"Constraining" is Paining!

[rsterne]

I am getting used to using FreeCAD, and the fact that you have to do everything twice, make the sketch and then confirm the lengths and positions of everything is a real PITA.... .... I am used to being able to specify the "delta" between points and lines, so that they end up the correct distance apart, without having to do that in 2 steps.... 

If anyone can suggest a shortcut to the process, as a Noob in FreeCAD I would appreciate it!.... 

Bob

[sb327]

I figured there would be a pro step in here.

I use freecad but I’m still learning some of the tricks.

I don’t worry so much anymore about constraints. If I know the sketch is what I want, I go ahead with the extrusion, hole, etc. The only thing that keeps that from happening is a broken plane. I generally try to zoom in really close on my intersections to see if the endpoints are off (non-coincidence)

Hth, someone better should come along.

Dave

[Gippeto]

I don't know of any way around doing the constraints...would be nice. As would a simple "offset" in the sketch workbench. 

While it's true that you don't absolutely "need" to fully constrain "simple" sketches, it's a good habit to get into and will save you grief on projects that are slightly more complex.

As an example...prototyping a 1911 grip frame for 22xx. Was a nightmare to get the filleting to work until I started over with fully constrained sketches. Will eventually be a cast/machined part.

[Privateer]

Don't use FreeCad myself but I understand one can do Python scripts for things?

[sb327]

I don't know of any way around doing the constraints...would be nice. As would a simple "offset" in the sketch workbench. 

While it's true that you don't absolutely "need" to fully constrain "simple" sketches, it's a good habit to get into and will save you grief on projects that are slightly more complex.

As an example...prototyping a 1911 grip frame for 22xx. Was a nightmare to get the filleting to work until I started over with fully constrained sketches. Will eventually be a cast/machined part.

I agree they are more important with more complicated parts.

Fwiw Bob, the lock feature is a quick way to constrain a point (intersection).

That grip reminds me of one I designed for a 22/45.

Dave

[rsterne]

Thanks for the tip on the ""Lock" constraint, I haven't used that yet.... 

I am having much better success at doing each constraint right after drawing a line, arc or point.... That way I know the line is continuous as I build it.... I am learning, for sure!.... I agree, "offsets" would sure be a useful feature....

Bob

[rsterne]

WOW!.... That "Lock" constraint works great is you are just after the shape and not dimensions....  .... However, since it gives you dimensions, you can edit them if desired.... 

Thanks so VERY much for the tip!!!!

Bob

[Bubba18655]

I usually use a multi-line to get the rough shape and then go around and constrain the elements. It looks strange when you add the first constraints but then it straightens out. You can also use a spreadsheet to constrain all off the elements.

[sb327]

I usually use a multi-line to get the rough shape and then go around and constrain the elements. It looks strange when you add the first constraints but then it straightens out. You can also use a spreadsheet to constrain all off the elements.

That’s a good tip as well. I use multi-line as much as possible. Single line doesn’t always give the coincident constraint, even though it is highlighted when I click.

Dave

[Scotchmo]

I feel like I’m too old to learn something like Freecad to reach the same level as I have with AutoCAD. Decades ago I used a Pro Engineer for a big project. That’s the only time I used a solid modeler with constraints. I’m still using AutoCAD 2000 to generate all my 3D models and stl files for 3D printing. No constraints has its advantages and disadvantages. I’m switching over to Linux, and I have been able to get AutoCAD to run on my laptop in Ubuntu Linux using Wine. But it took awhile to stumble on the fix and i have not been able to replicate that in my desktop Ubuntu system. I’m going to try running Windows and AutoCAD in a virtual machine. Ultimately, I’d like to switch over to native Linux/Ubunto apps. I’ve researched it some. Bricscad runs in Windows and Linux. It is very much like AutoCAD. I believe that the Bricscad Shape modeler is free for indefinite time (full Bricscad is a 30 day free trial). The built-in 3D modeler is what I use AutoCAD for mostly these days. I’m going to try Bricscad Shape to see if it’s a suitable replacement.

[rsterne]

I wish I had learned AutoCAD years ago, but I could never afford it.... Now that they have gone to a subscription based service (instead of buying it) I'm glad I didn't, as I sure dislike the monthly fee model, especially at today's price.... It's great if you have a business paying for it, for hobby use, not so much!....

Bob

[Scotchmo]

I wish I had learned AutoCAD years ago, but I could never afford it.... Now that they have gone to a subscription based service (instead of buying it) I'm glad I didn't, as I sure dislike the monthly fee model, especially at today's price.... It's great if you have a business paying for it, for hobby use, not so much!....

Bob

Good this is Bricsys Shape can open my AutCAD 2000 drawings and models. Bricsys Shape is free to continue using after the 30 day eval of full BricsCAD. Shape is like basic AutoCAD geared towards using the 3D solids portion. If you don’t want to use constraints, it can be a faster way to create models to 3D print. The drawback from not using constraints, is that major changes to the model will be more difficult.

[oldpro]

 Bob

    Fusion360 has a free version and you can set the constraints

https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/free-trial