--
Paul
"Bill" wrote in message
...
Leon wrote:
On 8/23/2011 6:08 PM, Jack Stein wrote:
On 8/21/2011 10:39 AM, Twayne wrote:
In ,
typed:
My math skills are non existent beyond basic math, and
I'm trying to figure out how to space holes evenly along
a center line in an area. Let's say I have a rectulanglar
block, 6" long ,less 1/4" on each end for a border and I
want to evenly space 6- 3/4" holes. How do you figure
that? My daughter-in-law says you can do that in one of
those cheap home design programs. That would be ideal for
me. Anyone use one of those programs that knows if they
can be used for that? Thanks.

Just about any free CAD 2D program will do that for you including
Sketch-it
or whatever it's called.

It's called Sketchup and I'm surprised Swing and Leon didn't mention it.

Simply draw a line the distance you want, "select" the line with the
select tool (space bar), right click on the line and choose "divide"
from the resultant pop up window. Move the mouse along the line and it
will be divided into whatever number of divisions you want, and based on
the length units you use(window/model info.) I use 1/16th's. The red
dots show on the line, and the distance between the dots is given.

Once you have the right number of dots, click and it puts invisible
markers (invisible until you roll over them) so you can do whatever you
want with them, or just write down the distance and have at it.

For 6 holes in 6 inches you need 7 segments, and each hole will be
55/64's or 7/8ths. I can't see 64ths so 14/16th work fine for me:-)

Might want to reread the specifics, the holes have to be 3/4".

I haven't read all of the messages before this one, so please excuse me if
this has been suggested. But why not build a *paper model* (you don't need
high-power computer software for this problem). Cut out a 6" piece of
paper and some circles (use a marker and color them black if it helps you
see them). Then move them around until it looks right to you and then
tape them in place. Then you have a model which you might use in any
number of ways. I think more things have been built working like this
than by designing with cad/cam software.

Bill

This is the way I've been doing it. Most times it's not a big problem, just
wish to learn a faster way. Really would like to learn sketchup. Played with
that for a little bit the other day and got nowhere, course I didn't bother
to read any tutorials.

Paul