I have been looking for a low cost (preferably free), single line, text generator that will support Ariel and other uniform thickness smooth fonts. It needs to be able to be ported into AutoCAD so I can size and position it with the cutout that it is to accompany. DeskEngraver seems to come close but it does not produce a DXF that AutoCAD 2005 can read (reports a file configuration error).

I want to be able to create custom shaped engraved faceplates/info-plates using a ball-nosed or V-nosed bit for the text. This is effectively 2D work with the text and pattern each on a different layer.

What would be really nice is if LazyCam would allow translating text direct from the DXF drawing file, However, I think that may be a bit much to ask.

Are there any good ideas out there for solving this problem?

Thanks.

Bill

Have a look at this software, free demo fully working.

Millwrite is the program, it is very good at text

Graham

DeskEngraver seems to come close but it does not produce a DXF that AutoCAD 2005 can read (reports a file configuration error).

You could try converting the .dxf with the free converter from www.a9tech.com

Google ttftodxf

That's True Type Font to DXF.

Free all over the place and works pretty well

Here is a free converter that allows curved text called deskengrave:

http://www.ezart.com/jump/jump-dk.htm