3 - way joint

[ruben_van_lerberghe]

Hello,

I am trying to model a three way joint, with a triangular space in between and without. I attached a sketch as example.

The result I have at the moment is not smooth at all.

In a previous version, thanks to advice on the forum here, I modelled it using: Split faces, Delete faces, (Surface)Loft, and then Surface Patch and stitch.

With this model, the ends do not meet each other as in sketch A but are jointed on the sides. So rather than sweeping them into the other body, I wonder how you would get that smoothly in sketch B and C.  

( With the space in between i don't find a good picture of an existing joint but this sketch , without it I added a picture of the joint in Walnut, ) 

An added difficulty which I don't know how to start is if they were to meet in dovetail ends. ( I added a picture, where it is rectangular and a sketch of how I see it ) 

You can see in the model attached that I do not get a proper result, trying the method above. 

For the dovetail version I don't know where to start. This is also of lesser importance since the actual making, might also require too much time.

Especially for the first part of the question I would be very grateful if someone has a solution.

Much appreciated,

Ruben

[jhackney1972]

I know you wanted the first part of your question answered but I did a model of the last image first. I just made up some dimensions.  Model attached.

[davebYYPCU · Accepted solution]

Your problems start after this position in the timeline.

Keep each of these 3 bodies as separate bodies so that the dovetails and extensions are only joined to themselves.

Doing it this way you can split bodies with another body face, Combine cut one body with another etc.

As your model is now, you are trying to cut the same body with the same body, but fusion can only see one body, if that makes sense.

So this sweep joins both bodies together, making just one body of them, but to work on the joinery of this joint you need them to be overlapping separate bodies.

This sweep needs to join to 1, and hide body 2 so it is not joined at the time.

Same with the next few features, hide the one you should not be joining to. (before the Ok button)

Might help....

[jhackney1972]

Here is an easier method of doing the model in the last picture.

[ruben_van_lerberghe]

Thank you,

When i try to open your F3D file, i have to search for an application to open it and it ends up not working. Usually I get around it by saving it to my desktop and then opening it from fusion directly.

I know this is a beginner question but how do i go about opening your file ? 

[jhackney1972]

You have to download it to a folder of your choice, I use a common C: drive folder for all of my Fusion 360 downloads.  You then go to the File menu and select Open, the in the dialog box select Open from my Computer, browse for it and there you are.  So the way you describe your process is correct, but I would not use your Desktop, that leads to a lot of clutter and makes Windows boot slower than normal.  In fact I do not even use Desktop icons on my machine.