Looking for WebEx/Zoom..etc assistance with Fusion 360

xf021209 · ‎06-17-2022

I'm new to Fusion 360 with only a little history with TinkerCAD. I've found what I need to design isn't able to be done by TinkerCAD. Fusion 360 was recommended. I was warned jumping from TinkerCAD to Fusion 360 is like going from a golf cart to a full blown dragster. I've verified that statement. I have gone through a few YouTube tutorials and learned some of the basics, but the process is very slow. Plus I'm a do-it type of person when it comes to learning. I do better when I see how the task is accomplished over reading about it. The problem is what I need to do I've not found in YouTube tutorials. I would like to hear from anyone that have used an online tutor through WebEx, Zoom, or whatever. The short version of what I need help with is what is the best way to pull in a physical sketch into Fusion 360 and turn it into a model? I have an outline of a wing end traced on paper. I need to be able to pull that into Fusion 360 so I can start designing based on the outline. I have tried using canvas and pulling the scanned image into Fusion 360. While these sort of work, I'm having difficulty manipulating and designing. I'm not even sure if I'm pulling the scanned image in correctly, of if it's to scale. The paper trace is 1:1. Would anyone please tell me is scanning the image in this way correct, or what is the best way to get a scanned image into Fusion 360? Also as mentioned, I'm looking for an online tutor. I've contacted a few online tutors, but so far they all seem to be more interested in showing me things I can't use or they simply don't have the technological skill show me how to import this image and make it usable. Thank you for any assistance and advice anyone can provide. I like the Fusion 360 tool, but it's really complex to use. I'm still trying to get over that initial learning curve hill.

Thanks,

Todd

TrippyLighting · ‎06-17-2022

It appears to be your first time here, so if you can share that scanned image and perhaps the first design we can provide some guidance.

I do occasionally perform online tutoring sessions, but it's not a free service.

If that interests you, please send me a PM.

tcrenshaw63 · ‎06-18-2022

Thank you for the quick response. Yes I'm very new to Fusion, this forum, and CAD tools. TinkerCAD was my first exposure to using any such tool. I have 35 years in IT, so I'm technical but this is far above what I've ever worked with.

Here's the short story:

My friend traced the entire wing end on his plane. The plan is to pull this into Fusion, design, and then print a wing endcap for him. We thought it would be a fun project, not realizing just how powerful but also complex Fusion is. This should be easy - right? Uh, nope.

Here's the original trace on multiple sheets of paper.

The wing is about 1118mm front to back.

Figuring starting out small was a good idea, I scanned only the first page.

Just to give a better idea of what we're trying to do, here is the wing prior to being covered with fabric.

The goal is to design and extruded a part to print and cover the spars and end rib.

I have absolutely no issue with covering services for tutoring. Simply I'd like to learn and do this right instead of becoming frustrated and dropping the project. Self learning is fine, but sometimes it's just better to get the help that's needed. Plus, I've read posts here and from what I can tell - You da' man with Fusion. Of course I also apprecate any help and advice from others. I really want to learn this software. I just upgraded my Ender 3D printer to the Ender Extender. I can now print items that are up to 410mm x 410mm x 520mm. The above end cap will need to be made in three parts, but that's more than do-able.

Attached is the .bmp and .svg versions of the front part of the wing end. I also zipped the .ras version.

Here's a screen cast of what I have in Fusion: https://autode.sk/3O2BWJR

Thank you for any guidance you can provide. Plus if you feel I'm in way over my head, which is what it feels like to me at this point, let's talk about some tutoring hours if your avaialble and believe that's needed.

Thank you,

Todd

TrippyLighting · ‎06-21-2022

It took me a while to find this thread again 😉

It does not matter whether you use a scanned raster image or a ,svg file. the best results will be achieved by tracing the outlines with one or more splines.

The first step is to get this as un-distorted as possible into digital format. What I've done in the past is to put pencil markers on each individual piece of paper so that scans from a copier can be easily re-assembled and aligned in an image editing software.

Perhaps you have a copy shop nearby that can scan the entire thing in one go. That would simplify things.

Once you have the image in digital format, you'd insert it into Fusion 360 as a canvas.

Images can then be calibrated using a know dimension from the object.

Then you would create a sketch and start "tracing" the outline with the sketch tools. In this case you'd use splines.

I am happy to do a tutoring session. If you are interested, please send me a PM.

davebYYPCU · ‎06-21-2022

Much easier to start with an airfoil library file. Does your mate know the tip airfoil name?, and then with a chord length (1118 mm? ), easy to trace, within Fusion. Aircraft name and maybe we can get the detail from the spec.

Might help....

TrippyLighting · ‎06-21-2022

@davebYYPCU wrote:

Much easier to start with an airfoil library file.

Not if you are trying to match physically existing geometry.

tcrenshaw63 · ‎06-21-2022

Hello, to answer your questions, no idea what the tip airfoil name is. Easy enough to get the chord length. The aircraft is a Badland F2 from Badland Aircraft (ultralight). We both know Chris Deuel the owner of Badland Aircraft, super nice guy, and I'm on the waiting list for my F5, but prefer to do this on our own - or at least make the attempt.

tcrenshaw63 · ‎07-12-2022

Postying another kudos to Peter for an excellent tutoring session. I highly recommend contacting Peter for excellent one on one sessions. He showed me how to accomplish exactly what I needed and then some. Very pleased with his tutoring style, knowledge, and just all around enjoyable learning session.

Sincerley,

Todd C.

TrippyLighting · ‎07-12-2022

Thank you Todd!