I’ve watched a few tutorials, I’ve messed about with rotation points to try work out what’s going on, but whenever I need to use rotate It’s all just a bit random and I spend way too long constructing basic objects like table frames, and I often end up with a bunch of random objects facing all directions and along different axes, so I just delete and start over.
I’m sure it’s not that complicated, but it’s just not clicked with me yet. if there’s any table frame examples, then that would be helpful!
I sometimes use the same wood for the table frame as I do for the legs, and getting these going in the right direction is sometimes a real struggle.
I usually create a rectangle and push /pull, then copy / paste to keep the same dimensions, then rotate. I’m thinking I should probably be creating components with the correct orientation initially, and I’ll probably do this for more complex designs, but If I just want to design something quick and simple I’d like to understand the rotate tool better.
Also, I’m getting more disciplined about working along the axes and keeping objects the correct way up, but if things get a bit messy, is there quick way of aligning multiple components or groups, so they’re all in the correct orientation?
I use a Mac with trackpad an keyboard shortcuts. I have a 3-button mouse, but not really in the habit of using it much.
I would suggest you get used to a 3 button mouse. Much more efficient (IMHO) for detailed modeling.
Can I model using the trackpad on my MacBook? Yes, but it’s clumsy and I’m much faster orbiting / panning and accurately picking points with the mouse.
Regarding rotate tool…
Space bar
Select object you want to rotate (one click)
Rotate tool
Press up, left or right arrow to lock the inference to the plane you want to rotate
Pick the first point. This is where the object will spin (think about the middle of a carousel)
Pick the second point - this is where you are pushing from (think about pushing a carousel to get it moving) - for a board this could be along its length or width depending on the model
For the last input you can pick a point (rotating a board to meet another board) - or you can enter an angle (ie 34°) or a pitch (ie 6:12 for 6 in 12 roof pitch)
Press enter
Regarding drawings of boards / objects - the bulk of my work involves timber - I try to draw all my timber the same way - coming out of the ground along blue is the length, and the width and thickness are in red or green. I start by drawing a rectangle on the ground (7.5x9.5 for an 8x10) then I push pull this up. I copy this around, make unique, rotate, etc. as needed. The specific orientation (in my case) is just done for consistency - I generally know that if I need to lengthen or move an end I can lock the blue axis and use the move tool - but you could draw the boards flat in the ground and push push the thickness (5/4, 2x, etc.).