Autocad Feature Tree??

[jbird68]

Hi,

I am a new user of Autocad Mechanical 2004. I started a new job where they have Autocad 2004. My past experiences were using Cadmax, SolidWorks 2006 and SolidEdge 2008. I have been trying to learn how to create solid parts in ACAD2004. In Cadmax there was a feature tree that would let you go back to certain features of your solid and make changes. I have not seen this in ACAD. I just want to know if there is such a thing as a feature tree in ACAD 2004? I have created a solid part and noticed I made a hole go completely through the part when I actually wanted it to go .500" deep. I thought I would be able to undo or modify that feature. But it seems my solid is uneditable. Can someone please lend me a hand?

 

jbird68

[JD Mather]

Can someone please lend me a hand?

 

Autodesk Inventor

 

I would purchase out-of-pocket before I would use AutoCAD for 3D, especially with the previous experience you have.

 

If you must submit to torture you will need to learn the solidedit commands (like Delete Face to remove the through hole and do over, or extrude a plug an union).

[Tiger]

While JD is blunt, he has a point - but if you just started a new job, depending on the job ofc, it might not be in your best inrest to walz into the boss and demand to buy Inventor.

 

AutoCAD is not well suited for 3D, and what you are looking for doesn't exist to the extent of my knowledge. And from what I know about 3D-modelling in AutoCAD, it is usually best to do Undo til the hole is gone, and do it again. Sorry.

[jbird68]

Thanks Tiger. It's amazing how Cadmax, which ended it's run in the late 90's and can now be purchased for $295 online had better features than a 2004 version of Autocad. They were way ahead of the game.

 

I have come across some drawings from the previous draftsman who is now retired. The drawings are 3D representations and some are assemblies with call-outs. I am trying to get my part to show up without the triangles on the radii and cylindrical surfaces. Even in hidden view, they still show up. I am not sure rendering the part will do the job either.

[JD Mather]

... without the triangles on the radii and cylindrical surfaces. .

 

Set dispsilh to (I forget, whatever it isn't 0 or 1). If you use AutoCAD long enough you will create a custom template and set a bunch of these variables. Set 'em and forget 'em.

 

It's amazing how Cadmax...

 

Autodesk has other vertical products. If AutoCAD did everything how would they command the additional $1300?

 

Now if only my Vibe was a Vette.......

 

You can certainly do 3D in AutoCAD (see the tutorials in my signature) but I could make up the $1300 on the first job using a modern tool and save my head of hair in the process.

[jbird68]

I am not saying Cadmax did everything. But it did do boolean feature modeling fairly well and easy. Like the ability to select a surface to draw your next feature on.

[JD Mather]

Like the ability to select a surface to draw your next feature on.

 

And you are using an ancient release of AutoCAD. 2007 and later has DUCS which will do this.

[jbird68]

Well I am not the one who decides when to buy new software. I have only been at this current position for 1 month. I can only use the tools that are given me. If it were my choice to get new software, I would go with SolidWorks. It was very easy to learn and had loads of tutorials on their website.