Draw Line Easily: Quick Cad Ques. For E4', S2', E120', N2', E4', N1.5

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for efficiently drawing a specific line using CAD software, particularly focusing on AutoCAD and SolidEdge. Participants explore techniques to streamline the drawing process, including the use of commands and coordinate systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with the time taken to draw a specified line and seeks a more efficient method.
  • Another suggests using SolidEdge or AutoCAD's vector drawing capabilities, mentioning the dot product of vectors as a potential approach.
  • A participant outlines a general method for drawing lines in CAD software, emphasizing the importance of scaling the page and specifying start points, lengths, and directions.
  • One participant clarifies their inquiry about modifying lines and seeks a one-step solution instead of extending lines after drawing.
  • A suggestion is made to use the "@" symbol in AutoCAD for relative positioning, which could significantly reduce the time required to input coordinates.
  • Another participant recommends the 'pline' command in AutoCAD, which allows for drawing multiple segments in one command, and mentions the use of relative polar coordinates for non-right angles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the potential for more efficient methods in CAD drawing, particularly through the use of specific commands and coordinate systems. However, there is no consensus on the best approach, as different software and methods are discussed.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific commands and features of AutoCAD and SolidEdge, indicating that familiarity with these tools may affect the ease of implementation. The discussion does not resolve which method is superior or most efficient.

Who May Find This Useful

Users of CAD software, particularly those working with AutoCAD or SolidEdge, may find this discussion beneficial for improving their drawing efficiency.

tribdog
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I have to draw a line that goes E for 4' S for 2' E for 120' N for 2' E for 4' then N for 1.5'
I can do it, but it seems like I am taking a long time and going through an awful lot of steps. Is there and easy to draw this line?
 
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Hmm.. I use SolidEdge not AutoCAD, but if AutoCAD can draw vectors you can try that, or define a function (which in your case would be dot product of those vectors)
 
All CAD packages have some way of:

1) Scaling the page. Scale the page so the line fits inside the boundary.
2) Drawing a line from point to point. They all have a way of specifying a start point, a length and a direction. It should be as simple as:
- clicking a "start line"h button,
- moving the cursor to some point on the page and clicking to specify the start point
- specify distance (4') and direction (east = 0 degrees)
- clicking or enter to make the line appear
- repeat for the other lines.

Hope that helps.
 
basically that is what I'm asking. right now I draw a line then modify it by extending it. On extend I can specify a length I want to know if there is a way to do it in one step.
 
If you are using AutoCad, use the "@" symbol when typing in your coordinates. The "@" symbol denotes relative position in stead of from the UCS. Start your line at where ever you want, when it asks for the second point (E for 4'), type in "@4,0" or "@48,0" (depending on how you want to do the general units). That way all you have to do is type in the endpoints. Should take about 3 seconds to do.
 
thank you, you have my undying gratitude.
 
tribdog said:
I have to draw a line that goes E for 4' S for 2' E for 120' N for 2' E for 4' then N for 1.5'
I can do it, but it seems like I am taking a long time and going through an awful lot of steps. Is there and easy to draw this line?
Yes. Most useful in reducing time is the 'pline' (or 'pl', short for polyline) command, which let's you do the whole thing with one command instead of having to repeatedly use 'line' commands. You can hop to each successive point using either absolute co-ordinates or better still, using relative coords like Fred described above.

You can also use relative polar coordinates [itex]@r<\theta[/itex]. This is useful if you want to go off at non-right angles from your previous spot.
 

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