Fusion 360 help needed

[Swarf MakerParticipant @swarfmaker85383]

In a similar way to SOD's comment, I still use QCAD for quick 2D sketches for the workshop. If the idea works out then I import the dxf file into F360 and build the 3D model directly from it.

I do find F360's cloud storage a benefit when I can work on a model at my desk, just pop into the workshop and the design is sitting there on my workshop computer. If I then find a need to modify things a bit I can do so on the workshop computer and when I return to my desk the updated drawing is there for me to continue developing. No nonsense with transferring files across the network or having to remember to carry the USB stick back and forth or indeed worry about which file on my network is the latest one. Versioning is automatic.

Lots of advantages and still growth and facility improvements to come. The ability to interact with the design team and have your needs and ideas considered and more often than not addressed/incorporated is great. The forum works well but of course the Autodesk aim is to get the likes of us and the student or small business to become tied in to the product. Ransoms may come in the future but so far the business model is, I believe, sound.

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

Posted by Swarf Maker on 14/10/2017 20:55:05:

…I still use QCAD for quick 2D sketches for the workshop. …

Me too! QCAD is excellent for all things 2D like templates, checking dimensions & geometry, layouts, profiles, and floor plans etc. I also use it lots to redraw bits of published plans to make sure I've understand them. Not all published plans are, ahem, completely accurate. Probably the greater number of of my CAD drawings are done in QCAD. Whilst mostly simple 2D drawings are still very useful and often 'good enough'.

But when the planned thingy gets more complicated, I find it helpful to switch to a 3D package because it's much easier to visualise objects in 3D, and because you can experiment with dimensions without breaking the design. FreeCAD is good for creating single parts, like a crankshaft.

Fusion360 is better than FreeCAD for creating single parts in that it has even more ways of constructing them, but it really shines when you want to model an object, like an engine, that has many fixed and moving parts.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

If enough hobbyists keep saying how good it is, they'll cotton on and start charging you for it

Neil

[Author]

Posts