Using Sketch Templates

rex_hanson

I created a sketch of my glue joint shaper cutter. Now I want to import it into a model so I can extrude the cut on different edges of a rectangular section. How can I import this section without changing any of its dimensions, and then align it up with the parts so I can remove the material just like the shaper cutter will when I make the part in my shop?
Eventually I'd like to model all my different cutters and build a library that I can use when designing my woodworking projects. I don't want the profiles to change when I copy them into my model. I just want to move them around and place them either by lining things up or by specifying dimensions to key features.

noa

@rex_hanson, here is a workaround that makes use of "Use" and projecting your sketch into a new sketch so that you can transform and move it to wherever you want.



(please excuse the awful gif quality)

konstantin_shiriazdanov

there is two ways - derive sketch from one part studio to another and position it by Transform with mate connectors, and create custom sketch generator with feature script

rex_hanson

I found some information on the transform, but I don't know how to create mate connectors. Can a mate connector have an offset? If you could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it. Thank you!

konstantin_shiriazdanov

@rex_hanson I recently found that OS don't support sketches in transform (sorry) - so the new plan - create your cutter as a thin solid part, which are supported to transform freely. About mate connector settings - you can offset them by any axis, rotate and change primary/secondary axis. Here is some example - https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ff5125963699172d4d8491d2/w/c27e6445897d5d9dc95473ed/e/b1a40dbe14ce76f7c0589b99

3dcad

You can also simply copy & paste into sketch and use sketch transform to position. Fast and easy, downside is that sketch will not remain linked to any 'library'.

rex_hanson

Transform lets me rotate to specified angles if I need to do that, but dimensioning between a feature in the existing sketch and the sketch I'm wanting to add isn't clear. My cobble solution is to zoom in really really close and then line up the features. I then zoom out and modify the transform to specify the offset. There has to be an easier way to place my sketch with a dimension or offset to an existing feature.

noa

@rex_hanson, here is a workaround that makes use of "Use" and projecting your sketch into a new sketch so that you can transform and move it to wherever you want.



(please excuse the awful gif quality)