How to construct a sketch plane on a round

[jkarns]

We work with round tubing with features put in them. Mostly just holes on a round tube. I always struggle with constructing a a plane on tube, not on the tube face but on the top, bottom and sides.

I first create my tube O.D. then my tube I.D. and extrude to the length I want. After that I want to constuct a plane to add the holes features, any suggestions on the best way of doing this?

Thanks.

[JDMather]

It sounds like you have done this before, but just not happy with the process you have used so far.

Is that correct?

If yes, can you attach a file you have completed before so that someone can demonstrate an easier way.

[jkarns]

Yes I have done this before by creating un-needed parts into the sketch so I can refferance off of that part/or shape. Attached is one I did that way.

[JDMather]

I don't understand what was difficult with that one?

But I did notice that you did not place a construction lines to keep the holec centered.  (see attached)

Oh wait a minute, I see what you did.

Why did you rotate the workplane?

You can rotate the tube instead when you place in the assembly - just like the real world.

If you need holes at many different angles on the tube -

simply create a sketch with the angles,

then click the endpoints of the angled lines and the angled lines for the workplane.

[jkarns]

Thanks for the tip on the hole center lines.

That tube is part of an assembly where I used other pieces to create that plane. Is there a way to create that plane without having to create unwated parts?