Part 2: The “Really Neat” Stuff and…Bachelor Salad Revealed!
Last month (link) we started discussing some of the virtues of using “centerlines” or “construction geometry” in model sketches. I continually find these objects to be woefully underused. Aside from capturing symmetrical intent as shown in last month’s post, how else, you’re wondering, will these make your life easier and more productive?
Once again, I’m glad you asked.
Diametric Dimensions
You know that selecting two parallel lines with the Smart Dimension tool will result in a linear dimension, right? (See Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
Which is fine, except when you are working with revolved parts, this ultimately will serve as a radial dimension in the part and drawing. However, if one of those lines is a centerline, and as you place the text you move across it, the dimension will turn to a diametric (or do you say diametral?) measurement. (See Fig. 2)
Fig. 2
Split Entities
This is a function I find invaluable in many surfacing and lofting scenarios when I need to control not only the numbers of objects in a sketch but the precise location of their endpoints. Again, construction lines come to the rescue. By using them to derive your exact division points, you can be assured of accuracy by selecting the endpoints of the lines to divide the neighboring object. (See Fig. 3)
Fig. 3
Construction…Anything
Although you can select the Centerline tool in advance of drawing linear segments, did you know that any object can ultimately be turned into construction geometry (or back!) after it is drawn? Simply left- or right-click the object in question and toggle the Construction Geometry option as shown below. (See Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
When might this be useful? When you want to more precisely….
Control Object Locations in Sketches
To me, this is the beauty of construction geometry – the fact that it is not seen as profile geometry and therefore can be used to locate and drive objects in a sketch, such as driving hole patterns and other instances, without invalidating the sketch. (See Fig. 5)
Fig. 5
Which brings us to the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
Bachelor Salad…Revealed!
Contrary to popular belief, many bachelors are sometimes lacking in cooking and housekeeping skills. For those so afflicted, I hereby offer the ultimate recipe:
Quarter a head of lettuce. Hold it over the sink and pour your favorite salad dressing over it. Eat while leaning over the sink to catch any errant drips. Et voila! A cool, refreshing salad, and not a single plate or fork to wash up afterwards!
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