CorelDRAW 9 shape/text welding

[SpeedImageGrafX]

I have just switched to CorelDraw and the plug-in SignTools3. I am creating a logo for a customer and am having a problem with the image. I have both text and shapes created in the logo, with the text overlapping the shapes. I am using SignTools3 to send a cut order to my vinyl cutter. In wireframe mode, the border of the shape that is under the letters is visible. When the cutter cuts the vinyl, this line is also cut... effectively cutting right through my letters. How can I weld or combine the shape and the letters into one image?

Thanks
Matthew
SpeedImage Graf-X

 

[Brushman]

As a signmaker too I know your problem, in Draw go to Arrange - shaping - weld, this will open the shaping docker. Select objects, click weld to button on docker - click on object to weld to. I think Signtools3 has a weld function but this may be basic, from what I understand Signtools uses scripts within Draw so everything is there anyway it is now automated. It may be worth looking at sign programmes (I use Signlab V7)at some stage as they will offer much more functionality for vinyl cutting than Draw,good as this is.
Alan

 

[SpeedImageGrafX]

Thank you so much, you're a life saver! Your instructions worked perfectly and the cut turned out really nice. Thanks to you, I'll be able to meet the deadline for this customer's logo.

Just as a side note, the wireframe view shows the lines/cuts as to my liking, however the Normal and Enhanced views show the inside area of the shape AND the text as solid black now. Any ideas as to why this is? Not really a problem because the cut works just fine. Just a curiosity...

Anyway, thanks again
Matthew
SpeedImage Graf-X

Any suggestions as to which direction/brand I should take as my next cutter/software upgrade? I'm currently using a Roland Stika-15 with Dr. Stika Pro, which are both extremely limited... I'm hoping to upgrade to a bigger cutter and better software in the near future.

 

[Brushman]

All items are black because each individual shape has the same fill, you can either select each object and fill separately or combine. If you combine, the node number may become very large and cause problems. As for software and cutter this is much discussed on

http://www.uksignboards.com

which is a kind of newsgroup for signmakers (all are welcome)I use a Graphtec FC 3100 - 60 and a Summa T750 pro with Signlab V7, Easysign V3 and Corel Draw V10. Flexisign is another strong programme and for a plugin for Corel look at CoCut. All the modern sign software seems to be quit good and will enable you to earn your living.
Alan