How to trace a font outline?

Question

So, I'm trying to place some text on top of a background.
I have created the text object, but really need it to have a gap between the text and the background.
I duplicated the text and gave the new text a 4pt white outline, and then moved this layer behind the original text.
This gave the look that I was after.
However I need a vector drawing of this (for cutouts in a laser cutter.)
If I convert the text to curves, the vector is still the original outline of the text; it is just drawn with a 4pt line.
I need to be able to trace the outline of the 'fat' text, but I can't figure out how to do that.
Another example of this issue is when I draw a line.
If I draw a line, with a 4pt pen, then I get a long rectangle.
However, if I trace it, I just get a thin line.
I need to be able to trace it and get a rectangle.
Any ideas?
Nick.

Answer 1

Nick,
In the former case, you may, starting with live Type and the background object at the bottom in the stacinkg order:
1) Type>Create Outlines and Ungroup;
2) With everything still selected,Object>Path>Offest Path by the desired gap width, and Group, then lock, then Group the original outlined letters, then unlock;
3) Select the Offset Path Group and
3a) Also select the background object and in the Transparency palette flyout click Make Opacity Mask with both Clip and Invert Mask unticked, this is fully reversible;
3b) Also select the background object and Pathfinder>Minus front, this is irreversible and creates a Compound Path background object;
3c) Just change the a white fill, or whichever colour you have behind the background object if any.