Another silly question, how can I line up features with other that sit at a 90Deg angle. For exampl

luke_glazebrook456

For example, I want to put additional slots around the side of this device.  However, to make it look neat I would like them to line up with the slots on the top face.  How would you guys go about getting a visible reference point to draw from?  When I turn it to the side profile, I can't see anything any longer.

David_YL_Nguyen

Hey @luke_glazebrook456,
Would you be able to share a link to your model? That should make it quick and easy to help you out. Cheers

glen_dewsbury

While you are making a new sketch for the side opening, rotate the view so you can see the top. Using the USE tool you can select a mid point from the top opening. That point will be the center of the new sketch and maintain position relative to top slots.
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/8176bf42ef782f8303d3ee92/w/9a054da62eb5b27426d906a3/e/692db6423773db54bca16eec

nick_papageorge073

It's good practice to make your part symmetrical about the default planes. So for example if the outline sketch was drawn on TOP, then you can use RIGHT plane as the alignment plane. When you draw the sketch for the hole in the face, the rectangle in the face, and the new openings on the side, the first sketch of each can be coincident with RIGHT. Then you pattern each. The planes go all the way through the part so they are always available from any side of the part (assuming they are normal to the sketch plane, of course).

nick_papageorge073

PS, be very careful if this is a 3D printed filter for the bottom of a swimming pool. There have been many deaths with children getting stuck on them over the years when the plastic grate breaks. The suction becomes too strong and even adults can't separate the child from the drain opening.