Using a helix with interchangeable UCS

[iones86]

Hi guys,

So I'm trying to make a simple bolt by using the helix command in the 3D feature.

When I place the UCS on the face of the bolt the helix does not work like I would intend to.

What I do:

1/ place the UCS on the face of the bolt

2/ place the base point of the helix

3/ radius of helix base

4/ radius of helix top

-> at this point I just get a straight line, so..

5/ I change the turn height to (for example) 2

-> no respons

6/ height of the helix ?

I uploaded the file for reference...

Any tips?

[JDMather]

http://home.pct.edu/~jmather/content/CAD238/AutoCAD%202007%20Tutorial%204.pdf

[nestly2]

Sounds like you either have too few turns, or the helix height is way too large.  You can start from scratch and make sure to specify the Turns and Height, or just open the Properties Palette and select the object you're calling a line.  If Properties Palette identifies it as a Helix, just  enter the correct dimensions for the helix

[iones86]

I don't know how to quote on this forum, however when I use the helix with the normal UCS (world view) there is no problem with the "height turn" when set to 2, but when I use the UCS the "height turn" is set to 2300 or 12000 or some other random big number. Even though I then set it to "2" the helix still shows up as a line with a slight turn (2247 or something).

1/ I tried to start multiple times from scratch.

2/ I also applied your hint by correcting the helix via the "properties" but then this time it can not perform the sweep (but the helix shows up correct).

Can you try out the file I added in my first post please without removing the revolve? Did I do something wrong?

3/ I just tried the same technique on my laptop at home and it worked the 2nd time (from scratch).

[nestly2]

Command: HELIX

Number of turns = 3.0000    Twist=CCW
Specify center point of base:
Specify base radius or [Diameter] <1.0000>: 8

Specify top radius or [Diameter] <8.0000>: 8

Specify helix height or [Axis endpoint/Turns/turn Height/tWist] <1.0000>: T

Enter number of turns <3.0000>: 20

Specify helix height or [Axis endpoint/Turns/turn Height/tWist] <1.0000>: -50

Start HELIX command

Pick center of Revolve

Specify base radius 8

Specify top radius 8

Specify Turns 20

Specify Helix height -50  (because the Revolve is in the negative Z direction relative to the UCS)