Importing .dfx files and working with wizards

[Revtech]

I don't know if anyone else is having problems, but I’m not really sure that Mach3 is worth the effort. I have it loaded on two different machines and both act the same way. The install is straight forward. I don't know what I could mess up. I don't really think I’m that stupid. I can jog my motors. I have been able the cut the roadrunner in the g-code files. I just don't think I have ever used a piece of software that was so user unfriendly.

It won't import .dfx files. I've tried simple letters, designs from Corel and even downloaded files with no luck. I have saved the graphics as .dfx and jpeg’s I have tried the text and curves and under several formats 2004, 2003, r13 and r14. Nothing imports. I have had limited luck importing .dfx files downloaded from the forums.

Is there a .dfx to Mach3 guide that is not the 167 page support pdf? I guess I mean something that works.

Also the write wizard does not function either. I add the text select the font select inches, select cw or ccw. if I type in any dimensions or speeds or what ever on the top screen it zero's itself. I click the write button and it asks again all of the info I tried to input earlier. I answer it a second time and then it loads the G-code which wrong. It never cuts. The X, Y and Z coordinates all seem to be ZERO.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Also if anyone is in the Milwaukee area and would like to earn a little cash for a little time to help step me through a few things. Let me know!

[ger21]

The write wizard can be a bit tricky. First, any time you enter a number into a box in Mach3, you MUST hit the enter key, or it won't take the number. Second, you have to make sure EVERY option is set or it won't work. Most likely your missing a checkbox somewhere, or there is some info missing that it needs.

As for the .dxf, text usually won't work when converting .dxf's. Save as an even older version .dxf, 10-12 if possible. And if that doesn't work, post the .dxf here and I'll tell you why it doesn't work. Most likely the .dxf contains splines, which usually can't be comverted.

There is a .dxf export vba macro created by a Corel user, available for download in the files section of the SheetCAM Yahoo group which might work a little better as well. You have to join the SheetCAM group to get it.

You might also try LazyCAM, included in the latest release of Mach3. It might read objects that the older importer your using doesn't.

[Revtech]

Thanks for the reply I will try. Rev.

[Revtech]

sorry I should not rant and rave.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Revtech I have never felt so utterly crippled with a piece of software. I know nothing about cad design. So at this time I’m trying to do simple things just to feel like I’m making progress. But it's not happening.

What you think are simple things are actually more difficult than basic CAD stuff.

Corel can be notoriously difficult to get useable .dxf's from, especially when your'e not sure what's right and what's wrong. And getting text in .dxf's can be even more difficult.

You might want to tru Outline Art to generate text .dxf's that will load into LazyCAM. http://www.freefirestudio.com/outline.htm

Also download A9CAD from www.A9tech.com to let you edit the .dxf's, and try some simple line drawings to get you going.

And like I said in my previous post, post the .dxf here, and we can work with you to get up and running.