Bill wrote:
Leon wrote:
On 8/24/2011 1:10 AM, Bill wrote:
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

It would probably be easier to read the OP, It is simple math , no
computer model needed. I only drew the model to prove the easy math.

Yes, working with fractions and decimal numbers is simple if you already
know how to do it. Personally, I think problems like this are perfect so
someone who wants to hone his or her skills--and I mean by using pencil
and paper.

I apologize for being vague above. By "pencil and paper" I meant
arithmetic along with whatever else one needs to abstract/extract from a
picture or diagram. Most of the time, of course, one has to draw his or
her own diagram--and that may be the hardest part. I believe that
learning to work problems like the one featured in this thread is
valuable and will help take one's woodworking to another level.
Practicing is not a waste of time at all. Even if this problem never
shows up again, I promise that another one, having the same flavor, is
just around the corner!




I hope the OP makes up more similar problems to solve for
practice. I am willing to assist if requested.