Simple 3D modeling question

[dustin1706]

Hey guys,

I am a newb with only a basic understanding of autocad. Through the process of trial and error (and online tutorials) I can usually get stuff done in autocad though.

My problem is, I am trying to 3D model some simple chess pieces to cnc on a lathe, but I can't figure out how to radius the face of a cylinder...

I keep trying to fillet the face, but apparently that is only for edges?

Can anyone tell me what tool I should be using to accomplish this?

Here is a crude 2d pic of the shape I am trying to make into a 3d model. I do need a specific diameter radius.

I'm certain that it is something very simple, but for the life of me I can't figure it out or find a tutorial on how to do it...

Thanks!

[ger21]

Draw what you have in 2D, then split it in half, so you have half the profile. Then use the revolve command to sweep the profile into a "cylinder".

[ger21]

Also, before revolving, make sure the profile is a closed polyline, using PEDIT and join and/or close. If using splines, create a region and revolve that.

[dustin1706]

Wow, Thanks Gerry!

starting in 2D never even crossed my mind...

I'm not going to tell you how long I spent trying to model it directly in 3D... lol

That seems like a great method to make anything symmetrical like that.
Thanks again!

[gda]

I can't help you too much in Autodesk Inventor, but I am almost positive it is very similar to the method used in Solidworks, as the basic principles of 3-D modeling are pretty much universal.
A simple sketch of half of what you want, with a centerline called the "axis" is drawn using basic sketching principles. The sketch is selected, then the axis is selected, at which point the "Revolve" icon is selected in the Features toolbar and you should be Golden. I enclose the three stages by attachment.
Goodluck,
gda

[tlharris]

Gerry's got you pointed in the right direction, but just to add to it :

A simple, symmetrical object can be created using the REVOLVE command in AutoCAD.

What you've done is created a base object at this point. More complex objects are created using a 'boolean' approach. i.e. create other simple objects, and either add them or subtract them from each other. Solid modeling in AutoCAD is still pretty basic compared to solid modeling in a full 3-D modeling program like Solidworks or Inventor, but it's still a very capable product.

One quick thought on modeling, in WHATEVER tool you choose - at least to start with, it is helpful to think along the lines of how you might fabricate this in the shop. This is known as 'history-based' modeling. Once you get some experience, some people prefer to use other methods, but it can help you keep your feet on the ground in the beginning.

Example:
Your chess piece will be made on a lathe. That means you'll likely start with a piece of round stock. Start there. How to create the round stock? Well, you spec it as OD x Length, so draw it that way. Draw a circle (on the YZ plane), then EXTRUDE it along the Xiaxis to get a piece of round bar. Now sketch your profile on the XY-axis, REVOLVE it to get another solid representing the stuff you're going to cut away. SUBTRACT one from the other, and you've got your finished piece.
You could just as easily start with one sketch, and revolve it into a solid in one step. The results will be the same, no better, no worse. But the subtractive method preserves 'design intent'.

[dustin1706]

Thanks for the tips guys! I was initially doing it in 3D one shape at a time, but after listening to you guys, I realized that was the hard way lol.

Thanks again!

[xclr82xtc]

*2thumbs* these guys gotcha covered! same thing i do for car rims