Counterbore for bolt and hex nut

[mbarbone]

Hello,

I am creating a 3D Printer project that will larger than print surface. Instead of adding dovetails, I thought it would be easier to attach the pieces with nuts and bolts. I'd like to counterbore the screw head and then cut in the nut shape (captive nut?)... I created it with a counterbore hole and a polygon to create the effect. But, I can't copy the items and use in other places. Just on the same axis with a Pattern, that I know how to do.  Is there a different method to do this ? I tried Insert Fastener but couldn't get the nut to "cut" through the body. So I don't know that was proper way of doing it. The way I did the hex nut cutout was extruded it with 2 sides. bottom side went to end of bottom cube (40mm) and the top was down to 36mm leaving a 4 mm cutout of the nut. Would this have been the proper way or is there a better way to do that or just a better way to do what I am trying to do? I've these here, then I would like to do the same on different axis to connect all the pieces together. 

[etfrench · Accepted solution]

You can use Insert Derive after modeling the hexagon and hole as a solid.  Position the derived model using a joint, then Combine/Cut to create the complete hole.

p.s. I usually just draw a hexagon in a sketch then use Extrude/Cut.  If the sketch is not on the face, then use From Object in the Extrude.

[GoldAppleF360nerd · Accepted solution]

I agree with your solution to Mike’s question on the hole counterboring. Btw when you attach the hexagonal bolts select the underside of the bolt head face and then for the target face to attach it, the inside surface of the counterbore hole. Always make sure the circle targets are in the center and to easily highlight the area where you want to exactly place the bolt to the hole, use the CTRL key.

Hope that helps, faithful friend. Have a great rest of your week.
- from a 49ers fan certified in F360

[mbarbone]

Thank you for the help, but I am having a hard time with the joint/combine/cut item. It is not working, whether I create the joint or not.  

Actually, let me be more specific. When I combine, I can only select the Top or Bottom body as the target layer. The tool selects the entire nut/bolt selection. If I try selecting the Tool and one layer, I can't reselect the tool and do another combine for the other layer.

[GoldAppleF360nerd · Accepted solution]

Bro had you also ensured that the hex bolt bodies are at least touching the inside surface(s) of the hole?

You cannot fully implement the cut or combine bodies/components operation in this situation unless you see the bodies are touching each other. Also send any screenshots of warnings or errors that you see in the timeline. 

Thanks my friend. Have a great day and go Niners. 

[etfrench · Accepted solution]

The pseudo bolt is designed to cut the counterbore and hole at the same time. Joint it using the center of the top and a point on the target face.

[mbarbone]

@GoldAppleF360nerd 

Yes, As far as I know. I didn't get an error, just didn't do it, unless I selected "New Component", and only on one of the 2 cubes. I need both cubes cut with the pattern. The bolt I created is one piece. The join/combine/cut sequence works for only one of the 2 targets. What I did this time was I broke the link from the derive and this allowed me to do the combine/cut on the top cube target, then do a second combine for the bottom cube. 

[mbarbone]

@etfrench 

This works with just one target. If I have 2 targets, I can't select them both and do the combine procedure. I have to do 2 combines, one for each target and that worked.

[GoldAppleF360nerd]

Understandable. So combine and cut with the bolt as a tool body is only good if you need to cut any interfering edges out of the hole in the surface.

[mbarbone]

@GoldAppleF360nerd 

@etfrench 

Thank you for the help.

Here is the project, almost final. I have to just add screw sections on the cross braces.

There has to be an easier way. The left 3 bolt holes were done 1, then rectangular pattern, but the pattern didn't carry over to the right side. For the right side, I copied the bolt, positioned it, copied and positioned for the other 2 positions, then during combine, I selected the panel for target and tool I did all 3 bolt items which worked nice....

[GoldAppleF360nerd]

Does that mean that you need to add any threads in the holes? Heard you meant that the bolts are screwed in the assembly.