how to draw a 2D polyline in 3D modeling by using x-z axes instead of x-y plane?

[pippobaudo]

Hello,

I'd like to draw a 2D set of curves and then revolve the drawing to have a solid.

I can do it by using a Top view (from the top of z-axes) because 2D lines are in the x-y plane, (by default?).

But I can't make it in the x-z plane.

How I can draw a 2D set of lines in the x-z plane ?

 

Additionally I'd like to know how to properly move objects in 3D, for example how to rotate an object and move it on top of another which has a different location in the space?

If you can suggest some tutorials or books about it, much appreciated.

thanks a lot

[ReMark]

The first thing you need to learn is how to manipulate and reorient your UCS. You should also know how to change your view of the object(s) you are working with.

 

Moving objects in 3D can be accomplished in more than one way. I like to use my Osnaps but I've also used the 3DAlign command.

 

Tutorials? Sometimes the answers are right under our very noses. Seek and ye shall find.

 

http://www.cadtutor.net/tutorials/autocad/3d-scale-and-3d-align/

 

The use of Dynamic UCS.

 

http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/autocadtips/AutoCAD_tips_use_dynamic_ucs.html

 

More AutoCAD tutorials.

 

http://www.we-r-here.com/cad/

 

Controlling the workplane in AutoCAD.

 

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=14934203

 

That should keep you fairly busy for a while.

Edited January 9, 2011 by ReMark

[Jack_O'neill]

To echo what Remark says, there are many ways to do it. One of the ways would be to draw the polyline in the x-y axis, and when you are happy with it's shape, use the command "rotate3d". Then select your polyline and hit enter. On your command line a number of options will appear : [Object/Last/View/Xaxis/Yaxis/Zaxis/2points] type X, then pick a point on the x axis of your polyline. If you want it in the x-z axis you mentioned in your post, enter 90 (or -90, depending on which way you want it to go).

 

This is an ok way of doing it if you only have one or two objects in your drawing to do it with and they are fairly simple. If you are working on complex shapes or many objects then you should very much follow Remark's advice and learn to manipulate the UCS by using the tutorials he recommends.

[pippobaudo]

Thanks guys, I am just reading the tutorial on how to control the workplane....that was just perfect

This way I will become an expert soon

Cheers.