[Gimungus]

I’m building two paths, each using the proper anchor point types. I then need to perform a pathfinder subtract on them. The pathfinder tool is converting my nicely defined anchor point types to corner types.

I could just build the piece manually without using the pathfinder tool, but I have hundreds of them to do, and they are all a bit different but made from a few common well built pieces. It’s WAY faster to use pathfinder than to hand cut and rejoin what will amount to thousands of points.

Pathfinder is the problem. I need to be able to control the anchor point output characteristics of the pathfinder operations.

[Gimungus]

That’s not exactly the problem. The points are smooth when I create them, it’s after I use any of the pathfinder tools that they are converted to corner points even if they appear smooth.
Take this example.
Create two circles. (by default the anchor points are considered “smooth”)

Cut one of the circles into four arc segments and then use the join tool to reconnect them but when the option is given to choose “corner” or “smooth”, choose “corner”.

The circle should look just as it did before.

Now apply the round edges filter to both.

The original circle with the “smooth” anchor points is uneffected. The circle with the “corner” anchor points is deformed.

The pathfinder tools all seem to convert all the anchor points on a path to “corners”.

I want to use the pathfinder tools to create paths which I will then apply the round corner tool to but I only want sharp corners to be effected.

Thanks

[Gimungus]

Many CAD programs will allow you to output dxf or dwg files which can be read into illustrator. The problem is that these formats rarely use curves to define shapes. Instead they use short line segments. You could use the OBJECT/PATH/SIMPLIFY command to convert linear paths to curves with some degree of control but unfortunately you will probably find that the short line segments are not actually contiguous (joined). If they are they may not break and end where you want them to so the amount of pre simplification work required would make this method time-prohibitive.
A high resolution scan autotraced with a high tolerance may be your best bet, though line intersections will likely cause problems with this method as well.

I can’t offer much more help than that. Try playing with these two options and see how they work for you.

Good Luck

[Gimungus]

Sure, just select the brush stroked part and select OBJECT/EXPAND APPEARANCE and it will convert to a vector object. This will work for most effects in illustrator.