topic Controlling arc direction with sketch tools in Fusion Design, Validate & Document Forum

Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

guy.steph.ryan — Sat, 18 May 2019 14:15:49 GMT

Hi! When using an arc tool in sketch mode the arc defaults to one of two possible directions. I can’t figure out how to force the tool to reverse the arc direction. Seems like I should be able to alternate between a clockwise and counterclockwise arc within the tool by pressing a key or mouse button.

i found a post describing this same simple problem back in 2018, but curiously I haven’t found an answer - either in a forum, a tutorial, or in Fusion 360 Help. Frustrating!

i must be missing something fundamental. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

jeff_strater — Sat, 18 May 2019 16:24:17 GMT

Can you record a screencast of what you are seeing? Which arc tool are you using? What interactions are you using within that tool? Can you share the file where this is happening, so we can try to reproduce it?

Thanks,

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

guy.steph.ryan — Tue, 21 May 2019 13:43:09 GMT

Thanks for your reply. The original 2018 post on this subject (from another F360 user) received a similar response - requesting a screen cast illustrating the frustrating behavior.

I should first clarify that - like the original post - I was attempting to understand how the Tangent Arc Tool works. If you select this tool without sufficient local geometry (e.g. a couple of line endpoints), the tool will consistently default to drawing an arc in only one direction (clockwise as I recall). There appears to be no way of reversing this direction while using the tool.

I’ve since discovered that when I do have appropriate geometry in the vicinity, the tool “figures out” what I’m attempting to accomplish.

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

laughingcreek — Tue, 21 May 2019 16:57:15 GMT

hmm.. doesn't seem to work that way at all for me. this is a screen cast of using the center point arc. just move the mouse the way you want the arc to go.

are you asking about a different arc tool? Some visuals would be helpful in understanding your issue.

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

Anonymous — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 04:46:38 GMT

Why didn't you reply after he posted the video that you asked for?

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

laughingcreek — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 13:09:40 GMT

Because I wasn't the OP. My screen can was asking a question of the OP, no replying to Jeff.

Why did you mark your question as the "answer"?

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

christophe4L252 — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 20:22:23 GMT

Hi @jeff_strater,

I attach the requested video, even if I am not the original requester, as I have the same question. The idea is to perform a smooth arc from a point a tangent to a circle.

Here is an example of the desired arc:

Unfortunately, what is working on the bottom of my sketch is not working on the upper side:

(view in My Videos)

So, what can I do to get the arc starting from the point I designated, be tangent to the circle and no starting to the left but to the right and therefore be as short and smooth path as the one in the image please?

Thanks.

Best regards,

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

jhackney1972 — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 20:36:55 GMT

You did not supply your model but I feel I have created a representative sketch. If you would like to add yours, I can show you the process on it. Use a different type of Arc to create both, the Three Point Arc makes it an easy process.

(view in My Videos)

Re: Controlling arc direction with sketch tools

christophe4L252 — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 20:49:44 GMT

Hi @jhackney1972,

Thanks a lot for your lightning fast and very clear answer. You solved my problem 😀

I attach my drawing for information only.

Thanks again 👏