DATUM AXES

I want to place a series of axes in a model so that I can place various
types and sizes of holes on them. The best way for me to create and
dimension the axes is by means of a single sketch, rather then creating each
individual axis as separate features. I tried creating a cosmetic sketch,
but the datum axis command is greyed out. Then it wouldn't let me place
points in cosmetic mode that I could see after exiting (to select for
individual axis creation).

Then I tried creating a cut, and successfully placed all the datum axes.
Trouble is the model wanted solid geometry before it would let me exit, so I
had to sketch one of the clearance holes. Then I could afterwards place all
the tapped and dowel holes on the axes that were remaining.

Am I missing something? Isn't there any way of sketching axes like I want to
without making a cut?

rev 2001

Dave

 

: I want to place a series of axes in a model so that I can place various
: types and sizes of holes on them. The best way for me to create and
: dimension the axes is by means of a single sketch, rather then creating each
: individual axis as separate features. I tried creating a cosmetic sketch,
: but the datum axis command is greyed out.

Normally, if you create a bunch of circles as a sketched curve, you get axes for
free. After you've used the axes for hole creation, just blank the curve layer.
The thing I don't like about this method is that the location reference is
obscure; you won't find it by selecting the hole to modify. Also, when you find
the location reference (sketch), you get all the dimensions at once.

But if you'd like an easy way to create points to use for axes, try field points.
You create them just by clicking on a surface or plane, adjusting dimensions
later. I'm not sure, when it comes to creating the axes, if you pick one point and
get all the axes or have to pick them individually.

David Janes

 

:
: : : I want to place a series of axes in a model so that I can place various
: : types and sizes of holes on them. The best way for me to create and
: : dimension the axes is by means of a single sketch, rather then creating each
: : individual axis as separate features. I tried creating a cosmetic sketch,
: : but the datum axis command is greyed out.
:
: Normally, if you create a bunch of circles as a sketched curve, you get axes for
: free.

Not quite true, need to use sketch to create extruded surface. Axes come with
extruded surface. Kinda awkward, huh!?! But the sketched circles extrude all at
once, creating all the axes at once. Axes are avalable individually for coaxial
holes. Actually it would probably be simpler just to start off extruding the
surface, not creating the sketched circles first.

DJ

 

Easiest is to create a cut, and leave the hole in free space somewhere if I
can't use it, and put in all the datum axes. Then I can pick all the axes to
place the holes. Shouldn't have to do this though, if I was making the part
I'd mark out and centre punch all the holes before drilling them. Don't know
why I can't do this as a sketch of datum axes. This is one of the reasons I
avoid the hole command. Previously I would put in all my holes as a cut
(except of course they are always flat-bottomed). Inserting individual holes
which reference each other is time consuming and a real pain in the ass, and
as I recently discovered, it bombs out if you want to change units.

 

Insert/Datum/Point and then right at the bottom of the list there is a
sketch option.

Thanks to Anthony Thompson.