QCAD - getting started guides.

[adrian]

Hi Len,

No problem - looking at your screen shot I suspect you have too many items (entities) selected. If you look at the bottom middle it says you have selected 37 entities on 2 layers. For a start all of your selected entities should be on one layer i.e. only on layer 3 half etch outline. As you have layer 4 visible as well I suspect inadvertently you have some hatch object selected on layer 4. So first thing I'd suggest is turn off the visibility of layer 4, that should deselect anything on that layer, then turn it back on again and make it the active layer.

I've put together another short video with a couple of tips with making the right selection of objects for adding the hatching. Hopefully this will give you the info you need to make the right selection.

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[adrian]

Great stuff Adrian thank you, that explains a lot. I shall have a go and see how I get on,

Thanks for the feedback it is appreciated - I hadn't honestly realised how useful it might be to people. I think I was lucky in that I started my uni course in Aeronautical engineering at a time when one subject was engineering drawing using a A0 drafting board, so having done intersections of cylinders and cones with a paper and pencil the CAD packages are a boon in that you can quickly try stuff and then undo it when I get it wrong. Anyway I'm really glad it helps.

 

[Len Cattley]

Hi Adrian, I have know found out how to Etch the half-etch red fill, I need to etch each one then they turn red. Your right about computers they do make things easier, I had to use a board with pencils and compass's.

Len

 

[adrian]

It's like the buses - wait ages for one then more turn up!

Next update - putting the frame around the etched items.

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[Len Cattley]

Anymore updates on this Adrian?

Len

 

[adrian]

Not yet - thanks for the prompt I'll see if I can get something done this weekend.

 

[Rob R]

Two years on, how is everyone doing with QCAD?

I have recently downloaded the latest QCAD and had a little play, drawing basic shapes etc, but before I progress much further along the learning curve is it still fit for purpose (i.e. etching artwork) or has something better (but still free) come along?

Cheers

Rob

 

[BrushType4]

Hi Rob,

I swear by QCAD, it's the best around in my opinion for 2d work. The paid version, is updated annually and features scripting for the more advanced users to automate some drawing features.

 

[Len Cattley]

I use QCAD and have made some etchings for it, I need to find out how to send them of.

Len

 

[adrian]

I still use QCAD - it has all the features I need for etching artwork. So I'm not sure what else I would benefit from with a newer application. It's definitely fit for purpose.

Although I have started to use OnShape for 3-D modelling and generating files for laser cutting. There are a few interesting new features and plugins for layering and sheet metal work due for release soon which I'd like to try.

 

[Rob R]

I still use QCAD - it has all the features I need for etching artwork. So I'm not sure what else I would benefit from with a newer application. It's definitely fit for purpose.

Although I have started to use OnShape for 3-D modelling and generating files for laser cutting. There are a few interesting new features and plugins for layering and sheet metal work due for release soon which I'd like to try.

Thanks for the replies chaps.
I shall press on with it next time I get a sensible gap between work and sleep
I really need to sort some etchings to kick start the S gauge project...
Rob