an easier path to a final result. But I'll still use Trace where it makes sense for how I work.

[@JeffCalloway]

How do you do a larger format?

[@ranchdream]

I have tried to figure that out, but no luck so far. My (failed) attempt was to make a single drawing bigger than the Trace frame, then make 2 scans of the drawing with Trace, with generous overlap between the 2 scans. Then bring both scans into a graphics program (Affinity Designer 2). I was hoping that I could overlay the 2 scans then join them. The issue was that the 2 scans did not exactly line up. I haven't yet tried to look for ways to fix that. Another idea would be to (1) make a large drawing, (2) make multiple scans of the drawings on a flatbed scanner and output them as JPEGs, (3) use software to stitch the JPEGS into a single file (which I know can be done from work with panoramic photos), (4) shrink the file down to a size that would fit in the Trace frame, (5) scan the shrunken file with Trace, and (6) use a graphics program to resize the Trace output. Whew. Not sure it will work and haven't tried it yet!
Anyhow, thanks for the comment!