Easier Way to Add Pilot Holes

[jacob.michaels]

Howdy Folks,

I use Fusion for cabinetry. I have my process pretty optimized besides 1 key feature. Pilot Holes.

I add Pilot holes to the inside of rabbet joints using a new sketch, and using the rectangular pattern tool on the sketch to add more circles, then extrude those circles through any necessary components. 

I'd like to know if there's a better way I could be doing this. Is there something I'm missing in the hole tool that could make this more efficient and work better parametrically?

Usually, adding pilot holes takes up the majority of my time modeling. Any tips for this would be great!

I've included an example file for the process that I use.

Thanks!

[davebYYPCU · Accepted solution]

I don’t have access to the file.

If you are making a sketch pattern, (they are best avoided) would a modelling pattern do the same thing?

Place your first hole, apply the sketch pattern values to a Modelling Pattern of the hole.

Might help.....

[jacob.michaels]

Ah, shoot, forgot that all my files are protected behind the company folder.

And thanks! I kinda figured out patterning the feature keeps it parametric since posting this.

I just made a set of parameters that determines the length of the pattern, using the overall dimension user parameters, and inset parameters that I determined. Another parameter is one that determines the number  of pilot holes based on the length of the pattern divided by the desired spacing, rounded up. This has improved the process, but I feel like this could be optimized further. 

I appreciate the feedback!

[g-andresen]

Hi,

I can't see what function these holes are supposed to have. Please explain this with a meaningful screenshot or a screencast.

günther

[etfrench]

Do what @davebYYPCU says:  You only need one hole, then pattern that.  

[jhackney1972]

Take a look at this Blog article and Video.  In the video, toward the end, it uses the technique to create and store component bodies that can be used over and over in the placement of wood screw pilot holes.  This method is created to bypass the lack of wood screw holes sizes in the Hole command.  I am not sure if it is a need for this much accuracy in holes sized but I thought I would mention it.

[jacob.michaels]

The holes are for wood screws. 3mm diameter. We add these at our carpenter's request to speed up assembly of cabinets.

The best solution I've come up with so far is a set of parameters that are easily applied to patterns and based off of desired spacing and overall dimensions, I have set up parameters for this for the depth, height, and width directions of a case.