Tackling 3d - teaching the old dog new tricks

[RingSteel]

I admit it, I'm an old dog and I'm stuck in my ways. I've used AutoCad for the last 17 years, but have never delved into using any of the 3d aspects of it. I have this preconceived notion that 3d is time intensive compared to 2d drafting and design..... but I'm hoping that I'm wrong. It's time for me to stick my foot in the water and start learning 3d.

Any advice from other crusty cad guys that have went thru the process? I'll have to learn as I go, and still maintain my current level of work production - so I anticipate spending evenings playing with 3d to learn it.

[PS_Port]

By your name I'm guessing steel detailing.......
Maybe vanilla might not be your flavour.:)

[chrisdarmanin]

open the dashboard and start experimenting. its has the most commonly used commands rather than all the commands which can be confusing.

[Cad64]

Well, you're correct in assuming that 3D takes quite a bit longer than 2D. Especially when you add up the time it takes to create and apply materials, setting up your environment, lighting, cameras, rendering time, etc.

But hey, it's addictive and it's great fun. I'm sure you'll love it once you get a handle on it. I would recommend purchasing a good Autocad 3D book to help you learn.

Also, check out these free video tutorials: http://www.dgcad.com/Acad2007-3D.htm

[Hugh_Compton]

Try using this little program to help with cluttered drawings (it will make working on individual objects easier):
AutoHide http://www.3dcadmax.com/FreeAutoHide.htm (http://www.3dcadmax.com/FreeAutoHide.htm)

[ReMark]

Well, if this "old dog" can learn 3D then you can too.

The first thing I did was just to experiment. However, while that's fun to do it can be a bit frustrating not knowing some of the tricks.

There are online tutorials at this and a couple of other sites worth taking a look at. Then too, a good book is always a handy thing to have around. AutoCAD 2007 3D Modeling - A Visual Approach is my number one recommendation. Finally, if you want something a little more structured, you can take a self-paced, online course such as the one offered at the CADInstitute of Murray State College. It's less than $400 and you have a total of eight weeks to hand in your work.

I say "go for it". What do you have to lose? 3D is a blast!

Good luck in your endeavors and welcome to the forum.

BTW - The book is written by Alan J. Kalameja and comes with a CD of drawings used throughout the book. It's available through Amazon. I bought my version used. I got a good book in nice condition at below retail. Cool.

[Lazer]

Go for it! it won't take long to get to grips with 3d, and it's great fun too.

[RingSteel]

Thanks for the tips and suggestions! The book idea is a must, and I might see if the company will consider covering the cost of the online training (crosses fingers).

Right now I've drawn a rectangular box and I'm still coming to grasp on the different ways to control the rotation of the viewport to show different sides. I've got a lot to learn!

[rustysilo]

I'm in a situation similar to yours. Been doing cadd for 13 years now and never really did much in the way of 3D outside of terrain modeling in Land Desktop and Civil 3D. Now I've decided it's high time I learned as many of the freelance opps I see are 3D! Since I've found it harder to find straight 2D or civil work which is my expertise I figure I'd better learn 3D if I want to get more work to do on the side. Not to mention, from what I understand you can charge higher rates for 3D modeling as opposed to 2D drafting in addition to having something extra to add to the resume. :wink:

I have begun going through the free 3D tut's on cadclips.com (mentioned in a previous post). These are great to start out with!

I have a meeting with some folks about doing 3D modeling of aftermarket motorcycle parts (part time job). I've told them I don't have much experience in the area, but I'm more than willing to learn. They seem like they might just let me give it a shot. We'll see.

[ReMark]

Make use of your toolbars. Two I recommend are UCS and View. You should also customize a workspace specifically for 3D so you have it all set up and ready to go whenever you're in the mood to jump from a 2D drawing to a 3D drawing.

[dumfatnhappy]

My input would be it's all about wireframe, UCS (always know where you are), views (depends on how you look at it), and use smaller dwg's and with xref or wblock as models can be very confusing once filled with alot of "wires". You litterally build things and attach a "skin" (aka "face") to it much like a balsa wood airplane model kit. I did my deck which is pretty complicated but after doing it in 3D....it was a breeze to build in the real world.

[ReMark]

I don't make that much use of faces for some reason. If I want to "skin" something I extrude some minimal distance. Pros and cons of doing so?

[dumfatnhappy]

hmmm I don't have an opinion....being as "old of a dog" as I am, this was the only way from the beginning (ask moses) so I don't know of any other :o

[chrisdarmanin]

Thanks for the tips and suggestions! The book idea is a must, and I might see if the company will consider covering the cost of the online training (crosses fingers).

Right now I've drawn a rectangular box and I'm still coming to grasp on the different ways to control the rotation of the viewport to show different sides. I've got a lot to learn!

the best way i have found is to press the shift key while pressing and dragging the mouse wheel

[dumfatnhappy]

I like the "view" tool bar. pretty well defined, quick and easy

[SLW210]

In many ways, I believe 3D is much quicker than 2D. Since I do mechanical parts, rendering is not necessary for the final product. I am also the designer/engineer, so I make the parts and assemblies in 3D and can then compare how they fit and make corrections etc.. so, in the long run I can save DAYS of comparing how things fit and checking clearances using 3D models compared to using 2D views and guessing how they may fit. The best part is, once I am happy with the 3D Model, I just use _SOLVIEW/_SOLDRAW and _SOLPROF in Paper Space to create my 2D Detail drawings for fabrication, as well as being able to place some Isometric views on the fabrication drawing to give the fabricators a good picture of the final product.

The main things you will want to come to grips with is Extrude, Revolve, Loft, Sweep, Subtract and Union. After that you will want to check out the Face commands, I mostly use Taper Faces and Extrude Faces. All of my 3D experience is from practice and more practice.

I was using AutoCAD for awhile myself before this old dog starting using 3D.

[rustysilo]

Can y'all elaborate on the "skin" deal?

[dumfatnhappy]

3Dface is a 4 point command to apply a "skin" to a wire frame. You can make these "edges" invisable or not. when you do a "hide" it shows up as a solid surface. that help?

[rustysilo]

Yeah sorta. I'll have to play with that command and experience it myself.
Thanks!

[SLW210]

the best way i have found is to press the shift key while pressing and dragging the mouse wheel

That would be 3D Orbit, another valuable tool. I use 3D Rotate also.



I like the "view" tool bar. pretty well defined, quick and easy

Also another must.

If you make your Models into 2D like me you will want to get familiar with Viewports and Freezing Layers in Viewports in Paper Space.

[dumfatnhappy]

read up on it, note that typing the letter "I" before picking a point will make the next edge invisable. I forgot the system variable that makes the invisable faces visable. anyone know it? (been too long)

[chrisdarmanin]

wow! i tried the invisible thing but didnt find it... instead u found another thing... press MOVE <enter> SU and you can select the subobjects! cool!! very very useful imho

[RingSteel]

Wow! This 3d is kind cool to an old 2d drafter.

I just have to decide whether my questions are ok here, or if they should be in the beginnr's area. Grin. Nothing like going back to newbie status.

Thanks for the help so far!