SolidWorks® 2007 Bible

Chapter 7. Choosing a Feature Type

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Identifying when to use which tool

• Creating curve features

• Filleting

• Selecting a specialty feature

• Tutorial: Bracket casting

• Tutorial: Creating a wire-formed part

Whenever I do a woodworking project, the most frustrating part of the job is to envision a result, but not be able to accomplish it because I do not have the tools to get it done; worse yet is to actually have the tools but either not understand how to use them or not even realize that I have them. Getting the job done is so much more satisfying when you use the right tools and get the job done right—not just so that it looks right, but so that it really is right.

I see users run into the same issues with SolidWorks. SolidWorks offers so many "tools in the toolbox" that it is sometimes difficult to select the best one, especially if it is for a function that you do not use frequently.

This chapter helps you to understand how each feature functions, and offers situations when they are best applied or avoided.

Identifying When to Use Which Tool

I am always trying to think of alternate ways of doing things. Especially when working with complex features, it is important to have a backup plan, or sometimes multiple backup plans. Even when the part is not that complicated, every situation is different. You probably will not get away with just doing blind extrudes and cuts with simple chamfers and fillets for the rest of your career. And even if you could, who would want to?

As an exercise, ...