FreeCAD 0.19 - Tutorial - Simple Part with Part Design (EN)

[@PeteHenehan]

Vielen dank! I was ready to give up on FreeCAD, because of unpredictable results, after MANY video tutorials. This was the first that actually behaved as described. Simple, but powerful. Plus, great workflow advice, with regard to the topological naming issue. Thank you.

[@willydecraemer6853]

Your way of teaching is very clear. A delight for absolute beginners. Thank you very much for your dedication.

[@John-fn6jd]

solid proof of proper modeling to maintain the stability/integrity of the model. thank you so much friend for teaching this

[@sugarmamajess]

Thanks so much. I am just starting my freecad journey for 3d printing. I have made my own curriculum (using these extremely valuable online videos and resources). I am in the "proper naming conventions for stable models" section😂. This video was very informative. The video is easy to understand for the noob and makes it very clear how 2 different models can be so different, saving some extremely frustrating moments. I am on to my homework now. Watch (done)-Draw(next)-model-play/change-print

[@rackbites]

Best FreeCad tutorial on the intenet. Fast and to the point. Thank you.

[@GapRecordingsNamibia]

I had to say thank you for taking the time to teach others..... as this is a freeware program getting help on the forum is very difficult as the other people on the forum use terms that I am not yet familiar with leading to a lot of frustration for both parties.

[@pieyed1302]

Finally! I now understand why I shouldn't place new elements on 3D faces. Thanks!!

[@AibonitoPerformance]

Hope to see more videos soon, this has been great help for me, I really appreciate the time you took to explain this!!

[@jhonny1392]

Hi. Please upload soon "BASIC COURSE #3". Your great tutorials inpire me !. Cheers from Chile.

[@FreeCADAcademy]

I'm almost done with part 3, currently doing so much for my German channel. Sorry for the delay and best regards to Chile!

[@jhonny1392]

@@FreeCADAcademy Thank you, Flowwie. I'll be waiting for Part 3 to be uploaded. Greetings. I´m John from Chile. South America.

[@billpowell5931]

This is an excellent demonstration of that pesky topo naming error. Hope it goes away soon. I like your method to get around the error and will be using it for my designs. Thank you for sharing.

[@rcort4864]

Thank goodness for this guy who explained the problem and the workaround, but it is crazy that not only is the user not alerted to this problem, but the tutorial in the help actually encourages users to use the program in the flawed way! I agree with K5HU's comment below, but perhaps they don't fix the problem because it would involve a massive overhaul of the entire program to make it right.

[@FreeCADAcademy]

As far as I know, they are working on a fix - but as you said this includes a massive effort and affects all parts of FreeCAD including the technical drawing workbenches, assemblies.. everything.

[@GreyDeathVaccine]

Parameters baby! :-) Great tutorial. Can't wait to modify model I found on internet and print it :-)

[@noanyobiseniss7462]

Holy shit this has been killing me! I thought I was doing something wrong for the longest time and kept going in and fixing the plane attachments! Bugs like this can make beginners just give up and quit and I put it down for a week because it was driving me insane.

[@adrianstephens56]

Thank you. I'm a hobbyist ex-user of Fusion-360. In a complicated part (a rotor for a pond pump), I used a single sketch to derive about 20 lengths, taking into account necessary clearances between fixed and rotating parts. I then referenced points on that sketch from other commands, such as creating a pad that is level with the point on the sketch. I understand I could name all the derived dimensions in the original sketch in Freecad, but I was wondering what was the problem with linking to geometry from another sketch in this case? Would this be affected by the topo naming? I'm not expecting an answer here, but just highlighting some of the questions a relatively new user of Freecad moving from Fusion-360 has.

[@Beachbone1]

Intersting to work with the construction line and the referenz size for the position. Something new learnd

[@piranha32]

The topological naming is for me one of the biggest show-stoppers for FreeCAD. I gained quite a few gray hair because of it when working on my first project, before I knew it was a problem. I slowly learn how to go through all the hoops it creates, with big help from FreeCAD Academy videos, but it is a pain to look for workarounds, when a convenient, easy, and simple (but buggy) solution is just withing a reach of hand. For me, until the TNP will be solved, FreeCAD will remain more of a toy cad than a serious tool. Another annoyance of the 0.19 is lack of autocomplete for the named dimensions. Until the name is typed correctly in full, FreeCAD complains about unknown variable, without giving any hints about what may be the issue. Again, your videos helped me a lot with solving the mystery. In 0.18 I used spreadsheets to keep all the named values, and IIRC autocomplete worked with them. It is not a problem when there are just a few, but with more than 10 or 20, it becomes impossible to remember all the names. I end up having a sheet of paper with a "symbol table" for the project.

[@Cristi4n_Ariel]

Yeah, the lack of autocomplete function is really annoying, not bad if you have a couple of variables but a huge headache when you have a ton of them. But still, I'm pretty sure many of these issues will be solved in future releases, when? Well, unfortunately slow releases are part of the open source software world.

[@piranha32]

@@Cristi4n_Ariel I switched to Realthunder's branch, and autocomplete works fine there. I still have to remember how I named the dimensions, but at least I can quickly find the name even if I know only part of the name. As a side note: naming dimensions in a sketch quickly becomes a PITA if they are used in other places. Putting them in a spreadsheet simplifies things a lot.

[@Cristi4n_Ariel]

@@piranha32 Thanks for the tip about the spreadsheets, do you follow any naming convention to keep track of them as you go?

[@piranha32]

@@Cristi4n_Ariel I try to, however sometimes it's difficult to come up with reasonable names. And this always comes to get me. Fortunately it's much easier to switch to a spreadsheet to check the name than to dive into a sketch to check alias. Referencing aliases from other sketches can also lead to circular references, making them useless.

[@Elephantine999]

Another good class. You are a good teacher! Thank you.

[@p4z9m]

always appreciate your tutorials

[@ThoughtandMemory]

I’m attempting to step up from sketch up to free cad. I see a bit of a learning curve in my future. The joys of getting a 3D printer I guess. Subbed and thanks for your hard work.

[@rodneysmith1750]

I have been using Datum planes to get around the TOPO problems, but I like your approach as well, thank you for your diligence and time!

[@PenguinTutor]

Really useful. Sometimes FreeCAD breaks and it's hard to know why. At least this explains one of the reasons for problems when editing the model.

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Another outstanding and appreciated tutorial

[@zvanstefan]

Thanks for great tutorials..just what I needed..a quality kick start!

[@deathbychicken]

Thanks for a great tutorial series Flowwie! Please keep up the excellent work :) One thing I would find really useful is how to design in 2D for CNC or laser to cut shapes from sheet material. For example, a simple 3mm ply slot together box.

[@FunderWindsurf]

Outstanding tutorial videos, thanks for sharing! I'm still in the learning curve for FreeCAD, having just learned DS Mechanical and found that I cannot use that software (won't run local). I have a Q about the naming problem you introduce here. You fixed it by using a 2nd sketch plane NOT bound to a face (bound to master coord. system plane), and using named dimensions variables from the 1st sketch to keep the 2nd sketch in place. Instead of naming dimension vars from other sketches, could I use reference geometry from the other solid while in the 2nd sketch bound to the XZ plane? It would save steps over going back and forth to create and remember variable names, but still would not be sketch-bound to a face. Would this allow error-free freedom of future editing?

[@FunderWindsurf]

OK, I just answered my own Q by trying to break it exactly as you did. The model still broke when I introduced the rounded corner in sketch 1. Using ref. geometry from the face fails just like binding the sketch to the face does. Back to creating and tracking var names.... :-(

[@FreeCADAcademy]

Actually using reference geometry from 2D sketches is safer than from 3D bodies but also not error-free. Deal with the problem At this point but there are major improvements ahead in FreeCAD and in the near future it will be solved

[@FunderWindsurf]

@@FreeCADAcademy Now I am trying to recreate this problem on a FreeCAD solid, imported from a STEP file. After putting the solid into a body, I added a subtractive cylinder (Part Designer) and tied it to a face on my solid. This face is surrounded by fillets, so removing the fillets should break the hole I created. So far, I can remove 2 of the 4 fillets, but on removing number 3 it crashed FC twice. I'm assuming that that this too is the TNP.

[@FunderWindsurf]

Ok, bad assumption on my part (yuk, yuk). FC was crashed by the Part -> Defeature tool trying to remove fillets from complicated intersections. I was finally able to remove about 2 dozen fillet-faces from around the face used to anchor the Part Designer -> Subtr. Cylinder hole. And the hole stayed right where I anchored it. So now I'm assuming that feature-anchoring-to-faces only breaks when the sketching subsystem is involved? And it seems to be safe to anchor non-sketched primitives in general?

[@GazaJimbo]

From what I can tell, the section where you add the first construction line, then centre it, doesn't appear to work in FreeCAD 0.20

[@FreeCADAcademy]

I need to check that. Thanks for sharing your experience

[@jeffjorczak]

This is fundamental issue fixed in .20?

[@paulklasmann1218]

This issue with the model breaking is common to a lot of CAD software. With experience you learn how to make "unbreakable" models. Thanks for this video.

[@decryptedchaos]

Thanks, FreeCAD is great software i really like the parametric approach, but what keeps me from using it more is it does things weird compared to nearly any other CAD suite out there and most of the time its nearly impossible to know why it did it.. so tutorials like this that explain how and more importantly why it did something strange are very much needed

[@WarfareJournal]

You have a second and third toolbar that I don't have after downloading FreeCad 0.20.1, so some of the buttons aren't visible to me. I've created the sketch body and have "sketcher" selected in the dropdown, but I only have one toolbar and it doesn't look like any of yours. Is there a set up video I missed?

[@lucasharaldsson4963]

In your sketch how did you get squares? Mine is just plain color. I am new to CAD and I think it looks really good.

[@zaxteh1]

Great tutorial! Thanks!

[@imuky9995]

Hi Flowwie, my new years resolution is to learn freecad. I have got as far as your second tutorial but i get to moving the circle to the top of the body using the the formula around minute 13. i understand why you would do this.( so that if you change parameters in the sketch the circle will follow) but i have a problem. when you type in the formula i cannot read it due to the resolution on youtube and i am missing something. if i put 50mm instead of the formula it works but obviously will not follow any changes.

[@prasetyawidodo744]

I have follow your tutorial,please me i can't change the z position of sketch_hole. I'm using FreeCAD 0.19

[@Zack-xz1ph]

1:40 wait what's the shortcut for the arch? for windows?

[@Beachbone1]

Just the Key 'm' imho

[@steveu235]

Hit the m key 3 times

[@Zack-xz1ph]

ok thanks

[@juperrr]

Hi there! Really love your videos. I am trying to make a body in PartDesign and I would need to measure an arc. How in the world are arcs measured in FreeCAD? I can't seem to find that option anywhere. Can you help?

[@Zeitiah]

Hello Flowwie, I am using the parameters, like you mentioned, for defining positions. But for other projects, how do I ensure that other pads I created, are connected to the original face? If they are all different objects, how do I know the 3-D printer will print them as one object rather than separate objects?

[@MrACP]

When I click on close I get a blank screen and that is all, my object is fully constrained no errors but nothing showing up.

[@bobvonbremmer5685]

I love you my dude, thank you for all of your videos

[@Jow464]

Thanks for the tutorial. The tutorial on the site, its a lot confusing.

[@Stolz3D]

I will create a new version for FreeCAD 1.0 in a few minutes :)

[@paulreader1777]

Thank you for this. Are you able always to avoid using external geometry? I am finding it particularly hard to do and hence to teach my students.

[@bananalyzer-l5y]

Great work

[@redheadsg1]

4:09 I am doing that all the time in F360 altho i am quite messy in CAD software (i am not engineer).

[@FreeCADAcademy]

Hey sure Fusion 360 does Not has these problems - so absolutely okay to do that

[@donstelfox2936]

Excellent, thank you. Very helpful.

[@tomaselke3670]

I somehow completely botched that one, and have to start all over. When I switched to the new sketch, it wasn't centered on the origin. It was below it.

[@tomaselke3670]

It was 9:09 - where you set "semetric to plane" on the pad. That threw off the enter thing for me.

[@undefined40]

I first learned about the Toponaming Bug back over a year ago when I stumbled over your German vids, which caused me to try out FreeCAD. Since then it has become my favorite CAD program. However, seeing that a bug so severe is still not solved, lets me meanwhile doubt my decision.

[@andymouse]

This is great but why is there this " Flaw " ? I am thinking about learning this package and the first way was easy and obvious to me but the way that works (yours !) is a lot harder so whats going on ?....cheers.

[@sverrirjohannesson4256]

Very informative.

[@jasonstamwitz6928]

I did a punch trough. I followed your instructions. I put my hole on the XZ plane, main object on the XY plane. My part still became broke. It matters on how you place the circle, and what constraints are on it. Regardless of how you do it. If anything is adjust, moved, or added that adjusts the constraints of the placed circle, it will go where it wants, and you’ll need to re-place it correctly.

[@TaManThanawat_Tah]

4:27 How can you do that? Mine just dragging around.

[@benscottbongiben]

At 11.23 you create a new sketch on x-y plane. When I follow along I find the centre axis for that sketch is top left of the body. How do you get this new sketch's centre line to centre to the top surface. I used the length on the pad to build the centre point in the end

[@schogaia]

When you pad the first sketch you can decide to pad "symmetric to plane". At 9:00 he explains it.

[@steveu235]

Why don't you make a video showing us how to download and install Real Thunders version of free cad.

[@FreeCADAcademy]

It’s really easy to do. Why I don’t show it? I assume 90% if the viewers will use the standard branch and I don’t want to make exclusive videos only for advanced users who know how to work with a custom branch. I will show linkstage 3 in another episode for advanced viewers

[@Not-Only-Reaper-Tutorials]

This is excellent turn around. Although I do hope they will update soon.

[@ChavdarIvanov4]

I followed the exact procedure using the latest LinkStage3 spin, I can confirm the topological naming problem does not occur here.

[@FreeCADAcademy]

Hey very cool That You Modeled the part in linkstage branch. It’s cool to hear that the problem will not occur there! So realthunder did a great job

[@alfredoangeles5235]

nice! on 12:00 turn more advanced; but nice tuto.

[@pakchiktherapy907]

Thank you

[@subhodipchatterjee6968]

Sir what is Reference dimension. It will be great if you answer.

[@extectic]

Only downside is that the stable way of doing it is considerably less intuitive. Draw lines here, connect references there, it's not something that comes very naturally. Drawing a hole where you want a hole, that feels easy.

[@boojiecentoobie4272]

Your teaching is very clear, but sweet Lord that is FAR too complex to put in a simple hole. I think what I am learning is that Freecad is too difficult to use, too error intolerant, and also too buggy.

[@flezx6545]

We all should use realthunder's freecad version,it's much better and without TNP

[@Lemmongarb]

Babe wake up! New FreeCAD Academy video just dropped

[@samjanssens1509]

why is this not in your vid history ?

[@Captain_Cinnamon]

I am coming from autodesk inventor, this program is the most attrocious piece of dung I have ever worked with. What in the shit. XD I really like how people make tutorials but it is an aboslute pain in the everywhere to work with. It is NOT intuitive and it does not simply just work. Inventor is basically a 3D paint which is exactly why it becase so great to work with. But this program is SO difficult just to get basic deeds done like scaling and annotations of dimensions. WHY DOES FREECAD NOT LEARN FROM INVENTOR? Why take the hard road.

[@FreeCADAcademy]

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time transitioning from Autodesk Inventor to FreeCAD. As with any new software, there is definitely a learning curve and it can take some time to get used to the way things work. While FreeCAD and Inventor may have some similarities, they are different programs with different design philosophies and user interfaces. It's understandable that you might prefer Inventor if you are used to it and find it more intuitive. However, it's worth noting that many users who are familiar with FreeCAD also find it intuitive and easy to use. It's also worth keeping in mind that FreeCAD is an open-source software that is constantly being developed and improved by a community of volunteers. While it may not have all the features of Inventor, it is a powerful and capable tool for 3D modeling and design. That being said, if you're having trouble with basic tasks like scaling and annotating dimensions, there are many tutorials and resources available that can help you learn how to use FreeCAD more effectively. Don't hesitate to reach out to the community or consult online resources for guidance. With a bit of time and effort, you may find that FreeCAD is a valuable and capable tool for your design work.

[@Captain_Cinnamon]

@@FreeCADAcademy yeah i figured out many things are just a bit unintuitive. Like scaling on a tech drawing happens with the side panel but you must first click it to custom instead of automatic. I think freecad can learn a lot from inventor to beat inventir in the long run. I really did like the sketching of freecad better when it comes to curves

[@contra_plano]

i prefer living with the bug

[@zugii]

super duper !!! :) more

[@rok1475]

Please develop a new habit of hovering the pointer above whatever you are about to click for 3-5 seconds. As I watch your videos I have to keep rewinding back to find out what you just clicked. Good content but little things make it somewhat difficult to watch.

[@PabloTBrave]

It's dangerous in freecad as there is a bad bug in freecad, it is not a problem it is a bug - the bug should be fixed.

[@mudanzan]

I like your channel, but in this video you are overcomplicating simple stuff. The wiki tutorial was about some simple topics. It's like if someone was trying to play a piano for the first time and a teacher said that you articulate poorly and don't get into the rhythm. Bruh, its about me trying to at least hit the damn keys ffs! And no, it is not "you should learn the right way from the start" it's about getting familiar with the possibilities.

[@aidannolan6656]

Hi, in version 20 or earlier there should be no problem drawing sketches on faces and then extruding etc. to create holes or pockets provided that you make a deal with yourself - “I will never make future changes to the model which adds or removes geometry” changing dimensions should be OK. However whenever you learn something new, it’s best to develop good habits right from the start rather than have to unlearn and relearn in the future… the choice is of course yours. (I’m still playing the ‘A’ chord on an electric guitar the same way I learnt it on an acoustic - 3 fingers in line rather than the more practical triangle configuration) Someone else on KZbin has a video called “is freecad still broken”?, referring to the topological naming issue. He also refers to someone called ‘Thunder’ who has fixed this and has a modified release available and he also says that the next release of freecad (1.0)? will have this issue fixed by incorporating some of Thunder’s work. I use Siemens NX at work and sketching on faces (although it works OK 95% of the time) is generally regarded as poor practice - instead using similar techniques as described by Flowie are encouraged. All the best…