Gah, struggling with loft feature.

[artisticdirection]

Hi all. I'm currently rendering a guitar neck and having the darndest time lofting the heel to the shaft (or neck body). See screen capture. I continue to get an error that my rail is not smooth, or my rails do not intersect. Some of my sketches are made from DXF files. Is this my problem? So frustrating.

[TheCADWhisperer · Accepted solution]

@artisticdirection 

You should observe that the horizontal construction line is not constrained to Horizontal.

Add the Horizontal constraint.

Notice the change in color of the sketch geometry.

[artisticdirection]

All good here

[TheCADWhisperer]

@artisticdirection 

Attach the *.f3d file of your progress thus far for next set of steps (will be substantially different than last set of instructions, demonstrating another, more efficient technique).

I have learned over the years to never assume someone is actually following along.

[artisticdirection]

I've attached my progress herewith. Sorry that I'm not more readily available to work on this. My day job tires me out as I stare at a computer screen all day long.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@artisticdirection wrote:
All good here

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The latest file that you Attached is not completed up till my last instruction?

[artisticdirection]

OK, I'm stuck here (see screen capture) I don't understand why I'm dragging one of the end points. And where and how do I add the smaller 3 point arc?

[TheCADWhisperer]

https://youtu.be/sahzmA5O-DI

[artisticdirection]

OK, with you so far, thanks for the video! I assume you're using dimensions from the vector art I sent you? Interesting way to draw the neck profile shape. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@artisticdirection wrote:

 I assume you're using dimensions from the vector art I sent you? Interesting way to draw the neck profile shape. 

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@artisticdirection 

That is the key to parametric modeling - no assumptions!

Either the dimensions are what you want or not.  If not, double click on dimension and edit to what you really really want.

Absolute precise control by designer.

Isn't absolute precise and predictable control the same technique used in Illustrator (I have never used it before)?

New problem...

You have both Construction Plane1 and Plane2 in exactly the same location.

That doesn't do us any good.

Plane2 should be here...

Oops, actually your sketch is on Plane2, so Edit the location of Plane1 instead.

Once you have edited the location of the Construction plane start a new sketch and repeat these steps

...this time with a distance of 0.675

Sketch the large arc

Dimension radius as 1.45 this time...

Add Horizontal constraint if Fusion does not add Horizontal (or Perpendicular or Parallel) for you automatically.

Now here is a pro tip...

Select Coincident constraint.

Select the vertical construction line.

Shift select the horizontal construction line at the midpoint.

This will put the midpoint of the horizontal line on the vertical line but not at the midpoint of the vertical line.

Now add the smaller tangent arcs...

Attach your progress here.

[artisticdirection]

Trying to adjust some of the dimensions, when I try to add a new dimension for the width of the neck near the headstock, I get this popup message. I'm trying to change the width of the sketch from 1.675 to 1.65

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@artisticdirection wrote:

 I'm trying to change the width of the sketch from 1.675 to 1.65

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No file Attached?

No image of the dimension 1.675?

I do not know what dimension you are referring to?

[artisticdirection]

Can you see the attached screen shots? I extended the overall length of the neck to 18.5"

[TheCADWhisperer]

That width is dependent on Sketch1.

Logically, you have to edit the dimension in Sketch1.

Don’t even need a dimension in later dependent sketches.

Edit the original dimension and all will update with predictable behavior.

This is what parametric modeling is all about. Logical, predictable, robust editing.

[artisticdirection]

I tried to edit Sketch 1 from the top view, but I get the same error. "The dimension would over-constrain the sketch. Create a Driven dimension instead?"

[TheCADWhisperer]

@artisticdirection 

Hint: Colinear geometry.  It was already fully defined before you attempted to add a dimension.

Observe the logic of the geometry to figure out what you need to do.

[artisticdirection]

I've created the loft neck body from a new radius that was drawn at the 1st and 12th fret. I also dropped in a dxf sketch of the frets as a guide. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

@artisticdirection 

Telecaster_FRETS sketch is undefined yet used as reference for other geometry?

You would never see this in one of my designs.

I might use something for reference - but I will not create unpredictable geometry.

The Handles on your 1st Fret Profile sketch Spline are not fully defined.

A simple circular arc would create the same curve within .005 inch - about the thickness of a sheet of paper (.004).

I do not understand using a complex spline rather than a simple arc.  

The Handles on your 12st Fret Profile sketch Spline are not fully defined.

A simple circular arc would create the same curve within .008 inch - about the thickness of two sheets of paper.

It would take exceptionally fine sense of touch to notice any difference.

Construction Planes 3 and 5 appear to be duplicates.  I generally don't do duplicate work. (I guess I am lazy.)

Construction Planes 2 and 6 appear to be duplicates.  I generally don't do duplicate work. (I guess I am lazy.)

Cannot measure this distance in the real world.

[artisticdirection]

I've also been following this video tutorial here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fo-hfctl2o&ab_channel=DorsetDesignBuild

I wrestle with the drawing tools in Fusion. I don't seem to get the same results as seen in video tutorials when I follow along. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. Regarding undefined handles ect... 

[artisticdirection]

This might be the most frustrating software I've ever tried to use. I got this far, creating a loft between the heel and the neck. Now the patch tool doesn't want to patch the holes leftover at the heel/neck transition. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

@artisticdirection 

I think it is beneficial to design for manufacturability.

I do not know anything about musical instrument manufacture - but I suspect this would be a lathe turned conic.

My interpretation to follow when I get a chance...

[artisticdirection]

I'm currently attempting to edit your neck profiles as I'm going for a different shape. Stand by and I'll share my results shortly