PART EDITOR

[Michael Townes]

I'm watching one of the training videos for the part editor (7-04H) and when he goes to load it brings up a window called "place items" where he can choose a display board/cube etc.. I'm in the "Create new cabinet or Assembly" area and when I press the load icon it takes me to an explorer window to choose a file. Maybe I'm in the wrong place cuz when i press the part editor icon it tells me i need to select a part.I haven't gone straight through on the videos so likely i missed the info that would answer this question for me but at the moment i don't have time to go start to finish. I'd really appreciate the help.

[JohnLashuay]

Michael,

What exactly are you trying to do?

[Michael Townes]

I have a living room we're opening up on both ends. We're going to build pedestals at each end of the room and on both sides (create separation for the room) that are 12" wide x 36" tall x 36" deep and then put two round columns atop each that connect to a lowered arch in the ceiling. The pedestals( basically decorative stem walls) will be paneled with molding wrapping the insides of the panels, base board at the bottom and a 3-4" tall chair rail at the top.

[JohnLashuay]

So are looking to use the part editor to create the columns?

[Michael Townes]

Seemed like th only way to create the paneled stem walls too. i've combed through the table of contents for the online trining to try and find the section on assemblies so i could learn how to create something like that from scratch if possible,the name alone tells me it would be the logical way to build the stem walls, but i've had no luck and don't know how to even create an assembly or if that's even what theyre used for. Trying to modify a cabinet seemed like it would require a lot more work. I'm trying to figure out a way to i guess stack the parts onto a 3/4 plywood shell or learn a better way. and i also need to make the round columns. That i think i can do if i get to the screen he was showing in the video.

[JohnLashuay]

In order to make the column you need to create a "display cube" the size of the column then cut it in the part editor. Make sure that you use the width and length for the diameter of it and the depth for the length. This allows you to take it to the part in such a way that you will be able to cut it properly using the contour mode portion of the part editor.

Are you looking to create this purely for design purposes or to cnc it as well?

In order to make the boxes at the base of the column you just need to create a display cube that is 12x36x36 (as long as you are only looking for a design). You can then attach moulding to it if you wish.

I don't know if this helps, but if I'm off base let me know.

-John

[Michael Townes]

No your definitely following me. I really appreciate your help. It is for design purposes. The customer wants drawings they can take to the bank. How do i create a display cube? What area of the program do i need to be in and where do i go. I see the guy on the video do it but can't figure out where he's doing it from. Again many thanks for all your help

[Michael Townes]

I think i just found it. It throws you off watching the training videos becasue that guys doing things in an older version and things are all set up differently in v6. it's in the pinnable menu to the right of the screen right?

[JohnLashuay]

I am attaching a zipped folder with jpgs that will hopefully help.

[JohnLashuay]

I think i just found it. It throws you off watching the training videos becasue that guys doing things in an older version and things are all set up differently in v6. it's in the pinnable menu to the right of the screen right?

Yes that's right! Once you create the cube for you column then single click on it and then go to the part editor. Keep in mind that you cannot rotate your cube in the part editor so you need to create it so that you are looking at it from the top. (for the diameter use the width and height dimensions and the length use the depth dimension)

Once in the part editor go to the contour mode and create a circle with its radius at the center of your cube.

Exit the contour mode and right click and go down to "create part using closed contour" then you will left click on the blue circle changing its color to green. At this time you will see a "next" button at the lower left of your screen and this will cut the cube making it a column.

Once you do it a couple of times it is really quite simple.

-John

[Michael Townes]

John,
Your awesome man. This isn't the first time you've reasponded to my posts and I can't thank you enough for your guidance. The fact that you were willing to go back and forth with me and see this to the end in the middle of your workday is a testament of your character. Thank you very much!!!!!!! God Bless.

[JohnLashuay]

Anytime! I am happy to help. When I first started there Kerry and Dan and all the rest were doing the same thing. So it is nice to be able to help when I can.

-John