Model Railway Forum

having seen this on other sites i got one, since then I have tried to read up on how to use it which is where i have a problem, far too much information which is above my level of knowledge, which as I have a degree in computer graphics is very confusing. so does anyone know of any simple "how to " videos or tutorials ?

Were there no instructions with it?

In order to be able to use the machine you will need a cutting file to use. The cutting file can be produced using the free Studio software supplied with the machine, or alternative third party software.

As you have a degree in computer graphics you might already be familiar with a suitable vector graphics application. Unless using the Studio application the alternative software needs to be able to save files in dxf format. Personally I use Inkscape (free) and use it extensively for many different uses, not just cutting files.

As you say there is a lot of information out there. Can I suggest you start by looking at Jason's thread on RMWeb: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index. ... eo-cutter/. The thread starts with the basics and builds from there.

If you are interested in giving Inkscape a try then have a look at my tutorial: http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index. ... ing-files/ and the subsequent http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index. ... d-example/. I am sure you will pick it up quickly given your background.

There are a lot of Silhouette users that have used those 3 references to get up and running with the Silhouette Cutter and turn out brilliant work. Unfortunately the tutorials were written for earlier versions of the software so some of the information is probably now out-of-date. I think most people now save their files as dxf and use it to import into Studio rather than trying to cut direct from Inkscape. Good luck and hope to hear how you get on.

much thanks,
just re-learning inkscape which i had forgotten using for scalscenes building conversions, and getting the right file type info from jasons thread

Sounds as if you already have a head start.