SolidWorks® 2011 Parts Bible

CHAPTER 7

Modeling with Primary Features

IN THIS CHAPTER

Recognizing the right tool for the job

Filleting types

Creating a chamfer

Bracket casting tutorial

The most frustrating part of a complex modeling job is to be able to envision a result, but not be able to create it because you 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 you 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.

SolidWorks offers so many tools 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 identify which features to use in which situations, and in some cases, which features to avoid. It also helps you evaluate which feature is best to use for a particular job. With some features, it is clear when to use them, but for others, it is not. This chapter guides you through the decision-making process.

I have split the list of SolidWorks features into two groups: primary features and secondary features. Primary features are, of course, the ones you use most frequently, and secondary features are used less frequently. Of course, my definition of primary and secondary may be different from yours, and this subject is too big for a single chapter.

Identifying When to Use Which Tool

I am always ...