simple CAD question

[PE @ IHS]

Could anyone enlighten me as to why Mastercam asks for Y co-ordinates for the second point when creating a horizontal line? Why it asks for the X co-ordinate when inputting the second endpoint of a vertical line?

 

thanks

 

Peter Eigler

[BernieT]

(Oops: I didn't read the question right the first time)

 

[ 10-05-2002, 09:17 PM: Message edited by: BerTau ]

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

This is to give you control to where the line will exactly end up, It is mainly used when you Sketch points on the screen. You type in the X or Y value of where you want the line to be created at.

 

It has always been that way.

 

Ernie

[Charles Davis]

actually, it's pretty convenient. you can just sketch a line in its approximate location, then key in a X (or Y) value to "clamp" the line where you want it.

[BernieT]

But if you start a horizontal line at a specific point like the endpoint of an arc why do you need the Y coordinate of the 2nd point? I know its always been that way and I never paid any attention to it but it's a good question.

 

BerTau

[cadcam]

quote:

---

Could anyone enlighten me as to why Mastercam asks for Y co-ordinates for the second point when creating a horizontal line? Why it asks for the X co-ordinate when inputting the second endpoint of a vertical line?

---

Peter this not asking for the second point but the actull location in "X" or "Y" of the placement of the line it self.

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

quote:

---

But if you start a horizontal line at a specific point like the endpoint of an arc why do you need the Y coordinate of the 2nd point?

---

You don't have to input any number, it will pick it up from the first point selected, just hit Enter to accept that position.

 

Ernie

[PE @ IHS]

Hi guys

 

I know I can hit enter, it just seems pointless, since the Y co-ordinate of a horizontal line can't be anything different than the current one. Ditto for the X co-ordinate of a vertical line

 

Peter

[cadcam]

quote:

---

I know I can hit enter, it just seems pointless, since the Y co-ordinate of a horizontal line can't be anything different than the current one. Ditto for the X co-ordinate of a vertical line

---

You are not makeing sense to me.

 

Why being able to give it a location pointless.

 

Unless you are talking about what BerTau was stating?

 

If this so then please quote so we may know who you are answering.

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

Peter,

 

It wouldn't bother me one bit if Mastercam changed the way it works. Make it so that it doesn't prompt for the value unless you Sketch a point.

 

I think this is a good request for a future Version.

 

You have my vote.

 

Ernie

[PE @ IHS]

Hi Jay

 

I am speaking of a very simple cad concept. The reason I brought it up is because two people asked me this week this same question and I couldn't come up with a good answer.

 

Create/Line/Horizontal

 

(input X4,Y3.66)

then I can drag the mouse or input the destination value

-the destination should not prompt me for another Y value, since the value cannot be anything other than Y3.66. If I enter another Y value, the line moves to it, therefore ignoring the original Y3.66 that I entered.

 

Peter Eigler

[cadcam]

Ok peter I see what you are saying.

I just did what you said creating the line Horz you are giving it an "y" location to tell it were to start and at the end it is prompting you again.

 

but in the same not create the line give it a "X" value to start from then it will prompt you for a "Y" location this makes sense.

 

But if you are giving it a "Y" value then it prompts at the end this is not logical.

 

But this tool does work well in different ways.

[McRae]

Peter,

 

I had the same issue many times - the answer is that AutoDesk and SmartCAM have polluted the market place into thinking that that is how you are supposed to create geometry.

 

The answer to give the prosepct is "Mastercam returns the intercept and give the added power and flexability to change it on the fly." The first time that your Xfrom, Translate, Join - the power of CAD tools starts to sink in.

 

The other mentality is to create the basic prismatic shape first - In SmartCAM, we would create our turning profile from start to finish. How do you deal with those ones? These guys are still white knuckled holding onto their keyboards and screaming... Eventually Darwin will look after them and they will be out of business.

[gstephens]

I've always thought that was a pretty useful feature that very few other systems give you the capability of doing.

 

Create a horizntal line that has the sam X values of 2 known points where the Y value is say .5 larger than the first point. After you pick the second position and the prompt comes up with some 10 digit number, hit the right arrow key to un-highlight it then type in "+.5" and voila! Pain in the a** otherwise.

[Scott Bond]

G stephens, I've always thought that was a pretty useful feature as well, I use it like this:::

Create/line/horzontle/end point of any existing feature/ to the end point of any other existing feature/

Then you may type in a new "y" value--or hit enter if no change.

[Verisurf - Ernie Husted]

gstephens, made a good point.

 

If it works don't $^%# with it.

 

Ernie

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

.... and it works GREAT!!! DON"'T mess with it!

[Roger Peterson]

AWSOME TOOL. You don't even have move your hand from resting over the escape and F keys. Just click on the screen with your left mouse button instead of hitting enter. If you have done any geometry creation in lathe it is worth its weight in gold.