Inkscape add CNC tabs

The Problem

Some GCode-generators can't create tabs, so I decided to include them in the drawing.

The Solution

• Select the path you want to add tabs to:
  
• Change the stroke to the width of your milling bit and add little something. Example: 3.0mm milling bit → stroke 3.1mm:
  
• Path → Stroke to Path
• Choose the Node toolso you see the shape of the stroke is now a closed path:
  
• Add nodes where you want tabs:
  
• Remove infill and set a stroke (otherwise you can't see the deletion of the segment):
  
• Select one newly made node and the neighbouring node and split path there by deleting the segment in between:
  
• Repeat for the other new node:
  
• Close the gaps in the path:
  
• Repeat for the other new node:
  
• Repeat this process for the tabs needed:
  
• For better visibility I removed the stroke and filled with red:
  
• Mill the red area as pocket right thru your material (which will leave the tabs standing)

Making the tabs even cooler

• Make a copy the original object to your drawing and repeat the steps up to Stroke to Path:
  
• It might be a good idea to name the paths properly :)
• Order then in layer view, and select them:
  
• Choose Path → Difference Exclusion to create an inverted path, that reflects the actual tabs:
  

What's the point?

Now you can do the following:

1. Mill the red path all through your material
2. Mill the green path only so deep that 1mm remains

Now you have proper tabs!