FreeCAD: A DXF Problem and a Solution

 DXF isn't FreeCAD's native format but sometimes it's the file format you're given.  I'm starting a new clock build and dxf is what the designer supplied.

QCAD is diplaying a huge number of segments.  The first temptation is to completely reconstruct the drawing into something sensible but maybe FreeCAD can deal with it as-is ?

The dxf is imported into FreeCAD's Draft Workbench.

Edit -> Select All

Modification -> Draft to Sketch

When transformation to sketch is complete hit delete on the keyboard to get rid of all the imported shapes.

In the Sketcher Workbench:

Sketch -> Validate Sketch

Use the resulting dialogue box to examine the sketch for errors.  In this case 1244 missing coincidences were found.  Click fix to repair.  No other errors were found.

In Part Design Workbench select Create a Body from the toolbar.  Right click the sketch in tree view and select move object to other body.  Pad the sketch to desired thickness.

 

 

 

 

In Path Workbench create job object as usual.  Now comes the part that wasn't working for me until a user  posted a solution in the FreeCAD forums.

https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=54540
 

Do not try a pocket operation on this part.  Choose a profile operation and select the bottom face as the  base geometry.  In the operation options select: Outside,  Holes,  Circles, Perimeter,  Compensation.

 

 

 Another possibility is adding a bottom surface and choosing that surface for pocketing.  The downside is a longer calculation time and really there's nothing gained from grinding up the excess material

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FreeCAD also has a Legacy dxf importer that apparently works better in some cases.  There's also many settings available in Preferences.  My options are all set to whatever defaults come with the FreeCAD.  Units can be a source of confusion with dxf files and I find good 2D CAD software is the best place to deal with such things and anything dxf really.  My longtime go-to is QCAD.