[nahashmi]

Hi,

Someone forwarded me the following links for plans. There are also many good one on these sites. The problem is how to get them printed in their right size. I mean when I zoom-in and take a print it prints exactly what I see on my screen or when I zoom-out and can see the whole plan on the scree it would print the whole plan on my 8.5 or A size paper. Can any one tell me if there is a solution to this ? or these sites are just for waste of time and good for nothing ?

Thanks.

[nahashmi]

Sorry! Here are the links :


http://users.skynet.be/Modelers/Buildingplans.htm

http://www.willingtons.com/mymac/Plans_Download.htm

[JimMcIntyre]

Not wanting to be harsh but ... how do the plan authors get paid for these copies of their plans?

and, to answer your question, learn CAD or bring them to someone with this knowledge.

[rbwater]

Leaving aside the question of copyright - i.e. have original designers given permission for reproduction/use - most files seem to be .dxf or .dwg CAD files. I have used 2 ways to print plans (my own designs) & 1 other way to print legally downloaded plans (e.g. RCPowers samples) previously:


1. Plot on large plotter at 1:1 scale if you have access to plotter.

2. Draw a grid over plan at a size which is same as largest piece of paper your inkjet printer or similar can print. Make sure to allow for minimum margin in sizing grid. "Plot" each page separately to printer. Tape together.

3. Use Freeware which creates .pdf tiles of the full size drawing that can be printed & joined as in method 2. I have not done this myself only used the tiles produced by somone else. Not sure if CAD software is used to produce full-size pdf & then converted or if Freeware converts dwg/dxf directly to tiles. Internet search or look at www.rcgroups.com should easily find freeware.

All 3 methods require CAD software to open original files.

RB

[RobMackenzie]

Naveed... you might want to check out a great, free program called Irfanview (http://www.irfanview.ca/) that lets you manipulate both the on-screen of many files and also gives you enormous control over how they are printed (and a whole lot of other things too)

[wymbly1971]

You can download a good CAD program called Draftsight. It works on Windows, Mac and Linux. It's almost identical to AutoCad and "easy" to learn. If you must, draw 8 1/2"x11" squares and plot them individually and tape together.

The best way is to get someone to plot them full size for you or convert to a pdf to be plotted at a local printer. If you want to PM me your details, I may be able to help you.

[mrrandyman]

If you have cad you can convert it to a PDF.

[kip51035]

I put a copy on an SD memory card and take it to the local office supply place, show them the inch markings and tell them I want it that size. They can make it any size I want.

[nahashmi]

Thanks all of you nice people out there. Will try and let u know about the result.

[Mooney_Driver]

Originally Posted by nahashmi

Hi,

Someone forwarded me the following links for plans. The problem is how to get them printed in their right size. I mean when I zoom-in and take a print it prints exactly what I see on my screen or when I zoom-out and can see the whole plan on the scree it would print the whole plan on my 8.5 or A size paper. Can any one tell me if there is a solution to this ?

You might also download and install Autodesk (Autocad) DWGViewer which is free. It will take your DXF or DWG file and print it like you need or want. If you can get it converted to PDF then Acrobat Reader version 10 will print tiled on the paper size you specify (A or 8.5x11) and with overlaps as wide as you specify.

Another solution would be to purchase Turbocad. I purchased version 16 Deluxe just for that purpose and for converting those files to PDF. Unfortunately Turbocad PDF converter is hit or miss and when I called tech support about that problem I was told that they did not garauntee the PDF creator to work! I do not know if the current version (17) fixed that problem or not but as far as printing files on the size paper you want then it will do that.