centerline question

I want to create a cylinder and smart dimension the o.d. My process ends up
with an error on revolving.

I draw a centerline and a rectangle. I revolve the rectangle. I get an
error because the contour is open.

How can I use the "centerline" feature and revolve?

 

It sounds to me like you need to add one more line on top of the
centerline to close the profile. I may be missing something, but why
don't you extrude a circle? It would be easier/quicker and you get the
same results.

Mike

 

I don't extrude a circle because there are generally steps in the o.d. of my
parts. It's easier for me to sketch a rough profile of what I want and then
smart dimension.

Thanks.

 

OK makes sence. If you are getting an open profile error, then
something is wrong with you rectangle, it is either open or it may
cross the centerline. It can only lay on top of but cannot cross,
because as it revolves it will intersect itself, which is not allowed.

 

I cannot draw both a centerline and a line. I understand "open profile".

The isssue is that I want to display a diameter smart dimension. The only
way to get a diameter smart dimension is to use a centerline however the
centerline will not let you revolve!

Am I missing something here?

 

I guess I don't follow what you are doing. If you want, e-mail me the
file at . I will look at exactly what you are
doing and try to help.

Mike

 

Yes! I know I can't do it but how can I have both a smart diameter
dimension..... and revolve?

Yes, but my diameter smart dimension becomes a radius smart dimension.

 

You sound really confused, and you're dragging folks who otherwise know
what they're doing with you. What you're saying doesn't make any sense,
at least as I read it.

You can revolve around a centerline, but you should have it selected
before starting the revolve command. However, you don't *have to* have
a c-line. If you don't have a c-line, you can revolve around a solid
line by selecting it before hitting the revolve button.

I think you're confusing a "warning" for an "error". If you read the
warning message, it might be helpful. It probably asks if you want to
close the profile automatically, to which you should probably say yes
and be done with it.

Are you actually drawing a rectangle and then setting one side of it to
a centerline? This would cause an open profile, simply drawing a
centerline and a rectangle wouldn't. You are using the rectangle tool
to draw the rectangle, right? (rather than just drawing 4 lines)

Anyway, here's a tip for you:

- draw the rectangle with one side of it located at the center of the
revolution.

- turn the line that will act as the center of revolution into a
centerline

- dimension to it, getting the doubled dim (what you seem to be calling
a diameter smart dim)

- turn the centerline back to a regular line (doubled dimension
remains!), and leave the line selected

- create the revolve feature.



best of luck to you,

matt

 

Or, create the revolved, double click on the part, select the dim,
right click, display options, display as diameter.

If you make a design table, it uses the diameter dimension. That sounds
smart.

peace, Diego

 

Matt, if my question aggravates you, feel free to ignore it. I do, however,
appreciate your effort.

The answer I was looking for is to draw a centerline outside the profile
centerline. That allows me to smart dimesion the diameter.

 

Your question didn't aggravate me. Everyone was struggling to answer
your question because it wasn't very clear. I was just guessing at what
you were really asking, and trying to offer an understandable answer.

The method you mention above works, but there are faster and more
efficient ways to do it. Still, if you're satisfied, that's all that
matters.

 

I'd love to know a better way. Thanks!

 

Here's 3:

www.dezignstuff.com\public\1.zip
www.dezignstuff.com\public\2.zip
www.dezignstuff.com\public\3.zip

 

woops, try this:

www.dezignstuff.com\1.zip
www.dezignstuff.com\2.zip
www.dezignstuff.com\3.zip

 

Thanks Matt! I owe you a beer.