how to align features with parts?

job_van_der_loo

Hi!

I'm modelling a bench (first thing I ever CAD'ed). The bench needs holes on the bottom side to attach the legs of the bench with dowels. Now I struggle to find the correct locations for the holes since I only have 1 leg in my part studio. Ideally, i'd make the holes in the assembly studio when I know where the legs are going to be. What's the best/ easiest way to do so?

Thanks!

glen_dewsbury

There is a way to do this quite nicely. I didn't mention it earlier since it is usually considered an advanced method. (you mentioned being a novice)
My sample is changed to use in-context editing so that legs are placed in assembly using fastened mates. The holes in the table top use in-context edit to transfer hole positions that follow the legs.
Try changing the position of the legs by editing the mate connecters.
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/15d8b7aae32367e74486fbc6/w/807b1dce7ffaec6a27cf88db/e/cff4795fdc9b32dd542fc87b


I recommend some study before trying to use this tool.
https://learn.onshape.com/learn/course/managed-in-context-design/completion-certificate/completion-survey?page=3

glen_dewsbury

You'll want to make the leg holes in the part studio. I'm assuming toe have the leg and table top in the same part studio.
When you make the assembly you'll reuse the leg and mate the legs to the different locations.
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/15d8b7aae32367e74486fbc6/w/807b1dce7ffaec6a27cf88db/e/cff4795fdc9b32dd542fc87b

robert_scott_jr_

Is your intent to place the bench top and legs in an assembly and move legs to get a visual idea of where you'd like them to be and then make holes accordingly? - Scotty

job_van_der_loo

robert_scott_jr_ said:

Is your intent to place the bench top and legs in an assembly and move legs to get a visual idea of where you'd like them to be and then make holes accordingly? - Scotty

yes that's exactly what i'm trying to do. But I can't see the legs in the part studio anymore after placing them in the correct location in assembly. So I can't place the holes in the correct location. Should I just add the leg locations to the sketch and then mate the legs to the sketch somehow?

glen_dewsbury

There is a way to do this quite nicely. I didn't mention it earlier since it is usually considered an advanced method. (you mentioned being a novice)
My sample is changed to use in-context editing so that legs are placed in assembly using fastened mates. The holes in the table top use in-context edit to transfer hole positions that follow the legs.
Try changing the position of the legs by editing the mate connecters.
https://cad.onshape.com/documents/15d8b7aae32367e74486fbc6/w/807b1dce7ffaec6a27cf88db/e/cff4795fdc9b32dd542fc87b


I recommend some study before trying to use this tool.
https://learn.onshape.com/learn/course/managed-in-context-design/completion-certificate/completion-survey?page=3

job_van_der_loo

Fantastic. This was what I was looking for. I forgot to mention I'm not sure about the length of the bench yet (depends on the table it needs to go with), so position and number of legs might change.

glen_dewsbury

when the position or number of legs or table size change the in-context will want to be to dated.