Fusion 360 for Woodworkers - Lesson 1 Introduction to Fusion 360

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, something a bit different this week. The Fusion 360 guide for woodworkers. I have had loads of requests for this, so enjoy. Andy

[@budj13]

It must be satisfying to know that a 4 year old series is still bringing value to viewers! Like you I used SketchUp for years and modeled my projects, but with the free version gone I switched to Fusion 360. I'm very impressed with Fusion, but after watching a couple of your videos in this series I realized there were many better methods that I needed to learn. So, I've started over at the beginning and will be going through the entire series. I just finished modeling an outfeed cabinet and I'm going to start over and do it again using parametric modeling. Thanks for the great work. Oh, and I've subscribed.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you for the feedback, and glad it is of value. Strangely, this series nearly killed the channel when I released it as it was such a departure from my normal stuff. But four years on it has become a staple with lots of people finding value in it. I keep thinking of a follow on version as I have learned so much more, and the software has added new features. Cheers Andy

[@moderntouchfurniture]

This is one of the best woodworking for Fusion video series I've seen, and I've seen them all. This is one of my top three, and I would say out of the three, Andrew explains this the best. Thank you Andrew you're an awesome narrator.

[@in2branding]

Simple and effective explanation of getting it installed. looking forward to the next video.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you, You have to start somewhere - we will get into the details in the next episode. Cheers Andy

[@williamb.francis3268]

Thank you, thank you. I have been looking for such a tutorial.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi William, glad you are finding it if value. Cheers Andy

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

Very good Andy, looking forwards to the rest of the series! 👍👍

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Cheers Peter, Should be a good series, it is certainly easier to edit than the big project builds :-) Hope all is well with you and Mrs Ten Minutes. Cheers Andy

[@10MinuteWorkshop]

@@TheWoodgrafter Thanks! Yes, all good here, hope you & yours are too. 👍

[@JoeyBlade]

Andy, I came for the Incra LS Positioner videos, staying for the Fusion 360 tutorial. You're a treasure.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Joe, Thank you for this - now that will be a challenge, creating a Fusion file that prints out Incra templates. Glad you are enjoying it. Andy

[@markjervis8558]

Very informative Andy. Looking forward to upcoming episodes.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you Mark, Cheers Andy

[@WalterWhite-pq2hf]

Absolutely awesome series on woodworking with Fusion 360. I have used 2D drawing software (e.g. Visio) for years. That is what I used to captured my projects but always missed the interference aspect that a 3d drawing provides. Wanting to learn Fusion 360 because of its free use for hobbyists I went in search of a good tutorial on KZbin. After trying several I found them lacking in "real" usage examples and depth on features. This series covers a great example with appropriate details on not only the mechanics of working the tool but also why it should be used in this way. The parametric modeling is covered and will be my default method for using it. Thank you for taking the time to put the series together. Extremely useful.

[@markdinmore9766]

fantastic just downloaded can not wait to use and watch all thank you

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Great news, let me know if you have any questions. Cheers Andy

[@markdinmore9766]

The Woodgrafter That’s i wiii

[@TheWoodgrafter]

👍

[@theminimalist-]

a well structured detailed tutorial since the beginning, thumbs up!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you for the feedback, Glad it was of use. Cheers Andy

[@davidallenphotography]

Hi Andy, I installed Fusion 360 today. Looking forward to following along with your course.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi David, Great news, let me know as e go along if there is anything you want me to focus on. Andy

[@Roman-hx3qj]

Brilliant, thank you Andy.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Roman, Thank you for the feedback. Andy

[@montebrown8398]

Love fusion and learning something new.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

I learn every day with Fusion - such a versatile application. I’ll try and do it justice. Cheers Andy

[@donaldlabrie6002]

I have reviewed lessons 1 through 4. Great job teaching students how to get started with Fusion. You don’t keep repeating yourself which is fine that’s what the rewind button does very well. Looking forward to drawing up this bookcase as a tutorial.

[@michael.knight]

Timely video, just started with Fusion 360 recently as I got a 3D printer. Was able to get it working for some basic prints, but it'll be good to get to know the program more systematically. Looking forward to the next one.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Michael, Love the world of 3D printing, I am making so much for the workshop,, brackets, things to hang things on walls, french curves, jigs etc. My next print will be clamping squares. Have you discovered thingyverse yet, great selection of 3D models. Just out of interest, what printer did you go for. Andy

[@michael.knight]

@@TheWoodgrafter Actually I am assembling the Artillery Genius right now. Had been using my brother's Prusa MK3 recently, but that one is a bit out of my budget... Thingiverse indeed is a great website!

[@prutila]

Found your channel several days ago and very informative videos. Glad I found it and very happy with the Fusion 360 tutorials. Outstanding job and keep the great content coming!!!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Paul, Thank you for the feedback. Cheers Andy

[@Demon_Mx2277]

just from this first lesson on fusion 360 and looking at the program all together it totally scares me. Have tried to d just a basic box on my own and can never figure out the joinery part or how to make things snap into place. Looking forward to watching and following along with your lessons. Thank you so much!

[@InformationUnavailable]

This is excellent. Thank you so much!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Thank you for the comment, and you are welcome. Andy

[@Benchdogtools]

Great to see you doing this. I’ve been using fusion for a number of years and it’s where all. My products are first designed. it’s very easy to your once you get used to working in 3 dimensional space With plenty of tutorials on KZbin most answers are available. Looking forward to watching your videos on how you use it.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Ralph, it was your fault I finally decided to give it time to work out how to use it.(glad I did). So now it feels like Yoda is watching his padawan. I will try and do it justice. 😅😅 Cheers Andy

[@RobyMarcellino]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks a lot!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Your welcome, Glad you enjoyed it Andy

[@ericjackson2915]

Great intro to Fusion - really like the pace and your organization, I'm in - looking forward to next lessons!

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Great, Thanks Eric, good to have you on board. Andy

[@michaelmiller5387]

Hi bud, I have just discovered you so I am a bit late to your party but I am enjoying going through your back catalogue! Got to the 360 series and just downloaded...thanks for everything! 👍👍

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Cheers Andy

[@nuovazeta]

Fantastic, I am very excited by this series! I had a brief look at Fusion 360 last year then changed course to sketchup. It is obvious that sketchup is very limited compared to Fusion for woodworkers and engineers, but Fusion has a pretty steep learning curve that takes some real commitment or some good guidance to overcome. So I am hoping that this course will help me switch back to Fusion from Sketchup :) I didn't understand how the Fusion personal use license worked. I thought I would have to start paying for a full license after a 1-year evaluation. So you have already helped me to overcome one of the really big minus points of Fusion compared to Sketchup. One of the other minus points of Fusion is that it seems like you have to store all of your project files on Autodesk's cloud servers. In other words you cannot even have a copy of your drawing files on your own computer hard drive. I hope you will help to explain project file organisation and storage (positives and negatives) in your upcoming videos.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, It sat on my desktop for 18 months - opened it now and then, then closed it again and went back to Sketchup. Lockdown gave me a great opportunity to learn it - once the concept clicks it makes sense, I couldn't go back to sketchup - especially now they have changed the license and the free version less value. I was on 2017 (3-year-old tech) so I could use it away from the cloud.... I believe they are removing any stand-alone versions. To be honest, I don't even notice the cloud feature of Fusion 360 it just works. BUT when I can view my designs on a mobile device it adds value - I can just see sitting with a customer and showing a photo-real picture you can interact with on a high def iPAD adding so much value. AND you can set your model up so you can use it offline (it synchs when you re-connect) and you can also download from the cloud if you so wish (that's how I have shared the files over on the web site. Yes, I'll cover storage and organisation of stuff in a later model - I can see this course running forever ;-) Cheers Andy

[@markwebster5307]

Great video 👍👍👍👍 just what I’m needing

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Thanks Mark, Cheers Andy

[@MattR-nb3qv]

Love the series (and I'm reviewing the series again). Recently I've seen OPENBOM for fusion 360 for woodworkers. Any chance of adding a session explaining OPENBOM as an add in?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, i’ll have a look at OPENBOM and see if it adds value for the woodworker - if yes then I can post a review. Thank you for the feedback and thank you for the tip. Cheers Andy

[@radutenenbaum977]

Just getting started with this and only using the trackpad on my MacBook Pro. What mouse do you recommend for beginners?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, I have used the trackpad with reasonable success. I now use a space mouse but that is a bit of an investment. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079Z3T2XC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NC0H7MJAMY15Z0QTHSDW Any quality three button mouse will do a good job. Such as the Logitech. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01K7GEAFC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J1SD3AY88KD3S1XKGA60 The Apple mighty mouse works well if you don’t mind a wired option. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GBDCB5N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9F5B0ZRE9HTXRHMAQ7Q7 BUT I would avoid the Apple Magic Mouse in Isolation. I found that the gesture control on it tends to get in the way of fusion. I do use the Magic Mouse in conjunctions with the space mouse as my go to tools with the fusion, but by itself it isn’t a god option. Cheers Andy

[@radutenenbaum977]

Thank you!

[@Phenrica]

Hi, is there any particular hardware required?

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Yep - you can find the specs here. knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Fusion-360.html Cheers Andy

[@Phenrica]

@@TheWoodgrafter I apologise for being lazy and not looking at the web page myself 😏 in terms of the pointing system is it best to use a regular mouse or another style of pointing device, a trackball etc? I’m running a Mac but struggled with their mouse on sketch up etc Cheers Steve

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Steve, Not a problem here to help. I use a Mac and use two devices at the same time. I use the Magic Mouse for most of my inputs and a space mouse for rotating and zooming in and out. It is a pricey device, but if you design a lot in CAD then I recommend it - like most things in life a steep learning curve. www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B079Z3T2XC?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Cheers Andy

[@paultay23]

Thanks Andy, i have tried using Sketchup and failed miserably... I my younger days I successfully used a graphic package called Drafix so I should be able to follow.. anyway thanks, I have downloaded fusion 360 and I hope to follow your tutorials ...fingers crossed matey. I might use your tutorial to draw up my "Flappy Paddle" as a working project. Cheers Paul

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Paul, If you draw the "Flappy Paddle" you could 3D print it, that would help with production :-) Not just for woodworkers I'll try my best to do it justice Cheers Andy

[@logan87781]

Hey, I'm new to woodworking and 3D design. I want to fully design a (large) piece of custom furniture before I tackle it in the shop. Is it possible within fusion 360 to automatically apply joinery to edges? Like a script that will apply a dovetail or something? Just curious. Really looking forward to the series.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Logan, We will be creating dovetails in this course when we get to the drawers. I don’t know if you can create a script - but it is pretty easy to make dovetails with paramaeters. You model one dovetail and then you can use a variety of tools to replicate that on all your joinery. Personally I would always work in this way as the dovetails will then scale as you change the size of your furniture. That would be especially useful for you if you are going to model before you build - as you can then change sizes and shapes of the furniture and have the workshop drawings and cut lists automatically updates as well. I will be snowing a sliding dovetail in next weeks video - that will give you a good idea of how easy it is. Andy

[@logan87781]

@@TheWoodgrafter Thanks that was the answer I was hoping for.

[@p0sher]

Andy. Excellent Introduction and I shall try following your series. Never quite got along with Sketchup so very keen to learn how to use and learn about something different. Interesting trying to get this installed. Not easy! Despite jumping through all the hoops I could not escape from a circular request. I think it might be better to create an Autodesk account and then when that is verified via confirmation email proceed to trying to get the "hobby" version of the software. I think you need an email so that you can confirm your Autodesk account. Anyway, in the end I still needed to get online support - (for which you need that account!) I was asked if my "request had been approved" - to which I replied, well I was not told that my request for a "hobby" licence needed approval. I was then sent a link enabling me to download "fusion 360 client downloader.exe". That did the trick and I now have it up and running.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Victor, Glad you stuck with it. Yes the licensing is a bit strange - they offer these things then hide them so you don’t always know what is going on. I found out the other day they offer a free license to KZbinrs who use it as part of the Chanel - a promotional thing I guess. A few people have reported the registration process doesn’t always work. Sketchup was OK, and did the job for me - but Fusion is a different level, but what a learning curve. Hopefully I will make it easy for us all. Cheers Andy

[@nickperkins2103]

tried getting the free hobby licence as you describe but it just keeps going round in circles from free trial to log in then back to free trial. ????

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Ni Nick, Yes its a bit of an underwhelming event. Click on the apply button, then click on log in or create a new account, then under the entry box click create an account, fill I the details. Then down load the software and sign in as you install. Cheers Andy

[@nickperkins2103]

@@TheWoodgrafter many thx Andy i have created an account but it just goes from sign in page to download page doesn't let you download

[@TheWoodgrafter]

One of the other guys had a similar problem, they dropped customer support a note and they sent out a link to then.exe The other thing you could try, is to download the 30 day demo and then add the account. Let me know A

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Have a look at Victors post.

[@ChickenDinnerz]

Thanks for doing this series. One piece of constructive criticism, is it's very hard to retain all the information that you tell us about. Maybe helps in future vids to start a v basic project and talk us through what you're doing a what tools you use.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi no problem, I don’t always have the luxury of time to document the tools etc. Very often the video is edited as I build out the project one step at a time. And only a few hours before release. I will add tool details if it’s practical. Anyway, in this one I use Fusion 360 :-) Cheers Andy

[@JoeC92]

Video isn't even that old but hobby licence doesn't bring up any links. Edit- found it a different way but got it. Following along now

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Joe, Yes they keep changing things - now called personal use. Glad you have found it, for others still looking, it is worth while checking out this link. www.autodesk.co.uk/products/fusion-360/personal Obviously regional link, so search for “Fusion 360 for personal use” Cheers Andy

[@bradhowe1980]

I think AutoDesk have just changed their terminolgy. Instead of Hobbyist, the free version is now called 'Fusion 360 for personal use'. Here's the new product page: www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Perfect, Thank you for the update on this. Kind Regards Andy

[@jwar2163]

Autodesk has updated the way to get the free Fusion 360 follow this link to see the new way of getting it. www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/blog/subscription-types/ Fusion 360 for personal use, formerly known as Fusion 360 for hobbyist use, is free for qualifying non-commercial users as a 1-year subscription. Download Fusion 360 for personal use here. www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal Thanks for the videos. I was using Sketchup and the way that the usage fees are now for the add in extensions makes it cost prohibited.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Great input, thank you for this. Andy

[@jwar2163]

@@TheWoodgrafter The thanks go to you sir, if not for your videos I would had skipped over Fusion 360. Now I have to buy a second monitor for my desktop so I can do both, draw in Fusion and watch the training videos at the same time. Again thank you.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Now I have heard some great excuses for buying new toys, but having to buy a new monitor to use Fusion and watch my videos is inspired. Glad you are finding use in the work though, it makes it worthwhile. Cheers Andy

[@johnmarsh6118]

Looks harder than sketch up

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, Its different than sketchup, stick with it we will make you and expert over the next few weeks. Cheers Andy

[@ajdemoedable]

Biggest advantage over sketchup is the parametric design. So you can edit your design after completion.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Agreed, we will be using parametric modelling in this project. And demonstrating how we can quickly re-size. Huge advantage over SU, that and the native rendering and the exploded diagrams and the simple export to 3D print and the simple export to CNC and the ability to import pictures and set scale to accelerate design. But apart from that...

[@tedfriesen9466]

Nope that's not the American spelling for licence, it's the correct spelling if referring to a noun as in this case. If referring to a verb the spelling is license. The same as practice (noun) and practise (verb).

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Ted, This video was so long ago I can’t reference your comment. Did I spell something wrong ? Cheers Andy

[@markcopple2870]

You are a really good teacher. I give you an A+ however, after spending countless hours with fusion 360 I have come to the conclusion that it is a really really crappy piece of software. I have extensive experience with sophisticated software systems and I have never seen something so poorly designed. I am completely baffled by this mess. sorry, I just needed to vent.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi Mark, Vent away :-) I do find Fusion full of bugs, crashes & frustration. And one hell of a learning curve as it takes a very different approach from anything else on the market. However, when you get into it (and yes that is an investment of time) I find it works well. The ability to make my design in the CAD space, then generate renderings, 3D printing code, GCODE (CNC) and workshop diagrams is fantastic. Especially if I have design with parametric modelling so change one dimension and everything updates. That is worth the investment in time to me. As in all things, it depends what you use it for - if it is just a quick 3D model, then arguably other software is easier and cheaper. But if it is a full blown production workflow - then it is hard to beat (flaws and all). But thank you for the feedback, and the healthy debate. Cheers Andy

[@markcopple2870]

@@TheWoodgrafter Thanks for the quick reply. Looking at it objectively, your videos (not just the fusion ones) are really really good. It is obvious that you have mastered this software. There really is no debate, you know way more about his than me. I am not sure if this is the appropriate forum but the thing that stumped me last night was I wanted put a piece of plywood on top of a build. the frame went emanating from the xyz origin point. I wanted the plywood to extend over the frame (thus crossing the vertical plane). I set my parameters to plywoodthick=3/4 but it would always be 3/4 short. and yes I made sure I used the parameters correctly in the dimensions (that is truly a cool feature!). Also, I am just a guy getting into woodworking as a hobby. Will the new fusion restrictions starting Oct 1 impact me? All I want to do is draw simple wood working plans and a cut list. thanks again for all of your time and investment into these videos. It really is appreciated!!!

[@dsdragoon]

From the USA Autocad.com website searching for Hobby Licence I found the following: "Fusion 360 hobbyist/startup subscribers: Action is required by the end of your term! Effective today, the prior hobbyist/startup subscription type is no longer available for renewal or new subscriptions. By the end of your existing term, you’ll need to choose from the subscription types below:"

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, The UK site is still showing it as available. www.autodesk.co.uk/campaigns/fusion-360-for-hobbyists Try changing the .co.uk to .com and see what happens. I can’t find any details around the license stopping. Cheers Andy

[@TheWoodgrafter]

OK, I have reached out to Fusion to ask them about the licence situation. Will come back on this message when I have more details. Cheers Andy

[@dsdragoon]

@@TheWoodgrafter I was able to download and install the Fusion 360 Personal Use Version and have installed it. My garage is not air conditioned and here in north central Texas it's too hot to do wood working. That gives me lots of time to learn Fusion 360.

[@TheWoodgrafter]

Hi, I have spent my fair amount of time in Dallas & Huston in summer. So yes to hot for anything really..... Give me the cool English summer anyday. :-) Anyway, glad you got it sorted, let me know if you have any questions, Cheers Andy