Hi, Is there a way to draw a helix in CorelCAD 2016? I have been trying to use the 'Sweep' command to draw a 3D spring but the only way i can find to do it would be to sweep along a helical path.Thanks, John
Thanks David,
I had found a LISP routine here:
http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-78.html
I used the 2nd one on that page and just renamed it Helix instead of Helcon. I edited it to create more segments. Also tried converting the polyline to a spline before using it as a sweep path. That makes the resulting 3D coil very smooth but I am not sure if the helix loses some accuracy when converted to a spline.
I found how I can make a LISP routine load automatically every time CorelCAD starts but I want to figure out how to make a custom icon to run the command.
I will also try to learn how to write my own LISP routines, having very limited programming skills (learned some BASIC and Fortran in the 80's).
Should I find tutorials on LISP or would I be better off learning AutoLISP specifically?
John
Made an icon and added the Helix LISP routine the interface. Now have this:
Pretty happy that I could do that on here.
I drew the spring in CorelCAD, rendered and exported as a .jpg. Then used PHOTO-PAINT to save it as a .png with transparent background. I thought the size of the png would matter but CorelCAD doesnt seem to be that picky. I made 2 .png files to use as icons: helix.png (250 x 250 pixels) and helix_small.png (95 x 95 pixels).
The following applies to CorelCAD 2016, I will assume similar or the same in other versions?
In CorelCAD, right click on the menu on top and select 'Customize Interface'.
Now in the Commands Tab select "Add Command"
CorelCAD will make a new command named 'Command".
Right click it and rename it to whatever you like.
Now at the bottom of the window you will define which command string it will run, specify a path to the icons you created (alternately you can click to open the "Icon Explorer' and brownse to them).
Whatever you write in 'Description' will appear as a tooltip when you hover over your icon.
Now that you have defined a new command you just need to add it to your menus wherever you like.
Hope that helps