F360 is frustrating to use?!?!

[Anonymous]

I tried modelling like I did in ACAD in the past, some might say it's not a good base but I can't help it. Now my new job uses LT so that's worse.

Anyway, simple things like moving a part freely is so frustrating, I just want to move something but only the cursor moves, rotating works fine but moving does nothing, I have to keep using point to point. Which brings me to my next problem, I can't move something to the edge? or snap it to the nearest line????? or face?!!?!?!

So I figure, maybe i'm doing it wrong, i've been modelling the wrong way. Reddit recommended some tutorials from Lars on youtube, dude is an Autodesk guy, sounds good. I follow his first tutorial, create a rectangle, pull it, so far so good. Then he offsets it and I can't even select a **** thing.

I can't select ANYTHING on my screen to offset after pulling. But in the youtube video, he just casually selects the edge and BOOM it's done. Huh?!

Come on man... this program is so frustrating to use, simple things seem so complicated oh my god.

Anyone have any idea why I can't move things freely, from face to face or edge to edge?! Or even why a simple thing such as offsetting a rectangular box is impossible?!?!

And common sense, if I have a table, and i want to create a hole, i draw a circle, pull it down, done. OR SO I THOUGHT because F360 refuses to let me pull the hole, nooooooo it has to select the whole table. Whhhyyyyyyyy?????

Holy crap i'm going nuts. Am I doing everything wrongly?? What in the world is this sorcery!?

[jodom4]

Hey arquetAPNX6,

I understand your frustration with Fusion coming from AutoCAD. In short, Fusion works completely differently than AutoCAD. AutoCAD is a drafting program with 3D capabilities, Fusion is a solid modeling tool with parametric controls and design history.

It might be helpful to know what you're trying to do with fusion. It might not be the best tool for you depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

If you want to learn Fusion from the ground up, my advice is to forget everything you know from AutoCAD- it simply does not work the same way (as you're no doubt experiencing firsthand). I would recommend starting with the Adoption Portal, and going through the lessons there: http://f360ap.autodesk.com/courses#getting-started-for-absolute-beginners

[Anonymous]

I did try to watch some tutorials.

The issue now is this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5bc9c3S12g&t=830

I was following this tutorial, he then used Offset on a face of the box. I couldn't. I can't for the life of me, figure out why my F360 refuses to let me use Offset on my box.

[jhackney1972]

You posted Lars video at the point of the offset but the part you are missing is just before the offset operation.  Since "Offset" is a sketch command, you MUST be working in a sketch.  You are missing the point in the video where he right clicks on the face and creates a sketch.  The process will work for you easily after this.  I did a screencast to emphasis a couple of these and other points.

[Scoox]

I know how you feel because this has happened to me after using a piece of software for many years and then switching to another similar piece of software but with a different workflow: there's a learning curve and it sucks to have to relearn even the most basic things you could already do in the old software. That's just the nature of the beast, so embrace it. Don't try to find Autocad in Fusion 360. If the workflow was the same, Autodesk wouldn't not have bothered to create Fusion 360, would they?

Of course, you will find plenty of quirks in Fusion—after all, it's less mature than Autocad—, but our friends at Autodesk are working hard to refine it.

So basically, yeah, it can be very frustrating when in your mind you know exactly what you want to do, but when you are not familiar with the tools and so you have to 'waste' time learning the tools first. It's similar to learning a foreign language: you might be a brilliant writer in your mother tongue, but you won't be able to write as eloquently in another language unless you first learn it properly.

From my various learning experiences throughout life, when I start learning a new skill or process it takes me about 3 months to start feeling "at home", or to get to the point where using the tools becomes second nature. Have fun!

[dcrouch9]

I too came to solid modeling from many years of Autocad. I didn't start out with Fusion, I was using Inventor but almost all the solid modeling programs basically operate the same.

My advice is to remember this is not Autocad. When you fire up Fusion, take your Autocad hat off and forget it even exists. I too was frustrated, angry and thought this is crap. Boy, was I wrong! You will find out over time how powerful and productive solid modeling is. 

My issue with Fusion is the CAM side. I come from a MasterCam background and I really have to take my own advice and remember this isn't MasterCam, don't mix them together. When you forget that your blood pressure will go through the roof. 

I think the light bulb will click on for you and you'll find out this is some really good stuff.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@Scooxwrote:

—after all, it's less mature than Autocad—

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Hmmm, I am trying to think of a single product for which that argument is acceptable.

If I go purchase a new car - I don't expect to be told, "Well this it's less mature - we are working hard on making it an adult."

Can anyone think of one product?  Just one?

[Scoox]

@TheCADWhispererWe are talking software here. No human creation is perfect, and cars are no exception. It is true that hardware product are more thoroughly tested before they get released, because hardware updates are costly (e.g. Samsung exploding batteries). By rolling out a semi-finished software product, users are able to get going sooner, rather than having to wait for, in this case, Autodesk to get the product almost perfect and then release it. Think about it, if we had to wait for Fusion to be perfect, then we'd all be using something else right now.

Also notice the term 'mature' applies to hardware and software alike. Automotive technology is mature, but the moment you try to innovate there's always room for screw-ups, for example Volkswagen's DSG automatic transmission.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@Scooxwrote:

Think about it, if we had to wait for Fusion to be perfect, then we'd all be using something else right now.

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I do.

My phone is Apple iPhone

My car is General Motors Cadillac

My MCAD is Autodesk Inventor.

[Scoox]

Fair play. Unfortunately, I, as a hobbyist, cannot justify the cost of an Inventor or SolidWorks license and the various quirks of Fusion 360 are a small price to pay, but if I did this for a living I would almost definitely go for a more mature product. And still, it wouldn't be 100% bug-free or annoyance-free.

[Anonymous]

I did exactly that, and I can't for the life of me, select an edge when i use offset. I just can't.

Create sketch, Offset, i can't click anywhere at all. Nothing happens.

Hence the frustration.

I'm trying out many 3D softwares out there to propose one for my boss and I want to give them all a fair shake but F360 right now is just horrendous.

[TheCADWhisperer]

File>Export and then Attach your *.f3d file here.

Someone will create a video using your actual file.

Personalized service.  Can't beat that!

[ryan.bales]

It takes a fair amount of time to simply get out of an AutoCAD mindset. It's not impossible by any means, you need to change the way you think. Fusion can and will be more intuitive for you if you give it time. 

For this specific issue, you need sketch geometry/curves in your sketch to offset. It's likely you are trying to offset geometry not included in your sketch and will need to project/include it to offset.

[TrippyLighting]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I'm trying out many 3D softwares out there to propose one for my boss and I want to give them all a fair shake ...

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I don't mean to be disrespectful, but frankly based on your comments so far and you having stuck with AutoCAD for far too long and clear lack of experience with any other more up-to-date 3D CAD software you are in no position to make a good assessment what might be a good next CAD system for your company.

[Anonymous]

@Anonymous

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@Anonymouswrote:

Create sketch, Offset, i can't click anywhere at all. Nothing happens.

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There is one option in "preferences" (you find it in the menu under your account-name) that can cause the behaviour you described. If the auto-project checkbox is "off", then there is no geometry to offset - so please check and make sure that the checkmark is set/active - and then create a sketch on the face.

[deanwill.bb]

I agree 100% probably one of the most unintuitive frustrating user experiences ever. There is no feedback to when you do something wrong. Any good alternatives out there?

Did you ever figure out how to move things?   

[g-andresen]

Hi,

Please share a concrete example for clarification.
Then we can go into it.

günther

[deanwill.bb]

My favourite 6.

1. Open without having to install again every-time you want to use the program. This would greatly increase the overall user experience. 

2. Run for longer than 5 minutes without crashing

3. Tell you what is happening when you are importing a DXF file, after you've picked a file the program just hangs or does nothing. Then randomly it appears. What is going on? No beach ball nothing...

4. Moving stuff around - its like it's constantly trying to force you not to move anything ever.

5. Selecting things.... Have you selected the line, the object or something else on another plane or fusion's quantum realm.

6. The entire tool path / CAM process...  Surely there is a way to improve on this whole process. I HAVE GIVEN UP USING FUSION FOR THIS it's just to frustrating. How is a toolpath 2D even the name is irritating surely there is a xy and "z" element to any toolpath.  Please re read the Rest Machining description again and tell me it makes any sense... I just read it again and its so confusing... Try using the Engraving tool path on text on 3mm thick stock with a v bit, it will randomly engrave double lines then "fills" the gaps the next.

I am so over automation now I have bought a set of restored vintage chisels and a hammer over the weekend, feel much better.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

A concrete example is still missing but...

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@deanwill.bb wrote:

My favourite 6.

1. Open without having to install again every-time you want to use the program. This would greatly increase the overall user experience. 

has not occurred with me

2. Run for longer than 5 minutes without crashing

I also cannot confirm

3. Tell you what is happening when you are importing a DXF file, after you've picked a file the program just hangs or does nothing. Then randomly it appears. What is going on? No beach ball nothing...

I only know this from imports that have too many unrelated elements, or (often) have been damaged by multiple ex/imports between different applications

4. Moving stuff around - its like it's constantly trying to force you not to move anything ever.

5. Selecting things.... Have you selected the line, the object or something else on another plane or fusion's quantum realm.

If the selection tools are not disabled, you know about the possibility to select something "through" objects and if you know the meaning of projections in sketches, almost everything is possible

6. The entire tool path / CAM process...  Surely there is a way to improve on this whole process. I HAVE GIVEN UP USING FUSION FOR THIS it's just to frustrating. How is a toolpath 2D even the name is irritating surely there is a xy and "z" element to any toolpath.  Please re read the Rest Machining description again and tell me it makes any sense... I just read it again and its so confusing... Try using the Engraving tool path on text on 3mm thick stock with a v bit, it will randomly engrave double lines then "fills" the gaps the next.

For 10 years I have been working with V-Carve and V-Carve uses the same strategy. If you know a better method you should offer it to them.

I have bought a set of restored vintage chisels and a hammer over the weekend, feel much better.

That sounds good

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günther

[Anonymous]

The tutorials I've come across on fusion 360 are horrible. They usually don't explain anything in detail, click on things quickly and type without mentioning it and basically leave you more clueless than before because even replicating what you've just seen them do seems impossible.