Divide an area and separate vectors

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Keith Larrett
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Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by Keith Larrett »

I run into this issue often and never seem to have an elegant solution to it. I was hoping someone might have a good idea as to how to deal with it.

I need to cut out the top and bottom plate for a curved knee wall. The plates will not fit onto a 4x8 sheet of plywood, so I want to divide the arc into three equal arcs and then nest them on a sheet of plywood. So I have my arc drawn as well as the two lines dividing the large arc into three equal arcs. The problem is the lines that divide the arc actually need to be two lines, one for the edge of one arc and one for the edge of the arc next two it. So when I break out the snipping tool I have to do all sorts of cut and paste to duplicate those vectors and end up with three separate arcs that I can nest.

Is there an easy solution that I'm not seeing?

Thanks
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dealguy11
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Re: Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by dealguy11 »

Easiest way I can think of is to copy all the vectors to 3 different layers, one for each of the pieces you're making. Then you can just easily bring up each layer in turn and snip away the stuff you don't need for that part.
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LittleGreyMan
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Re: Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by LittleGreyMan »

In such cases, I use Steve's method except I duplicate to a total of 4 layers, and I keep one unchanged as a reference. So if I realize I have to change something, I delete the copies, modify the reference and restart the process. Otherwise, the original design is lost.
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Adrian
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Re: Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by Adrian »

The way I would do it is to use node editing. In node edit point to where an angle line and the curve meet and press C to cut the vector. Repeat on the outer/inner intersection. That will give you two open ended curved sections. Select one and use the Join with Straight Line tool (click the icon or choose it from the right click menu). Repeat on the other section and then repeat those steps for the other intersection.

One of those that takes longer to write about than actually do.

Keith Larrett
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Re: Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by Keith Larrett »

Thank you for the replies and ideas.

I will experiment with them and I'm sure I will be able to get the job done quicker and easier than the way I'm doing it now.

Your help is much appreciated.
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Martin Reid
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Re: Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by Martin Reid »

Dear Keith (and others watching)

Here is my two-penneth - click images to enlarge

We use this a lot for our curved seating
Example Layout
Example Layout
(01) Firstly Steve and LGM are correct 'make copies' But see (03)
Node Edit then Copy
Node Edit then Copy
(02) When you use the trim vectors tool there is a tendency for the 'curved vector' to 'spring' off line. This is only a small amount and may not be an issue. But if it is an issue (03)
Trim Moved
Trim Moved
(03) Use Node Edit - Zoom in on the intersection of the lines to be trimmed and insert a node on the intersection particularly on the curved line - but I do it on both.
Zoom-in Insert Node
Zoom-in Insert Node
(03a) Occasionally the inserted node 'moves off' the intersection and you need to insert an other
Zoom-in Insert Double Node
Zoom-in Insert Double Node
(04) Only when I've inserted all the nodes I require do I 'make copies' and start trimming

Anyway that’s how I do it

Sincerely and in good faith
Martin

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Adrian
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Re: Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by Adrian »

Why insert nodes and trim? You can cut by hovering with no need to use the trim tool or insert nodes.

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Martin Reid
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Re: Divide an area and separate vectors

Post by Martin Reid »

Adrian wrote:Why insert nodes and trim? You can cut by hovering with no need to use the trim tool or insert nodes.
Adrian

Point taken... Force of habit.... and I like to let the trim vectors tool rejoin the trimmed sections.

In good faith
Martin

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