Guide
File formats & fit
What you get in the ZIP, how the DXF files are set up, and how to make slots and holes fit on your machine.
In the ZIP
DXF parts
One file per part. Fixture tops come in four hole-version folders: nom, o0.1, o0.2 and o0.3.
DXF nests
Fixture tops come ready-nested on 2400 × 1200 and 3000 × 1500 sheet for a laser quote. The calibration kit comes nested on a single blank.
README (PDF + TXT)
Every size, the layers, which version to pick, and step-by-step cutting tips.
Licence & version
Make and sell the parts you cut. Don't share or resell the files. Every pack carries a version number.
How the DXF is set up
- Scale 1:1 in millimetres. The calibration kit's imperial set is drawn in inches.
- Saved as DXF R2010 with units set, so it opens at the right size in most CAD and CAM software.
- Clean closed polylines and circles, with true arcs on corners.
- Geometry drawn at nominal size: your CAM applies kerf compensation as normal.
- Every file passes an automatic DXF check before release.
| Layer | Use it for |
|---|---|
| CUT | Through-cut. Closed polylines and circles only. |
| ETCH | Mark, etch or engrave only: labels, datum marks, part numbers. Delete it if your machine can't etch. |
| BEND | Reserved for fold lines on folded parts in future packs. Not used in the current files. |
| INFO | Titles and sheet outlines. Turn off or delete before cutting. |
The offset system
Pick 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3
Every machine cuts a little differently. Slot-and-tab packs are drawn at plate thickness +0.1, +0.2 and +0.3 mm, in three versions. Cut the slot coupon from the calibration kit in your plate, find the best slot, then use the table. (The two packs on sale now have no slots: the fixture tops use the 16 mm hole versions below.)
The best slot is the tightest one your plate goes into fully by hand or with a light mallet tap, without rocking.
| Best slot on the coupon | Cut this pack version |
|---|---|
| +0.0 or +0.1 | 0.1 |
| +0.2 | 0.2 |
| +0.3 | 0.3 |
| +0.4, or nothing fits | Slots are cutting undersize. Use 0.3 and reduce slot compensation by about (best − 0.3) ÷ 2 per side. |
| +0.0 is already loose | You're over-compensating. Use 0.1 and expect a looser fit, or increase compensation. |
16 mm fixture holes
Fixture table tops come in four hole files. Cut the 16 mm hole gauge from the same plate as your top and try your actual dogs or pins in it. The smallest hole that takes the dog freely, without slop or forcing, picks the file.
| Smallest gauge hole that fits | Cut this top file |
|---|---|
| 16.0 or 16.1 | o0.1 (Ø16.1) |
| 16.2 | o0.2 (Ø16.2), the default |
| 16.3 | o0.3 (Ø16.3) |
| 16.4, or none fit | Holes are cutting small. Use o0.3 and reduce hole compensation. |
| 16.0 already loose | nom (Ø16.0), or reduce compensation |
| Drilling or reaming to size | nom (Ø16.0) |
Laser vs plasma
- Files are drawn for a typical fibre laser kerf of about 0.2 mm, but because geometry is nominal, compensation handles plasma's wider kerf too.
- On the kerf comb, the first gap that cuts open cleanly is roughly your kerf. Laser opens small gaps; plasma will only open the wider ones, which is expected.
- Small holes in thick plate are hard on plasma. Cut a test hole in the real plate first, or cut undersize and drill or ream.
- Plate isn't exactly nominal thickness. Measure your offcut with calipers and write it on the result card.
Before you cut
- Units are mm, scale 1:1. Measure one known dimension in your CAM.
- INFO layer off or deleted.
- ETCH set to mark only, or deleted.
- Kerf compensation on: outside on profiles, inside on holes and slots.
- The right offset or hole-version folder for your machine.
- Holes before outer profiles on big plates.
Now on Etsy
Get the files in the SurkisFabFiles shop
Etsy handles checkout and the instant download. Favourite the shop on Etsy to see new packs as they're added.