Lay out sketches, do you use them?

I was wndering how many people use layout sketches? I am begining to see a
need to do a layout sketch if one is going to use lots of configs.

 

Yes, layout sketches are useful. I typically use them on complex parts
or assemblies. They should work well for configurations, as long as
you're not combining in-context assemblies with configs.

matt

 

On assembly with complex motion I create a subassemby thats justs
sketches that dfine key parts and then in the higher assem I define
the key parts from the sketch, but the nice feature is that I can test
the effects of a part chage without having to rebuild all the parts by
just opening the subassem. Exmple, I have a part thats a bike frame,
I would have an assem that is the frame and an assembly "skeletion"
sketch defining the pedals, sprocket and chain with a possible
equation to "snap" the chain size to actual chain sizes. Then this
assem would be inserted into another assem that contain the other
actual parts like pedals, the spocket etc that would be defined based
on the skeleton sketch. If a change in the sketch produces an
overdefined sketch or a motion I dont like I can just close the file
w/o saving and no harm done. But the nice thing is that you can keep
making little changes to different sketches in different planes of
motion until you get what you want. Then open your top assem and let
it rebuild and viola, you done and all your prints will be updated
etc... (just dont forget to back up your files on a large project
before making a change that will affect alot of parts)