aligning two objects

[erase42]

Im sure this has a simple enough solution, but I havent stumbled across it, or else I have and its not at all simple. The goal of what im trying to do is to allow me to use the "sweep" function of the solid creation menu in v20.
Lets say I have line segment 5 inches long at some random angle in 3d. I need to position a 1" diameter circle exactly perpendicular to the line, so that the line runs into the center of it like an arrow fired directly at a target.

[tobyaxis]

erase42,

If you can post a drawing, I use BCC V20.6. I never used that function, but maybe I can help.

If it's too big to post I'll send you a PM with an email address.


tobyaxis

[HuFlungDung]

How do you define your working plane in Bobcad? A single line does not define a plane, so if you can figure out the relationship of the line to another point that defines the work plane, then you might have some choices about rotating by a fixed amount from that plane to another one at right angles, from which you can then sketch your circle on the endpoint of your line, then translate it using "Point along line" or whatever means you might have.

[erase42]

Hi Hu, thanks, I guess the prob is that i dont know how i define a plane in bobcad
Im so used to translating, mirroring, and "snapping to" that this caught me off gaurd.
There is a function to mirror around existing line, but if you could rotate around existing line that would work. When I highlight the line and "verify" it does list one angle, but I fail to see how one angle can help. Im sure i can figure out a way to do it, but i need to do it alot of times and it will prove time consuming for such a small simple task. Perhaps i need to align the UCS to the geometry im working on? If you can explain what you mean by defining a plane, I would be greatful.

[lakeside]

if you post your drawing I'm sure we can help you The sweep funcution in Bobcad is a fuss litttle comand. Your corner radis if you are trying to sweep around must have a radis large enought for the sweep and the order you select and the diriction you select are the key

[erase42]

aarg, i tried to post but i guess it is lost in space. im not going to bother to retype it, but here is a very very simple file. if someone can align the arc so that its perpendicular to the line segment ( so its like the base of a microphone stand with the line protruding straight out) then tell me where you got the numbers to make it so.
thanks in advance.

[lakeside]

The issue you have is the circle is on a xy plane your line goes of at a 39, 6046 angle tangent to circle centerline. Attached you will see your file with my changes I took your point translated it 5.447 the length of your line and then did the sweep function also roated circle about 80 deg in x axis from snap at centerline then did a sweep

[Kiwi]

Try
Axis...Snap to (end of line)
Axis...Align X (the line)
Axis...Rotate Y90.
Now draw your circle on this Plane.
There may be a better way as I'm still leaning the basics of BC.

[erase42]

that actually worked Kiwi, I couldnt seem to get the axis to relocate like im sure ive done in the past,(remind me how?) but i moved the geometry to it instead. aligned the axis with the line then drew a circle and rotated it 90 deg around Y and i got my perpendicular circle. now to see if i can do that process several times without scattering or messing up the orientation of my work. perhaps just resetting axis to global is all i need. thanks again Mike and Kiwi let me know if there is an easier way anyone.

ED

[erase42]

cool that actualy isnt too bad, i found that by right clicking the axis it opens its own menu, im betting that i dont even need to move it, just align it with 3d geometry make the circle rotate it then just axis reset global and done, woohoo, thanks guys. i guess i need to watch my cd set again, i recall that with the axis but at the time coulnt imagine what you would use that for as i was only doing 2d work at that time.

[Kiwi]

After you have moved and aligned you axis, study the XYZ arrows on the axis to figure out which axis to rotate and direction.
Once rotated, then do your drawing.

[erase42]

hi kiwi, actually there is an option to align to segment, if you select a segment it will automaticaly align with and snap to the end of the selected segment. for some reason rotating 90 around y always works, so i dont even have to think about it any more.
Here is a hard learned tip for anyone trying to use the sweep function. If you are using a circle or 360 deg arc to sweep a path with, it may or may not work with even the simplest geometry. however if you break the circle into at least 4 segments it works 100% of the time as far as ive tested. even the "wizard" shows the circle in the sample being one segment.