Sketching a thread on solidworks

[eamo1978]

Hi im new to solidcam and solidworks and am struggling with something. I have a turned part to sketch out which I can do but it has a 1 21/32" x 14 tpi whit form thread on the ID which im struggling to get my head round. Ive never really done anything like threadcutting before but i want to learn how to. Im wondering how to draw the thread out on solidworks whether its drawn as a thread or just as a diameter and how id work out what size it needs turning to before threading?

Also when im drawing out a turned component i sketch it out on one side of a construction line then use the revolve boss function. Is there any way of typing my diameters on smart dimension as diameters rather than distance from centreline and having to divide all my diameters by two to find the radius?

[MSB]

Threads

Doing threads can be a bit confusing for beginners, You have to use the helix curve feature and either a sweep or a sweep cut.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-bolt-on-SolidWorks-in-three-minutes/

And heres a quick method for terminating the thread ends smoothly.
http://grabcad.com/questions/how-to-model-bolt-with-terminating-thread-in-solidworks

If the thread is on a pre-manufactured component and/or ,multiple threads it may be best to use a cosmetic thread to reduce performance issues.

Dimensions

You can use a centreline to do diametric dimensions. Or you can just type your dimension followed by /2 in the dim box.
http://help.solidworks.com/2012/English/SolidWorks/sldworks/t_dimensioning_centerlines.htm?id=ab7e3f99ff914c54 b65d1ed7f5f712c9


I recommend buying the solidworks bible by Matt Lombard, The 2010 version would be adequate and you can get it 2nd hand for about £10 from amazon marketplace or ebay

[JAZZCNC]

Threads

Doing threads can be a bit confusing for beginners, You have to use the helix curve feature and either a sweep or a sweep cut.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-bolt-on-SolidWorks-in-three-minutes/

And heres a quick method for terminating the thread ends smoothly.
http://grabcad.com/questions/how-to-model-bolt-with-terminating-thread-in-solidworks

If the thread is on a pre-manufactured component and/or ,multiple threads it may be best to use a cosmetic thread to reduce performance issues.

Don't think the problem is drawing the thread which is easy but knowing how to draw it and use in SolidCAM. I would draw it to dimensions before the thread is applied and then CAM will use this geometry to cut the thread. If you want to display the thread in the model then use cosmetic thread.


Also when im drawing out a turned component i sketch it out on one side of a construction line then use the revolve boss function. Is there any way of typing my diameters on smart dimension as diameters rather than distance from centreline and having to divide all my diameters by two to find the radius?

Just drag the dimesion to outside side of the centre line and it becomes diameter inside is radius.!

[eamo1978]

Thanks ill try threadmilling over the next week. Next problemo lol ive drawn and revolved a turned component, created a tool and done all the facing op but when i run it theres no tool showing and it isnt machining anything :(. Any ideas? sorry for all the questions...