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  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed. Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.

    For an updated overview of this project see this topic.   For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.

    The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.
  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed.

    For an updated overview of this project see this topic.   For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.

    The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.

90 deg curve with transitions equal on each leg

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richard_t

Member
Location
nr Spalding
Hi

(I'm pretty sure, in the dim distant past I've asked this before...)

How I can I have a 90 degree curve, with equal transitions at each end? Obv. with 2 templates, but it's the equal bit I'm struggling with.

Thanks in advance.

Richard
 
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message ref: 3132
@richard_t

Hi Richard,

Yes, I recall a previous question about this, but I can't find it at present. :confused:

But it's fairly easy:

1. easement transition from straight to curve. The length of straight can be zero.

2. with the peg on the straight end, CTRL-0, geometry > swing angles (in degrees)... .

3. set the swing angle to half the total turn, in this case 45 degrees.

4. put the peg at the curved end, CTRL-1.

5. tools > make mirror on peg.

If setting the swing angle fails, try swapping end-for-end (facing-trailing) before you start. The peg must be at CTRL-0.

It also works for a C or S transition without any straight, providing the peg is at CTRL-0 to start, which can be inside the transition zone.

cheers,

Martin
 
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message ref: 3135
Hi

Thanks for that - easy when you know how.

As a follow up question: If I want the start of one transition to start at X: 0, Y: 2000 and the start of the other transition to start at X: 2000, Y: 0 - with a minimum radius of 1450mm, how can I work out how long the transition zone should be? Or is it trial and error?

Thanks again.

Richard
 
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message ref: 3146
@richard_t

Hi Richard,

Not trial and error, but it does need a human eyeball. :)

1. put a line in the background shapes at 45 degrees:

trans45_0.png



2. set up your template from straight down to 1450mm radius transition.

3. adjust the transition zone length (] key) until the radial centre is exactly on the line:

trans45_1.png


Zoom in closely on it to make a precise adjustment.

4. then continue as before to set the length to 45 degrees and mirror:

trans45_2.png


5. delete the background shape line.

If you need some other turn than 90 degrees, start from a vertical line in the background shapes, through the intersection of the straight tracks, and use the rotate by... function to set the line at half the angle.

p.s. this is a perfect example of why Templot uses the mouse actions, instead of grab handles like most other Windows drawing programs. You can zoom in as close as you like on that radial centre, and still use any mouse action you like to adjust it. You don't need to see a handle on the screen to grab.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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