Need help with UCS repositioning

[Anonymous]

Hello, I am trying to learn Autocad and I am using version 2015 because I'm trying to follow a YouTube guy who is an autocad instructor.  The video is about 20 mins long and after attempting to follow it 4 times from the beginning each time I am 100% successful until I get to 12 minute point each time. At this point he is moving the xyz indicator from one position on the 3D drawing to a point at the top which is the center of a hole.  This is where I get stuck, he then moves it down on the Z axis and somehow repositions the X access to draw a new line for the next tube extrusion point.  When I try to do it my xyz ucs indicator gets messed up and doesn't turn the correct way no matter what I try to do.  Any assistance would be appreciated, I've tried it 4 times and each time get stuck at the same place in his video.  Here is the link to it... https://youtu.be/XSRn0maJRfg

Thank you,

Mike

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Turn on ORTHOMODE instead of polar. I find doing 3d in ortho it makes it much easier to snap to the correct direction. Also what he neglects to state in the video is that when you select center snap override if you just click the circle it'll go to its center, don't spend your time trying to catch that center snap like in the video. Also another word of advice, in most cases I choose to work in 2D wireframe because its easier to see what I'm working on. 

start moving the cursor down till it displays the "ORTHO: xx < -Z" tip. Don't hover over the object being created so that you don't accidentally select a face.

type the amount you want to move on the axis you are currently traveling on and hit enter. Here i would move 2 units in the -Z direction.

select the same command and move your mouse in the positive x direction(on mine thats "ORTHO: xx < 0deg". type the amount you want to move and hit enter.

hope this helps.

[beyoungjr · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Following a video tutorial is a good way to learn a bit.  Just don't be too rigid in any method that gets you to where the tutorial wants you.

A brief but good UCS tutorial...

Assuming you can get into the "3D Modeling" workspace and the ribbons will show what I describe!

The 7th panel from left on the ribbon is the "Coordinates" panel.  The middle row of commands is extremely useful.

Observe from right to left on that middle row and you will first see the #3 on an icon for 3-point UCS.  You first choose the new origin (0,0 point), then choose a positive vector (angle) to establish a new X axis, then a positive Y axis.  Your UCS icon should jump to that new location and be oriented correctly.

The 3rd from right on middle row is simple to establish a new origin and not re-align the axis.

If you have aligned as described in your post the all you need to do for the Z axis change is to click that icon and type "0,0,#value" to change the Z axis in negative or positive (must be in relative coords for that, Dynamic input keeps you in relative coordinates by default).

Again, be adaptive and explore many ways to do things.  Tutorials are always developed from the authors most comfortable methods and not meant to be RULES.  If you can get from point A to point B while you pause the video for a bit then feel free to explore optional ways of achieving the same outcome.

Congrats on deciding to learn!  Always feel free to post questions but do spend a moment searching for answers or looking up command references to expand your knowledge.

Blaine