How Do You Join Arcs in AutoCAD?

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Joining arcs in AutoCAD can be a handy skill to have, especially when working on complex drawings or designs. In this tutorial, we will explore the different methods you can use to join arcs and create smooth and continuous curves. So let’s dive right in!

The Fillet Command:

The Fillet command in AutoCAD is a powerful tool that allows you to join arcs effortlessly. To use this command, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Fillet command from the Modify panel or type ‘FILLETRAD’ in the command line.
  2. Specify the fillet radius by entering a value or selecting two arc endpoints.
  3. Select the first arc that you want to join by clicking on its endpoint.
  4. Select the second arc by clicking on its endpoint.
  5. AutoCAD will automatically create a fillet between the two selected arcs, joining them smoothly.

Note: The fillet radius determines the size of the joining curve. Experiment with different values to achieve your desired result.

The Trim and Extend Commands:

In addition to using the Fillet command, you can also join arcs using the Trim and Extend commands. These commands offer more flexibility when it comes to joining multiple arcs at once. Here’s how you can use them:

Trim Command:

  1. Type ‘TRIM’ in the command line or select it from the Modify panel.
  2. Select all the arcs that need to be joined by clicking on their endpoints.
  3. Press Enter to confirm your selection.
  4. Click on any portion of an arc that extends beyond another arc (or the intersection point) to trim it and join the arcs.
  5. Repeat this process for all the remaining arcs that need to be joined.

Extend Command:

  1. Type ‘EXTEND’ in the command line or select it from the Modify panel.
  2. Select all the arcs that you want to extend and join by clicking on their endpoints.
  3. Select a boundary object or specify a distance to extend the arcs beyond their original endpoints.
  4. The selected arcs will be extended, and any overlapping portions will be joined smoothly.

Note: The Trim and Extend commands are not limited to joining arcs; they can also be used with other drawing objects like lines, polylines, and circles. Explore their full potential for more efficient drawing workflows!

Conclusion:

Joining arcs in AutoCAD is a fundamental skill that allows you to create smooth curves and achieve precise designs. Whether you prefer using the Fillet command or opt for the more versatile Trim and Extend commands, mastering these techniques will greatly enhance your CAD proficiency. So start practicing today and unlock a whole new level of creativity in your drawings!