Q: Can I use my laser cutter to cut models designed in Kit-O-Mat?
A: Yes, you are sent a DXF file of your design from KingMill for a $20 file transfer fee. The file gives you the ability to fabricate an unlimited number of models.

Q: How do I pay for the DXF files?
A: PayPal, credit card or check. PayPal payments can be sent to chris.jessee@kingmill.com. Credit card details can be phoned in to 434-962-2514. Checks can be sent to PO Box 63 Charlottesville VA 22902.

Q: If I design a kit using Kit-O-Mat, will KingMill Enterprises use my design to manufacture kits?
A: No. If we think your model has commercial potential we'll ask permission to use it and work out an arrangement to compensate you for its use. As legal protection against frivolous lawsuits KingMill retains the rights to manufacture any model submitted to us.

Q: If I want to create the kit in HO scale how hard is it to also product in O scale?
A: Kit-O-Mat is a parametric modeler, which means changing scale is as easy as making a menu selection. Some material selections will need to be revised when you make a scale change but each version can be saved for future use.

Q: Can Kit-O-Mat be used for commercial purposes?
A: Yes, Kit-O-Mat can be used to design models for commercial resale.

Q: What if Kit-O-Mat won't do the type or style of building or detail I want?
A: The DXF file you recieve can be easily modified using variety of drawing sofware programs.

Q: Can I import CAD files into Kit-O-Mat?
A: Kit-O-Mat doesn't import CAD files.

Q: Can I export a CAD file from Kit-O-Mat?
A: Yes, the DXF is readable by most CAD programs.You can also share native .kom files with other Kit-O-Mat users.

Q: Can I send you a CAD file to cut a custom model?
A: Yes, we can accept DXF files, Adobe Illustrator files and CorelDraw files. Please contact us before sending any file and check our Custom Cutting Guide for tips.

Q: Will I be able to produce scrollwork using this software? 
A: No, Kit-O-Mat is designed to produce simple wood frame structures and custom windows and doors. Scrollwork can be produced as custom work.

Q: Will Kit-O-Mat run on Windows 98.
A: No, Kit-O-Mat will run on Apple OSX, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Vista.

Q: Can I make L-shaped buildings with Kit-O-Mat.
A: Yes, well, sort of. The basic unit in Kit-O-Mat is a box with a specific roof shape, called a Frame. T and L-shaped buildings are built by combining the simple boxes into more complex structures.

Q: Can you etch brick patterns in the walls?
A: No, this would be very expensive. You can choose brick paper as a wall surface option. Concrete block is available as it is fewer lines and less costly than brick.

Q: Can I use plastic windows instead of laser cut windows?
A: Yes, just draw the opening the size you want. Reference sizes for plastic windows is included in the Kit-O-Mat documentation.

Q: Can I just order custom sized windows?
A: Yes, just flag the walls as "Ghosted" and they won't be cut.

Q: Is the input of dimensions or sizes in prototype feet and inches?  Or must one convert that to model dimensions?
A: It is your choice, both options are available. Metric units will be available in a future version.

Q: What about sizes of sheet to cut, does it let me know if it will fit on your stock size?
A: Kit-O-Mat restricts the size of the model to a size that will fit on commonly available stock.

Q: If I order the software how do I get the software as a download?
A: Kit-O-Mat will be mailed to you on a CD. The CD also contains training videos that would be too large to download.

Q: Does Kit-O-Mat support non-rectangular projects such as a railroad car or a larger depot with arched doorways and multiple gables?
A:No

Q: When I click on delete after opening a "canned" structure, I get a screen that says the delete action cannot be undone. Will this delete the complete structure file from the program, or merely the one on the desktop?
A: All the models are stored in a hidden .sol file as described in the Read Before Install document. Delete, really deletes the file from the .sol file so it is gone and unrecoverable. If you want to start over with a new model, pick New Model from the Model menu. This clears the current model, without deleting it and starts a new model. The best way to preserve models for future use without crowding the Model menu is to load the model and then choose export. This will save the file as a .kom file that can be shared with other Kit-O-Mat users. On the Mac there is a file system bug that shows the Save button as an Open button when exporting a model.

Q: When I move the sliders to change the size of an object nothing seems to happen. Are the slider broken?
A: The model doesn't update from a slider move until the slider is released. This allows computers with slow graphics cards to use Kit-O-Mat. If you have a fast graphics card you can toggle between real-time and delayed sliders by pressing the hidden button in the dot over the "i" in the Kit-O-Mat logo, just above the Add/Edit panel.

Q: What scales does Kit-O-Mat support?
A: Z, N, HO, 1:72, S, O, 1:35, are the default scales. Units can also be displayed in full size decimal inches so by converting units outside the Kit-O-Mat you can work to any scale.

Q: How accurate is Kit-O-Mat?
A: Kit-O-Mat is accurate to .001 of an inch. This is more accurate than any off-the-shelf model kit on the market today. Why settle for inaccurate off-the-shelf kits when you can design exactly what you want.

Q: What are all these .DS files on the CD?
A: The CD was created on a Mac and the .DS files are a directory file, just ignore them.