Is mirror the correct function?

[tandd77]

Fusion 360 newbie alert.

I'm trying to recreate a two legged curved clip. I imported a jpg and traced the outline but the lengths, arcs and radii are coming out different for each leg. I'm thinking because of parrallax.  What I think would be best if I traced the top leg *(x-y axis) along a construction line and then flip or mirror the top leg to become the bottom leg, thereby having both legs have equal lengths, arcs and  radii, which would form one single part.

I've done the first part but I'm stuck on the second (flipping or mirroring)part.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or help.

Tom

[whittakerdw]

File-> Export your file as an .f3d file and upload it here.

[tandd77]

Sorry, not sure how to do that.

[tandd77]

File attached; I figured out the export.

[davebYYPCU]

Your on the right track, but it's not a beginner model.

That Canvass is as good as they can be, and tracing the outline is a start.  If it were me, build one part, then mirror it, cut the hinges detail later.

You will find it better when you use a logical Origin, so mirror can be used with the origin planes, 

I have realigned the canvass to the hinge pin, placed the end of the arms in a vertical alignment, and will be as accurate as can be.  

Might help....

[tandd77]

Thanks for the help.

Good to know there is a positive user assistance community here, especially for a newbie. (I have years of engineering drafting experience but it was WAY WAY before CAD, or even PC's)

[davebYYPCU]

The next thing is to realise there are broadly two mirror functions, sketch and modelling, sketching is not the better of the two. 

[g-andresen]

Hi,

here is one model.

First I made a sketch for the base body and the cutout.

Then I only used symmetrical extrusions and cutouts for the base body.

Check  timeline and browser for better understanding.

regards

günther

[g-andresen]

Hi,

I have just seen that the profiles for the cutouts and doublings at the joint need to be changed .

sorry for that

günther

[tandd77]

Thanks so much for your response. I really appreciate the response.
As a newbie, it'll take me a while to digest; all part of the learning
process.

Thanks again,

Tom

[tandd77]

Sorry for the delay getting back to you.
Thank you for your modification.
I'm not sure to what you are referring; " .. for the cutouts and doublings
at the joint.".

[tandd77]

Thanks for your response.

I've been trying to figure out everything you did in the supplied file using the timeline.

What I can't figure out is how to modify a sketch before the extrusions to have the two "clip ends" meet when the clip is closed; I added a torsion spring between both parts and they do not physically touch. I drew a construction line from the center of the pivot hole and both of these ends should meet on the construction line. Using the timeline, I have been trying to trace my way back to the sketch to add more material so these points will touch; but I have been unsuccessful.

Any hints or help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Tom

[davebYYPCU]

We need your file, pics or screencast to understand your statements.

File > Export, Save to your hard drive and attach it here.

If you traced the canvass, then the jaws will close correctly.

Back when I reviewed the question, there was no mention of the spring, but it can be simulated / animated with Joints and rest positions.

Might help....

[tandd77]

Thanks, file attached.

[davebYYPCU]

You file has the pivot pin position, lower than the jaw, can be fixed by editing the sketch. and fixing the shape.

Find the correct sketch, right click, and edit Sketch is in the menu.  Finish / Stop Sketch will do the updates.

I did not find any work for the spring in that file.

Best way to decipher a file, is with the playback tool, from the beginning, one step at a time, and using the lightbulbs to help see or not the clutter,

any time you can Right click a timeline icon, select edit feature to see the settings in preview, then cancel.

I have animated the clippers in my file, 

Select the Joint, - Rev5, right click and select Animate Model..

Might help....

[tandd77]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

BTW, i HAVE been trying to follow the timeline, and to edit previous sketches. That's been part of the problem. I have been only partially successful. I'm chalking it up to "newbie-itis". Not giving up.