Importing DXF in PM turn error mess.

[LeeWay]

Hi guys. I just ordered the Partmaster lathe and the CD isn't here yet, but I do have a temp activation code.

I use Turbocad for drawing. When I try to import a drawing I get an error message that says "Class not registered"
I click okay on that and then get a second message.

"Partmaster Cad is not installed (or has never been run) on this system. Please run Partmaster cad before trying this again. You may need to reinstall the software."

Now I didn't purchase the cad side, but have use of it this weekend. I have run it and I have reinstalled it. At first I thought it was because I use Turbocad, but then the files in the samples folder are treated the same way.

Will this action continue once i get the CD software installed? Sometimes the files continue on to load, but can't help thinking something isn't just right.
Thanks.

[metalworkz]

Hello Lee,
I think it is just related to using the demo version. I don't have the lathe software but I do use Level 3 Milling and I'm very happy with it. I think the problems you are now experiencing will disappear when you get the CD version installed.

Regards,

[LeeWay]

Thanks Wes. That is what I was hoping. I am really just getting to know it a little better. I was having some troule with the correct dimensions coming into turn. I saw where version R12 is the best to save the files in as DXF's. I don't have that one, but have ver R14, 2000, etc up to current autocad saving type.
Turbocad is very much like Autocad, so is there a particular way I should be saving these. I will do the trial and error thing if all else fails.
I have gotten pretty good in Turbocad, pretty adept with Sheetcam and have started playing with Meshcam and like what I see, so the only other one I wanted now was turn.
I programmed all my simple production parts by hand, so those are covered, but wanted something to play with as a hobby with it. Haven't had much time to do any of that with any of my machines yet.

I want to make a metal chess set of my own design using brass and aluminum. I think that would be fun. Hard to code it all by hand though.
I really like the turn interface in Dolphin PM. Nice job they did on it.

[metalworkz]

I haven't even seen the Dolphin Turn software yet but I have heard that it is supposed to be a very good Lathe turning software package. I would like to get a small CNC Lathe, maybe the C6 from Syil America. I have AutoCad and have joined the CNC4Free group where you get introduced to many available free software alternatives along with tips for their use etc. I have found Gimp pretty good for working with pictures etc. and got MeshCam, Gmax, Crazy Bump, and CNCToolKit from the CNC4Free site.
Here is a link if interested: http://cnc4free.org/

The metal chess set sounds like a very good project, and I too have had similar plans a while back, but I was going to cast the parts from aluminum. With a CNC lathe(which I don't have yet) it would be quiker to do from start to finish I think. I had even planned on doing a wild chess board made from several different materials and perhaps casting them into a plate. I never got past the idea stages yet, but maybe someday.
Programming by writing the code manually is an option for simple parts but the more complicated they get the more you appreciate the software being even more capable than we are. I am pretty good with g-code for Amada punching machines as I operate Amada machines at my job. I'm getting better with the g-code I use with Mach3 for milling, but it is just too easy to create the code with a CAM program. It does help to know the code as it makes editing a lot easier when you can actually read the code.
Regards,