Extending objects

[Booger]

Hey guys ive been trying to get some drawings of the chasis idea for next year, however i dont know how to use cad. So far ive figured most of the stuff out, and im getting used to the program, but i cant figure out how to extend a peice of extrusion i downloaded from the first cad library. I would really like to just take that peice and extend it 30". Can I do that? and if so how.

thanks.

[sanddrag]

In the bottom left of the screen you'll find the browser bar. You should see something like "Extrusion 1." Right click it. Click edit Feature. Change the length to whatever you like. You can also enter an expression like 20+30 or 40/2 or whatnot.

[Booger]

I dont see this browser bar could it be because im using autocad instead of invertor?

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by Booger

I dont see this browser bar could it be because im using autocad instead of invertor?

Well there's yer problem right there! If you are somewhat able to figure out AutoCAD, I recommend you try Inventor. You will absolutely love it.

As for your question, in AutoCAD I really don't know.

[Booger]

ok sounds good. ive been meaning to get inventor tonite anyways, but im at work right now so i cant. But, i definately will get it. Thanks for the help anyways sanddrag.

[Elgin Clock]

What version Autocad are you dealing with, and what file type did you download?

[Booger]

im dealing with autocad 2007 and autocad lt i have both and its a step file

[Elgin Clock]

Don't even bother with LT, and 2007, if it's part of Mechanical Desktop package will be able to open the stp file.

If it's not part of the Mech. Desktop package it probably won't be able to open the step file for some reason.

I know there is a file type in 3D which Autocad products can open but I can't remeber the name off hand.

Edit: Look for .sat files if you are using Autocad for 3d imports. Even my current Autocad14 version can read that so you should have no problems.

[Arefin Bari]

Right click on your toolbar> Autocad> Solids editing. A new window with bunch of buttons will pop up. Place it somewhere you want, that toolbar is really helpful.

Make sure your UCS is right. Click on the "move face" button (5th one from the left on that toolbar) and choose the face you want to extend or make it shorter. Click anywhere and move it the way you want it to extend or make it shorter (x, y), enter the number (inches), the part will extend or make itself shorter.

This is coming from someone who has used Inventor and Autocad. Inventor is easy to use and great to learn if you are going to design your robot in inventor to submit for the award, or if you are using many parts that are being downloaded from sites where they only support .ipt, .iges, .step files. On the other hand, if you are going to work for a company (drafting, mechanical) you will want to get your hands dirth with Autocad. I had to learn it since I use it at work everyday. I love the way Autocad works and its very fast (or maybe it's just Tytus and I).

... When Tytus used to tell me how great Autocad is (while I was only using Inventor), I ignored his thoughts and comments. But after learning it, I can say that it was the best for me to learn it. Thanks Tytus.

[Tytus Gerrish]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Well there's yer problem right there! If you are somewhat able to figure out AutoCAD, I recommend you try Inventor. You will absolutely love it.

As for your question, in AutoCAD I really don't know.

the edit solids menu in autocad allows all the sort of manipulations your looking for.

[Booger]

Thanks