From bcab4fba5aebc2bc25e708363008603685fc92ba Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: OddlyTimbot Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2026 17:25:02 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] instructions for week 3 --- week3/Readme.md | 30 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 29 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/week3/Readme.md b/week3/Readme.md index e41574e..729238b 100644 --- a/week3/Readme.md +++ b/week3/Readme.md @@ -62,4 +62,32 @@ Learn to model using the photographic reference material. Topics covered include * Use of the "additive pipe" (also known as a sweep) * Using boolean operations (for cutting out ports) * Cloning bodies -* Slicing bodies as prep for printing \ No newline at end of file +* Slicing bodies as prep for printing + +## Modelling Hints: + +### Performing a sweep + +A sweep is when a sketch outline is swept along a 2d line creating a solid. In Freecad this is called an "additive pipe". + +To sweep a profile along a path using the Additive Pipe tool in FreeCAD, you must first create two separate sketches: one for the cross-section (the shape to be swept) and one for the path (the trajectory). It is recommended to place the origin of the cross-section sketch directly on the starting point of the path sketch to ensure proper alignment. + +Select the Additive Pipe icon from the PartDesign workbench toolbar. In the dialog box, the profile sketch is automatically selected; click OK to proceed to the pipe parameters. Then, click the Object button under "Path to sweep along" and select the path sketch (or specific edges within it) in the 3D view. + +You can refine the sweep using the following key options: + +Corner Transition: Adjusts how the pipe handles bends in the path (e.g., Right Corner, Tangent). +Section Transformation: Set to Multisection if you wish to sweep through multiple cross-sections to create varying diameters or shapes along the length. +Orientation Mode: Choose Standard to keep the profile perpendicular to the path, or Fixed to maintain a constant orientation. + +### To slice a body into pieces. + +To slice a body in FreeCAD, use the Part Slice Apart tool in the Part workbench, as the Part Design workbench does not support splitting existing bodies directly. *Note:* it is best to performing slicing on a clone of the original body, as this is a destructive process. + +#### Method 1: Using a Plane (Best for simple cuts) + +Create a Plane: Switch to the Draft or Part workbench and create a primitive Plane (or extrude a 2D sketch into a thin solid). Position and rotate this plane to intersect the body where you want the cut. + +Select Objects: In the Part workbench, select the body you want to slice first, then hold Ctrl and select the plane (the order is crucial). + +Execute Slice: Go to Part → Split → Slice Apart. This creates a "Slice" object containing the separated halves. \ No newline at end of file