Drawing in 3D - D20 Video 1

Summary

This video is the first in a series that teaches how to draw a D20 die in 3D using a computer-aided design (CAD) software. It introduces the project's unique challenges due to its 3D nature and emphasizes the importance of the golden ratio in its design. The video details the initial steps, including setting up the correct units and drawing the foundational rectangles for the D20.

Highlights

Introduction to the D20 Die and the Golden Ratio00:00:05

The video series will focus on creating a D20 die, a 20-sided object made of triangles forming a sphere-like shape. The golden ratio (1 to 1.618) and Fibonacci sequence are crucial for this project, despite the project being one of the most challenging in the course, involving 3D drawing with X, Y, and Z dimensions.

Prerequisites for 3D Drawing00:02:23

To create anything in CAD, you need either available planar faces at the origin point (like the YZ, XY, or XZ planes) or an existing flat face to draw on. The example D20 only has text on one face for demonstration purposes; however, the principles taught can be applied to all 20 faces for a fully functional, printable D20.

Setting Up the Design and Units00:04:14

To begin, create a new design. You need an origin plane or a planar face to start a sketch. The project will use millimeters for measurements to simplify calculations involving the golden ratio (10 to 16.18). The first step is to create a new sketch on the XZ plane (top view).

Drawing the First Rectangle00:05:49

Use the 'Center Rectangle' tool, which you might need to pin to your toolbar for easy access as it doesn't have a hotkey. Ensure 3D sketch mode is enabled. Draw the first rectangle from the origin point with dimensions of 10 mm wide by 16.18 mm tall.

Drawing Subsequent Rectangles in 3D Space00:08:18

Using the view cube, switch to the left view and draw a second center rectangle directly on the face of the first rectangle, making it 10 mm tall by 16.18 mm long. Then, switch to the top view and draw a third center rectangle on that face, measuring 16.18 mm by 10 mm. It is crucial that these rectangles *do not* have touching edges; they should only share the concentric midpoint. If edges are touching, the dimensions are incorrect.