Hey guys. Hope all's well. I'm stoked about getting into VCP. So far, it's been decent. A few hiccups here and there. But it does what I 'think' I need it to do. Either way, this has been a good move. I looked at and trialed a lot of the alternatives and for the dosh, VCP is worth it. Shark may be in the future. But for now, it's basic shapes only.

Some questions...

I work in the film industry by trade. I have no experience in engineering or design. I don't have any proper schooling on either of the subjects.

Blasting through the manual, which seems to be an amalgamate of VCP and Shark (sometimes frustrating) there are three areas for drafting; 2D curves, surfaces and solids. I've used 2D curves and solids extensively. With surfaces, I've only set up planes for slicing solids. Is there any theory or workflow regarding this? Unless surfaces have been extruded into a solid, where do they fit into the world of drafting or object creation?

Inevitably, most assemblies require joining together of some fashion. Is there a repository of parts (bolts, nuts, washers; all standardized) that's available?

With the parts that I've experimented in creating, is there a chance of relevant data not being exported, when I go to the machinist? IOW, will he see the part and then say, "Sorry. I can't use this b/c certain dependencies were lost."? What trouble areas should I be on the lookout for?

Regards,

Michael

An additional (undocumented) feature of the 'C' key can also be found when used with the Gripper in its User Positioned mode.

Simply move/rotate the Gripper into the required position in 3d space and then hover the mouse pointer at the Gripper origin. When the 'C' key is pressed, new work planes are cycled through that match the Gripper's orientation and this can be repeated as often as is required, anywhere on the drawing.

It's a great way to construct bits to add to your model that may be at some awkward angle or location.



Martin.

Tom.

Seems to be working OK with a group of primitive solids here.

Are you in User Positioned mode and have perhaps not selected the group (this has caught me out once or twice because the Gripper remains on screen in this mode with no objects selected)?


Martin.