Basic concepts

[diamond]

Newbie.
So, SW is a little different than Rhino, so I'm just trying to figure out the basic techniques for creating items.

Say I have a box made of 3/4" plywood that's 20x10x7. Do I have to create a separate part for each unique sized piece and then assemble those? So I would have parts for the short side, the long side, then the top and bottom panel? Seems like parts would be coming out your ears!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mihail]

Begen with SW tutorial. This answer (and many others) are there.


Good luck !

 

[diamond]

I've done the tutorials. It seems that you have to create a part for everything no matter how simple in nature.
It seems easier to control things in a part environment. I want some pieces' size to be dependent on other pieces. If the pieces wouldn't join together I feel I could make a my whole product in a part file.
Is there an easier way to drive some parts' sizes with dimensions dependant on another part in an assembly without having to use driveworks? Just a simple: partA will be 4" longer than partB...then, only change dimensions to partB when you need to.

 

[joelewinski]

Create a solid "cube" to the size you require. Use the "shell" feature to hollow it out using the thickness you want. Now go back and right-click the dimensions that nee to be "driven" and add the appropriate equation (i.e. side a = side b x 1.5).

 

[Mihail]

Use equations for that. Or use DT (Designe Table).


If use equations you can define an equation like this: (in an assembly, of course)


Dimensiona from PARTA = Dimension b from PART B + 4''


To use DT is more difficult but more powerful.


You can even define a sketch in relation with a PART. In assembly right click a part and choose EDIT PART. Then, edita sketch of this part. For a line, for exemple, select this line and an edge from other part and add relation: coliniar, equal, parallel, distance, angle etc. as you need.