Dimensioning to Circular edges

[jwlynn64]

In a drawing, is there a way to select the top edge of a circular feather for dimensioning? An example would be a shaft with a key slot. I want to dimension from the bottom of the shaft to the bottom of the key slot.

What I did this morning was to draw a very small line and make it tangent to the shaft bottom. Then I dimensioned from this line to the bottom of the key slot.

John

 

[Jabberwocky]

I'm not sure I see what you're asking without a picture - but youc an dimension to any tangent part of a circular feature.

Using the dimension tool, select the two items and place the dimesion. Then, with the dimension still highlighted click on 'more properties' and there should be a section asking about 'first arc properties'. Changing from min and max will give you different lengths.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

There's no need to add the "very small line".

1) When dimensioning, select the shaft circumference and the key slot bottom line, then place the dimension. The dimension should now be from the centre of the shaft to the bottom of the key.

2) With the dimension still active, click the More Properties button in the Dimension Manager, then select the Max option in the First Arc Condition area, and click OK

Also when creating the key slot in the model, if you dimension (and tolerance) the geometry the way you want the drawing dimensions to be seen, you can then import those dimensions directly into the drawing view.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[jwlynn64]

I knew there had to be a simple way to do this.

Thanks,

John

 

[MElam]

You can also just drag the dimension grip point to the quadrant - or if you are on 2006 - hold the shift key while dimensioning to the sides you want.

 

[jwlynn64]

I'll put all of this information to good use.

Thanks,

John