What is the difference between a technical drawing, and traditional art?
Ans: Precise communication Each line has a specific length, orientation, and position relative to the other lines in the drawing.
AutoCAD uses Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) to define endpoints of lines and centers of shapes.
HW:
To get used to using Cartesian coordinates to draw something, try to draw a few objects using excel scatter plots:
Insert→Charts→Scatter→Scatter with straight lines and markers
You can then take the table of (x,y) points, and import it into AutoCAD.
Open the excel worksheet, see the examples on some of the sheets, then try out your own objects.
1. Create a simple crane similar to the one shown below using a table of (x,y) endpoints, and a scatter graph in excel.
For dimensions of actual cranes, see:
http://www.bigge.com/crane-charts/#TC
Just click on one of the cranes, and get the pdf.
You do NOT need to reproduce an actual crane, just glance through them to get the main idea, and then sketch out your own design of a simple crane.
2. Create three representations of one bike.
one with units of inches,
one with units of inches,
one with units of feet,
one with units of cm.
One of the things you will need to get used to is switching between different unit systems and scale sizes. Use the "CONVERT" function in excel.
One of the things you will need to get used to is switching between different unit systems and scale sizes. Use the "CONVERT" function in excel.
Can you figure out the equation for the tires?
3. Create a 3D pyramid and tent using a 3D surface graph.
Excel Basics Notes:
Use the (+) to add more sheets.
Re-size columns and rows
Don't forget to save your work often!
