Obtain an angle (Cal command)

[Anonymous]

Hi guys,

Im having trouble obtaining the correct angle. I'd like to use the 'cal' command, and then the ang(apex,p1,p2) as outlined here 

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/ENU/AutoC...

I'm using Autocad LT 2018, and was wondering if the various 'ang' commands pertain to a full, or even 3d version of Autocad. 

I know the angle Im getting from DIMANGULAR is technically correct, but its not a lot of help for our boys on the tools. Id like to be able to calculate the cut angle required for them to manufacture our product. (Which in this instance is stairs.) Just trying to make like a little easier for them. 

Any help is much appreciated.

[WarrenGeissler]

Are you entering the CAL expression correctly? It should be in this format:

>> Expression: ang(end,end,end)

And then prompt you to pick the three consecutive entity endpoints

[Anonymous]

I'm definitely doing something wrong.

I can enter the command, and select lines, but the result I get is either 0, or 180, when I should be around 36 degrees.

[WarrenGeissler · Accepted solution]

1. Pick line(s) at apex

2. Pick first line at endpoint opposite end from apex

3. Pick second line at end opposite from apex

[Anonymous]

I think Im picking the wrong points, because the angle Im getting is now 235

Im going to have another go in the morning when Im a bit fresher. Hopefully I can honestly hit accept as solution when I figure it out. 

Thanks very much for the video, its very helpful, but Im pretty certain its where Im picking from

[steven-g]

You do have to pick the center (common) point first and then work counterclockwise when picking the other points. If it's still giving you problems, then posting a copy of your command history, would possibly show up where the error is, or better still attach a copy of that part of your drawing with the lines so we could check if anything else is going on.

But what are you actually doing that couldn't be achieved by using an angular dimension?

[Anonymous]

Ok. Im a doofus. 

Thanks so much for everyones patience. 

The issue I was having, was that I was not working back from 90 degrees. 

I was trying to garner the cut angle ( The red pointy bit at the top of my stair stringer )

I knew it was to be around 36 degrees, and could not understand why I was only getting 54 degrees, or 126 degrees with DIMANGULAR

The answer is that taking 54 from 90, will give me the 36 that I was chasing. Slight miscommunication, combined with a bit of geometry oversight and underthinking. 

Takes a whole village sometimes haha

[WarrenGeissler · Accepted solution]

Aaaaaand - along that line - try this instead of the CAL command:

[Anonymous]

Youve outdone yourself!!

Thank you!