Learning curve for learning curves,
If any person here knows what Im talking about, I have a couple questions if you have time.
Mahalo.
I use them both as my standard imaging and vector graphics programs, since I’m a linux user (archlinux).
But I mostly use krita for the quick drawings.
I’m a advanced gimp user but don’t expect to much of my inkscape knowledge.
I hope I can help you
Thanks Hans,
Bizgravy posted this http://www.swaylocks.com/forum/gforum.cgi?post=399215;search_string=illustrator%20spin%20templates;#399215
I am not one of the fortunate few whom has Illustrator.
I am trying to get spin templates from outlines. If you could walk me through one using gimp/inkscape - I have the rest.
If anyone is having problems printing to a-4 size - I found a nice piece of software for the job, let me know.
thnx
So what is the software you are talking about dlock?
I’d like to know!
I’ve been doing my spins the hard way…trace full size on cardboard, cut out, cut in half, trace onto masonite, ply or whatever, then cut spin.
If I could cut a step or twelve out of this process I’d be all for it! (-;
For pics to vector, inkscape via potrace is the best solution for me. Printing to a-4 size is usually an issue - this gem will help, http://posterazor.sourceforge.net/
Remember when that hollow surfboard template maker came out? was a godsend basically at the time, mahalo P.
If I could write it, I would make a stripped down version of aku/aps, include a vector potrace, scale and merge, finally have print options from posteraz and cutter dxf.
I may never get the homemade cnc project done but I have something to do. How do you feel about the split on the Mona Lisa??
Linux bro…
Not for the feint of heart. Real good stuff though! 
Come by the shop some day and we will make a spin template together. It takes about 15 minutes total to make one from scratch. Some things need to be kept simple!
SD
yeah I always resort to the trim strips, tape measure and pencil. I need to digitize a couple outlines though before I lose my eye sight. Hope I get to keep some hair.
Dinosaurs were good at dyin in the pit.
I finally got a larger place to stash my tools and am pretty happy about that, wont be gettin too far away from the tool crib soon, any visitors are more than welcome.
Happy N Y. to all!
That posterazor looks a nice piece of software!
Ok I managed to do this in inkscape. (this has to be done in inkscape and not in gimp, you want a vector image)
First draw your outline with the bezier curve tool (works like shape programs, with the nodes, …), you can import a bitmap from a board and draw over.
After that is done you have to cut the path, you’ll have to break a node. so if there isn’t an existing node you can make one (doubleclick on the place while you’re in edit paths). Then select the node and click “break path on selected nodes”. Then go to the menu “Path” and click “Break apart”.
So here you go. I assume you can scale to the right size and are able to rotate, …
I think I will do this too in the future!
succes, let me know if it works
Quote:
After that is done you have to cut the path, you'll have to break a node. so if there isn't an existing node you can make one (doubleclick on the place while you're in edit paths). Then select the node and click "break path on selected nodes". Then go to the menu "Path" and click "Break apart".
Thanks Hans, that is exactly the info I was looking for, I will be doing some tonight and let you know how it goes.
That posterazor actually works, and it is way cool for me, full sized custom digital graphics just looking for a surfboard to cling to. 
DRAWING THE OUTLINE:
The best way to draw the outline is
*first drawing e straightline, this would be a centerline (starts with singleclick end with rightclick).
*add the amount of nodes you want
*drag the nodes to one side, all the lines are now straight lines that make angles
*select the lines and click “make the selected segments curves”
*now start editing your outline like you would in a shaping program
(all above is done in “edit paths by nodes” exept from drawing the line)
*scale it
*cut it
I hope this is clear.
succes
Quote:
Linux bro…
Not for the feint of heart. Real good stuff though!
that is true 
But Inkscape (and gimp) is free software that also runs on windows!
Quote:
But Inkscape (and gimp) is free software that also runs on windows!
… and mac
You guy got me intrigued in this so I downloaded the program an played with it for a while. It’s very similar to Illustrator and was pretty easy to figure out by messing with it for an hour. I made this animated gif of what I did:
The image advances every 10 seconds…
Once you’ve created the outline you can adjust the nodes to to tune it.
Those of us on a budget should glean much from the info posted, thanks from jp to oc! Nothing much more stimulating than playing with those pure bezier curves.