Hi,
Thanks Big Al. As you say you are very familiar in using AutoCad so you can concentrate on what you are drawing doing it almost automatically. But for people like me who are still at the very basic level of trying to create accurate 2D and 3D drawings it is extremely difficult to pick up; it certainly has in my case so I'm delighted with my progress to date.
One reason I wanted to succeed in CAD is that it is a subject I've always failed most miserably at so apart from the usefulness of the drawings it became a personal thing with me as I'm sure it must do with others who have tried so hard to master it.
As you know Alan I can work to a blue print but up until now have worked to a supplied blue print. To be able to design totally from scratch a component; draw it then actually make it is in my humble opinion quite an achievement.
I've made components for years from a dimensioned 2D drawing but to see a component in 3D takes it another useful step forward. I agree that the back panel could easily be made from a 2D drawing with only the thickness of the material being stated as it is a simple board but many components have lots of dimensions indicating shoulders and things like snap ring grooves which to me are easier to identify on a 3D image; 2D certainly will give all the dimensions but a picture as they say paints a thousand words.
I'm doing this for my own needs but I take your point regarding software use in large companies. This doesn't apply to me so I can work through each stage at home without problem.
I added this thread in the hope of helping others who have tried and failed in using CAD and to highlight there is actually a decent CAD program free of charge that even I could understand; it is sill complicated for a complete novice but I've found EMS to be excellent in getting me started using CAD. The clutch mounting 3D image is basic and it still requires a snap ring groove adding to complete it.
I'm finding the whole process of great interest and am enjoying learning in comfort whilst the weather can do its worst outside.
If nothing else this thread has generated some interest and if one other person now succeeds in using CAD through this I'll be more than happy.
Kind regards, Col.
Thanks Big Al. As you say you are very familiar in using AutoCad so you can concentrate on what you are drawing doing it almost automatically. But for people like me who are still at the very basic level of trying to create accurate 2D and 3D drawings it is extremely difficult to pick up; it certainly has in my case so I'm delighted with my progress to date.
One reason I wanted to succeed in CAD is that it is a subject I've always failed most miserably at so apart from the usefulness of the drawings it became a personal thing with me as I'm sure it must do with others who have tried so hard to master it.
As you know Alan I can work to a blue print but up until now have worked to a supplied blue print. To be able to design totally from scratch a component; draw it then actually make it is in my humble opinion quite an achievement.
I've made components for years from a dimensioned 2D drawing but to see a component in 3D takes it another useful step forward. I agree that the back panel could easily be made from a 2D drawing with only the thickness of the material being stated as it is a simple board but many components have lots of dimensions indicating shoulders and things like snap ring grooves which to me are easier to identify on a 3D image; 2D certainly will give all the dimensions but a picture as they say paints a thousand words.
I'm doing this for my own needs but I take your point regarding software use in large companies. This doesn't apply to me so I can work through each stage at home without problem.
I added this thread in the hope of helping others who have tried and failed in using CAD and to highlight there is actually a decent CAD program free of charge that even I could understand; it is sill complicated for a complete novice but I've found EMS to be excellent in getting me started using CAD. The clutch mounting 3D image is basic and it still requires a snap ring groove adding to complete it.
I'm finding the whole process of great interest and am enjoying learning in comfort whilst the weather can do its worst outside.
If nothing else this thread has generated some interest and if one other person now succeeds in using CAD through this I'll be more than happy.
Kind regards, Col.
Happiness is a wreck of a cabinet to restore.
