LatheCAM Designer problems FAQs

[Denford Admin]

Q. When creating a G-code file, an error message stating "Cannot find supporting library file" appears.
Lathe CAM Designer is a 16-bit application and cannot support long file names or long strings of characters. Always try to save using a filename shorter than 8 characters. Also, try to save the file as locally as possible, no deeper than 3 folders deep into a directory. Again, the folder names should contain no more than 8 characters. Ideally, save the file to c:\denford\data.

Q. When trying to start the software, I receive an error message stating "Dongle not present". The software will not open.
If using a keyed version of software, check that the security key is plugged in the parallel port. Also check that the parallel port is functional. If using a flash version, call Denford.

Q. After creating a G code file, approximately a half inch of material has been added to the part length.
When setting the material size in Lathe CAM Designer, specify the machineable area and NOT the actual stock size. When creating the G code file, the post processor will add material to the length for chuck compensation.

Q. After creating a G code file and attempting to manufacture the part, the cutter is trying to remove too much material in one pass.
Lower the cut settings - Particularly the roughing cut. To do this, select "Create G code > Set G code parameters"