explanation of the model tab in Autocad lt 2002

[ALEX3020]

I am a begginer with autocad lt 02. Im guessing the correct way to use it is to create your detail in the model section, which then automatically projects it in the layout section and you can edit the layout or model by selecting the model/paper tab.
Is this correct?

If so when I create a part in the model section, when i switch to the layout section the model is extremely small.
What could be causing this i.e is it scaling problem??

[tommy]

in the layout you have viewports which can show different views of the model. paperspace (layout) is "2D" and what will be on the paper coming out of the printer (if you get me lol), modelspace is "3D" and as you said where you edit your model. the scale factor you refer to is just because its going into a viewport, you change the scale by typing mvsetup, choosing scale viewports, selecting it or them, and then whatever scale is appropriate. of course you can resize your viewports too . hope thats of some help and wasnt too complicated!!

[ALEX3020]

Im out of my depth here, I didnt realise autocad lt was 3d. I use cad to draw mechanical components and present them in 2d 3rd angle projection. should i be concerned about drawing them in 3d. from what i can see the 3d function isnt like SW with extrude commands etc.

also with viewports im having trouble specifying the scale - mvsetup command is unknown

[Methuselah]

LT doesn't have 'true' 3D capabilities. Instead it uses what it calls "polar snaps" where you have to draw your depth at 30 degrees and use ellipses instead of circles. Unless your experienced with AutoCAD, I wouldn't recommend drawing in isometric mode using "polar snaps".

[Bloodwig80]

Alex:

forget about what's been said about 3d (guys why flood the newbie with so much info)

An alternative to MVsetup to set the scale for your viewports is to go to the properties toolbox:

Select your viewport, then

Tools > Properties (shortcut Ctrl+1)

and scroll down to the Misc section. then you will see a field that says 'standard section' click on the white box next to it (which should say cutom) and you will get a drop down menu with the most common scales. From there pick the scale you desire to use and the viewport should change to that scale.

[ALEX3020]

GREAT ADVICE THANKS GUYS

ONE MORE THING

WHAT ARE THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST DRAWING YOUR DETAIL STRAIGHT ONTO THE LAYOUT OR PAPER. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF ENGINEERS ARE SCALING TO MY DRAWINGS, THEN IT IS EASIER TO ACCIDENTLY CHANGE THE SCALE OF THE VIEWPORT THAN IF I WAS TO DRAWIT STRAIGHT TO THE LAYOUT

[tommy]

sorry i only know how to do things 1 way, the complicated way