CAD Problem

This will be like the blind leading the blind.

Does it help if you change the line width? Line color?

Isn't "solid hatch" an oxymoron? If it's solid you will loose the outline, won't you?

That's it. My knowledge pool is empty.

One more thing, copy the lines onto two different layers, or put duplicate lines on two layers and turn them on, off, as needed. At least then, you wouldn't have to retrace every line.

MAybe so. Its always been like that.

It just looks bad.Re-drawing made it sharpen up.

Another blind here, But if I remember correct there is no need of any hatch if you are using right 3D options to draw, For example if you extrude a square it will give a solid cube or cuboid, and it don't need to be hatched, and it will have well defined boundaries and edges,

As you said you are new to this,so just make sure that you are not trying to make a 3D drawing with 2D options.

My AutoCad^® LT is only 2D. I don't think any LT version is 3D. But, we're all blind here.

Not familiar with term LT, I am sure you are right on that, But there are options in auto cad for 3D now I don't know which one have and which don't,

That's what this...AC LT 2 D only.

2 D only.

Lt. simply means light version.

Just 2D, no rendering or such. It does however work well for me in this business.

By the way, it was given to me in Pune when I worked for a large company involved in the netting and rope busness.

Dhanyavaad

In the mid 90ties we tried similar things for making 3D and I vaguely remember the similar problems we faced,

Thank you for native gesture,and you are welcome here again but don't forget to come toward north,

Ok, this is a good time to ask this.

On the Tool Bar in AC Lt. it has OBJECT PROPERTIES.

I see the color Layer, the Line type Layer and then a scroll down of line thicknesses in mm. from Layer:Block: Default and then a long scroll of sizes from .oomm to 2.1mm in thickness.

This would help. How do i turn THIS line thickness feature on?

I have used the EDIT SPLINE and EDIT POLYLINE before to get lines to thicken up.

This would be easier. Anyone out there know how to turn on this feature?

Thank you.

Line thickness is not a "feature to be turned on". Thickness is one of the properties of a line, arc, or circle. It controls the thickness of an object along its Z axis. For example, if one were to assign a value of (7) to a line, the line would be (7) positive units thick (up from the Z origin), starting at its Z axis origin point. This should not be confused with the width (property) of an object, which controls how wide the object appears on your screen / plot.

Hope that helps.

Dave,

Thank you. I figured out something along those lines. being self taught means a lot of trial and error.

Thank you.

I actually started explaining along those lines (pun not intended). If netmaker, you are attempting to make the line appear thicker on the paper, you should spend some time reading about .ctb files, sometimes referred to as a "Pen Map". This is where you assign different "Line Weights" to different colors by assigning pens to colors and line weights to colors. That's about as simple an explanation as there is.

From Netmakers description of the process I think he is looking at lineweight not Z thickness. Lineweight is the width of the 'pen' used to draw the line on screen but does not display unless it is turned on as described in my earlier post. The original question said that ACAD LT was being used, I don't think you can apply Z values in LT.

LINE THICKNESS; File > Print/plot > Pen assignment.

LOSSING LINES; Try turning off the other layers other than your boundary line, then back on after solid hatching?

Regards JD.

Thank you.

I'll try it tomorrow.

Thank you. I just could not make that work.

I am not skilled enough to know the inns and outs. I am self taught through necessity to use this.

Thank you anyway.

I'll take another look at it and get back. And improve on my spelling.

Regards JD.

in your hatch dialog, look for a 'send behind boundary', and see if that works. (meaning that the boundary lines are on top, in the 2d stacking order)

of course you could always stop using autocad... your life will be happy.

Thank you Chris for your usual straight up outlook and commentary.

In place of AutoCad, what would you suggest for drawing 2D or even 3D nets and fishing type implements?

Keeping in mind I need simplicity and I am NOT looking to spend a lot of time on drawing. Except for a few things like this, I am reasonably fast at drawing up a net and quotes to go with it. However, I am always open to something better as this software program is over 11 years old and I am sure there are new things out there.

DoubleCAD XT is available in a free version, which may work better for you than AutoCAD LT. There is also CadStd, or DraftSight (from the Catia/SolidWorks people). All free, or, if you want fancier versions, they have reasonably priced "Pro" versions...The free versions are not trial versions with limited time periods, but they are somewhat limited in their features compared to the paid versions. I think DoubleCAD XT may be the closest to AutoCAD in look/feel, but I am not sure of this...

I've played around with some these and I believe you're right, DoubleCAD XT is probably the closest to AutoCad.

Never heard of DraftSight till now. I'll have to try that one out.

I think this one is more closer http://www.zwcad.org/

I'll take your word on that. I have no need for CAD at home, and use AutoCad LT at work.

zwcad looks like a pretty good package- especially since they can read a variety of other file formats, and provide support and documentation in multiple languages. No information about operating system and hardware requirements, however. No information about license (i.e., time constraints, disabled features, use limitations) on their "free" downloads. Full package prices, especially for the zwcad3D are in the same range as other commercial prices ($7000 for the Premium version).

I have seen someone working on it, and look like AC, I am not sure if any free download available or not, But a typical 3D toolroom version is RS 25,000.00 (ABOUT $ 500) in India.How many features are disabled for this price I am not very much sure again.

I suggest Visio.

for example... from the word go... this drawing took me 7.5 minutes.

and 3 minutes later, you can have it colored and filled with anything you want.

and that is without getting into 3d... your scaled drawings won't be as perfect as autocad.. but if you are doing concept or rough scaling, this is fine. (you can see the boat I made is on a 9' x 3-1/2' grid. (which it snaps nicely to)

it is fast and easy, object oriented, and makes excellent illustrations.

What do your net drawings look like??

Chris

Chris,

That looks really clean.

These are about the end limits of what I really do. There are a few that get more intricate but basically this is the bread and butter stuff.

So what are you using again?

Microsoft Visio.

I'd suggest getting a used or older version. (cheaper)

Chris

Listen to Chris288- he's one of the best with a variety of packages. However, what takes him 7.5 minutes would probably take us "normal" people 7.5 DAYS.

It appears Visio is a Microsoft product? $1000 price tag is a bit out of my range...

In Advanced options I see the box Retain Boundaries.

If I draw three shapes and then Solid hatch them, only one will have boundaries and the other two will have maybe one side.

I check Polyline ( not region)

Any ideas???

Ok....still another attempt.

If i check off Retain Boundaries, draw and solid hatch the whole thing. I only see one or two lines.

However, I just copied the whole drawing and pasted it right back....and like the magic of a VooDoo Priestess on this Loup Garu moon tonight........the boundaries are there.

Who Knows?

Now can you help me turn on the Line Thickness. So far nothing I've tried has done anything. It just goes back to Default.

The Polyline edit can make it work, but I'm trying to skip that step if possible.

Thank you.

Hello Netmaker:

Unfortunately, there is no legal way of activating the features from the version of CAD you are using. Basically, this is why it is called a light version. Full versions of the CAD software will provide you with specific editing features for the hatch command.

For example, you can change the angle, scale, and patterns of the hatch. Additionally, you have the option of using many other advance features that give your drawing that professional look you are seeking.

In short, if you are looking for a more professional look, I recommend that you invest in a full version of the CAD software. Yes, there are many brands to choose from and it may cost you a bit of money but you will not regret it. Furthermore, you will be avoiding future legal trouble during your career that could, more than likely, costs you more than the software you didn't invest in.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

AskQ

AskQ:,

Spoken like a true reseller.

Since you have no way of knowing how the offender aquired his copy of the software, I suggest that you back off. You obviously have no idea what AutoCad LT means.

There are plenty of free CAD programs that netmaker can use.

Lyn:

First of all I was not talking to you and I am sure netmaker can speak for self. Now I know why you call yourself a guru. I will try to avoid and ignore your comments for now on. So why not take your some of your own advice and exercise it with yourself.

Good Luck

AskQ

I don't think lyn meant his comment as a slight to you, but was referring to the Q's attitude...

I know......... that's why i put the . I understood what Lyn was doing. ha ha!

Thank you too for the comments.

Its been a long day and I just got the freezer fixed so its cooling again. 300 lbs. of shrimp were at stake. Pre-BP Oil Spill shrimp at that...if you understand.

Talk with you soon.

OOPS.

No offense meant. Should have said alleged offender. We all know you're legit.

Don't know what his issue is.

Son..... I been called a lot worse.....and by guys with guns in their hands. ha ha!

take care and thank you for the back up. I am sure there are folks who steal from these guys and they are just looking out for their investments. No harm no foul.

thank you for the assist.

Dear Netmaker,

99% of us understood exactly what you were doing etc., nothing illegal was mentioned or done.

Some of us (all of us from time to time!!) misunderstand a post and go off at a tangent!!! (Been there, done that and NOT got the T-Shirt!!)

Please forgive him.....

Its all cleared up. The reseller was just making a point. I am sure he did not really mean to be accusatory.

Thank you and no worries.....All is good down here and I will be back as always with another serious problem.....from Cajun country.

Thank all of you for the help with this antiquated CAD program. I am going to get something a bit more modern this summer, as I have some projects that are so involved I do not think i can accurately draw them up on this ol' skool software.

Wouldn't I like a 3D Max or Inventor to go on sale this year....call it a BP Oil Spill compensation. ha ha!

ca ce bon

Netmaker:

No, I am not a reseller. I was just trying to help out and your sensitive posse came to the rescue. I meant no offense to you at all but obviously perceptions can go in different directions quickly in this forum. For instance, what gives anyone the right to label me a reseller simply because of the way I perceived your comments? Anyways, I was just trying to help out a fellow engineer.

Regards

AskQ

What version of AutoCad LT are you using?

I currently use LT2004 and prior to this used LT'97.

I have never experienced a problem with the boundary lines not looking sharp and crisp.

type chprop and select the boundary line, this will allow you to change the lineweight, if you set to 0 it will be very sharp. Play with the settings until you get the desired effect.

Also, what type of hatch pattern to what scale are you using. If you use say Ansi31 (45 degree lines) where the scale is wrong and you are trying to get a full coloured in look then the lines may bleed into the boundary lines.

One last question does it look unsharp on the monitor or after you have printed it off?

If after printing, could it be that the ink has bled into the boundary lines?

Hatch isn't really meant to colour in an area fully, maybe set the hatch scale higher and give it the shaded look.

Thank you for the reply. My program is old and probably has corrupt portions by now.

The desired effect I want is not for printing but just to send in a file.

Checking off Retain Boundaries in the hatch seems to get me close to where I need to be.

Thank you. I anticipate buying a newer edition of LT very soon. I've gotten my money worth from this one.

"Hatch isn't really meant to colour in an area fully, maybe set the hatch scale higher and give it the shaded look."

One of the hatch options is 'Solid', no hatch scale required. (Image is from LT2002, I'm sure it was the same in earlier versions but don't know about later ones).

I've come to this discussion a bit late & skimmed through it.

Are you trying to get the thicker lines to display on screen? Even though you change the line thickness it won't show on screen by default, you have to go to 'Format', 'Lineweight' & tick the 'Display Lineweight' check box. I think this is a hang over from the days when every extra feature on screen slowed the display down.

Thank you.

I am using that now. If you look up in the first posts you will see the sketches. I just wanted a cleaner looking image. I am trying for a 3d effect with a 2d system.

Its ok but I see there are so many new features out there I will have to seriously upgrade to get the really clean 3d look I am after.

Clientele changed from fishermen ( who were satisfied with a pencil drawing on a brown paper bag....to research scientists who want to see a lot more detail in what they are getting.

Thank you for the comments.

I tried drawing & filling some random blocks & they look fairly clean. Maybe, as you said, there's something not right with your copy or the settings have got a bit screwed.

My software is older than my pick up truck. ha ha!

Yes, I think some features have shut down or have been corrupted. The program is no longer supported .

I really am going to look into something much newer and tuned more to my requirements.

Thank you for your comments and help.

Take a look at DoubleCad XT. It's free. Of course, that isn't an endorsement, necessarily, but if I needed a CAD program here at the house, that's what I'd use.

Short learning curve too, if you can manipulate AutoCad.

Hi,

Forgive me if someone made these suggestions already; I got tired of reading all the previous posts.

I think that your problem is which object is drawn on top; this is controlled by "Draworder", or as someone already suggested, there is a checkbox for "send behind" in the bhatch creation box for ACAD Sr.

If you're sure it's related to line width though, here's my 2 cents worth;

In ACAD Sr. I control my lineweights (i.e., widths) by setting them on a layer-by-layer basis directly in the Layer Manager ("layer" at the command prompt). You can also use "lweight" or "lwt" to bring up the Lineweight Manager dialog box and change the current lineweight, which affects everything you draw thereafter.

As you noticed, you can also do this by making them polylines and editing ("pedit") the width property. They behave a bit differently though, and I find it much more convenient to do it by layer.

In order to see the effect, you have to have lineweight turned on; I don't remember the command, but the Lineweight Manager dialog box (lweight) has a checkbox for it. Also, lineweights don't scale up & down in modelspace when you zoom in & out; makes them hard to see. (But I dunno if you HAVE modelspace and paperspace in LT...)

I hope some of that helps.... I really think it's the "draworder" thing, though. Oh yeah; ACAD also has a "remove boundaries" checkbox for bhatch; this would certainly cause it as well. Hope at least a little of this applies to LT...

Thank you. Any suggestions are always tried. I appreciate the comments.

BTW, I do some good business with those folks at Matapeake..... really nice folks.

nm

I usually don't have problem in solving these issues, but this one is a bit hard for me maybe this can help you.