There probably is a way, but I just can't seem to work it out. In Solidworks, one of the nicest features is simply being able to highlight any surface, and start sketching on that surface. Every time I try to do this in VC, even if I use the C key, I get unpredictable results. How can I get VC to behave in this way?

Tom :)

As in "project curve surface"?

I've had problems with this tool before, as curves work fine, but lines didn't. I'll try this again.

Would that have been a Smart Polygon?

Martin.

Hooray! It worked!

But how fiddly was that? Can it not be easier than this? And why is it like this way? I can't see any reason why it should be like that? Anyone want to comment?

I think that being able to direct the projection vector after sketching on a normal viewpoint is simpler and more versatile than sketching onto irregular topography, but inconsistency from object to object is irritating.

Hi Tom,

What inconsistency, have you some examples?

The only tool I see at the moment is in the Pro (and shark) version, that is the "Spline on surface" (I have not checked Shark to look for other tools)


- Steve

Hi Tom,

I dont remember any problems with the "project curve surface" tool, but I will take another look, but first I want to put forward a note about the "Workplane -> select objects" (I did make a post to this thread about that tool, but removed it as it is only good for drawing on planer surfaces (in the context of this thread)).
When using the "Workplane -> select objects", you select an objects face, you then need to select a point, where you select the point on that surface then orients the workplane to be perpendicular(in Z) to that points surface normal (I find it very useful for drawing curves perpendicular to a curved surface without the need to be spinning the view around trying to find the correct snap). Once the surface and points are picked you need to be careful of snapping points that are not on that surface, so you need to enable the "Snaps -> Workplane" to stop snapping to points not on the workplane (you could use "Snaps-> Face on", but then you would need to manually ensure snap points not on that surface where not used).

I will have a play with the "project curve surface" tool again to see if I can find where you may be having problems.


- Steve

Hi Tom,

I have still not found any real problem (up to now) with the "project curve surface" tool, however, I have found that I now automatically take some steps that may not appear obvious to all. I will put together some vids to show how I use that tool as I also use it in conjunction with the "Workplane -> select objects" (so it should help to better explain my earlier post concerning the "Workplane -> select objects" for setting to the face normal)
I will see if I can do the vids later today.


- Steve

Hi Tom,

The first vid is just drawing on a moved workplane (for drawing on a planer surface)

Download link

The second is the "project curve surface" tool


Download link


Let me know if anything is not clear. The only bad question is the one not asked.(who said that)




This is a bit of experiment with 4shared.(Note, these are xvid again)

I have edited and made direct downloads

Steve, that was GREAT! A couple of weeks ago I tried "writing" text along a convex curved surface. My efforts failed miserably. Later, i think i wrote the text "in space" and moved it and then tried to project it. Now i am thinking back to A La Mouche's (spelling?) issue, where someone suggested changing the line types of the extruded text.

I guess i did not clearly or resourcefully think about the tools on hand. Your vid is very useful. During my lunch, I will revisit my prior attempts.