Rose Engine Surface simulator
This software enables the user to visualize a 3D view of the surface cut by an ornamental lathe. Whether you have an inexpensive MDF Rose Engine or a restored Holtzapffel ornamental lathe, you will find this software helpful to you. Rather than the traditional trial-and-error approach (which can take hours in the shop), you can quickly simulate the appearance of a piece on the computer. Once you have a pattern you like, print out the details of the location of each cut and then go to the shop and make some sawdust.
View the video tutorials on YouTube: Basic Version video and Advanced Version video. If you want a Hi-Def video of both the tutorials, you can order them on my "Video & DVD" page.
Basic Version Computer Requirements:
The software was written in Java, so it will run on most computers. It was developed on a Mac and was tested on Intel based computers (OS X 10.6). I’ve also tested it on Windows XP, Windows 7 (64 bit), and Ubuntu Linux. For documentation, see the "Help" menu within the program.
You need at least 1GB of RAM for this program. The basic version (using only a horizontal cutting frame with an "ideal" tip) runs well on older computers.
Make sure you have the latest version of Java 6 installed on your computer. Mac users use Apple -> Software Updates. Windows & Linux users click on the link on the left.
NOTE: This is untested on the new Mac "Lion" OSX. Apple no longer supports Java, and it's not standard on "Lion" (although it is reported that it can be downloaded after "Lion" is installed). I won't be upgrading to "Lion" any time soon because some of the other software I use won't run on it. In the future, Oracle is taking the responsibility for Java on Mac computers. However, it may be several months before that becomes available.
Mac Installation:
- Download the Mac Disk Image and mount it.
- Install the updated 3D drivers: java3d_1_5_3-exp-macosx.pkg
- Drag the RESurface application to your Application folder (or anywhere else you like).
Windows Installation:
- Download the Windows Zip File and unpack it.
- Install the 3D drivers:
- for 32-bit Windows: j3d-1_5_2-windows-i586.exe
- for 64-bit Windows with 64-bit Java: j3d-1_5_2-windows-amd64.exe (if in doubt, install both)
- Then install RESurface by clicking on resurface-windows.exe
Linux Installation:
- Download the Linux Zip File and unpack it.
- Install the 3D drivers from the Ubuntu Software Center (other Linux users see the README).
- Then install RESurface by running resurface-linux.sh
Advanced Version:
The Advanced version includes the ability to simulate universal cutting frames, eccentric cutting frames, and drills. It also give a number of options for profiled cutters. There is also a macro for converting smooth spirals to a series of cuts that approximate the spiral with facets. The Advanced features will push the processing limits of high-end computers. (That is, the rendering will take some time. It will run on slower machines, but takes more time to render.)
After I receive your payment, I'll send you a link for downloading the Advanced version. There are additional examples for some of the new features.
Cost:
The cost of the basic version is $50. Try it first to see if you like it before you have to pay. I didn't go to the trouble of encrypting the software or putting in a 30 day limit, so it's on the "honor system".
After you've downloaded the files, look for the "examples" directory. This will get you started.
The Advanced version is $200. After I receive your payment, I'll send you a link for downloading the Advanced version. There are additional examples for some of the new features. If you've already paid for the Basic version, the upgrade cost is $150.
If you're not comfortable using PayPal, you can call me on the phone with your credit card information instead.