I want to separate a kids toy track

LightBurn Software Questions
1

Hello, I would like to separate the pieces of a kids car track to fit my bed area. I have tried the cut tool but when I cut the piece I want to separate it disappears. It fits together like a puzzle piece. If anyone has a video or can explain what I need to do it is greatly appreciated.
Wooden Track SVG

Thanks
Lynda

2

Do a trace image, then ungroup.

3

The SVG image was drawn to look right, not to form the paths required for laser-cutting separate pieces.

In particular, the red “cut” lines at the track joints are a single shape joining the borders, which do not have a gap to separate them.

As a result, this isn’t something automation can do much about.

@thelmuth is the Perfect Master of fixing stuff like that, but if he isn’t around I’ll try to show what’s needed tomorrow morning.

1 Like
4

Thank you.

5

Thanks I’m going to give it a try.

6

I’ll walk you through it. First, select all of the red cross pieces (shift click each one). Once they’re all selected duplicate them (Ctrl + D) and place them on a different layer, hide that layer.

Screenshot 2025-08-02 at 8.24.52 PM
Screenshot 2025-08-02 at 8.24.52 PM1504Ă—1224 121 KB

Now use the Node Edit tool. Select one of the red perimiter lines and hover over each intersection point of the cross pieces and the perimiter and press the B key. That will break the line at each location.
Screenshot 2025-08-02 at 8.32.12 PM
Screenshot 2025-08-02 at 8.32.12 PM1468Ă—1256 123 KB

Repeat for the other perimiter.
Select the 4 lines that make up a connecting rail and go to Edit> Auto Join Selected Shapes (or Alt + J) Select the inner shapes and the perimiter and group together. Move it out of the way. Repeat the process for the other 3 connector shapes
image
image1178Ă—868 74.3 KB

Turn on the hidden layer of cross pieces. Shift click on the Layer number in the Cuts/Layers window to select all those pieces. Place them on the red 10 layer. Shift select on the red 10 layer to select all, then auto join.
image
image1588Ă—1292 308 KB

Select each corner section complete with inner pieces and group. You can now move any section wherever you want in your cut bed. Don’t forget to change your layer order if necessary to have the red cut last.

Here is the edited file, but I think you should do it yourself for the education.
Racetrack.lbrn2 (126.4 KB)

5 Likes
7

I rest my case. :grin:

Depending on the material & laser, the sockets and tongues may need slight resizing for a good fit. Applying an inward kerf to the cut layer should do the trick: the sockets get larger and the tongues get smaller.

8

So I tried your suggestion and I used the PNG and did a trace and it worked thank you so much.

9

Thanks so much Ed this was very helpful. I will give it a try so I can fix it for the next time I have an issue.
Cheers
Lynda

10

I know you said you have it figured out, but I made a video outlining my procedure for those that learn better with a video than by text and screenshots.

4 Likes