Starting an extrude offset from the sketch plane?

SW2004:
I often need to start an extrude offset from the sketch plane (say .1mm),
for sheet metal ("old fashion") purpose.

Is there a simpler way than creating a plane offset (say .1mm), then the
sketch.

TIA
JM

 

This option is available in 2006

 

well - you can use a setting in the extrude function-offset from sketch
plane, in the first drop down menu in the extrude command.

That way you can sketch in the Top, Right, Front Construction planes
and offset from them in the Extrude command, instead of having to
incessantly creating construction plane

I am not sure if you do this already (from your question), but I find
this technique helpful in keeping the history tree clean.

 

Thanks everyone, we'll be upgrading to 2006 shortly (end 05- early06/06).
Let's hope the last SP'06 will be as good as 2001 SP10.

JM