Problems with modelling tapered triangular hollow table leg

[rgough0]

First of all I am a new user, trying to teach myself. I been trying to model a table leg that is tapered, with a triangular cross section.

I first tried by creating 2 sketchs of the top and bottom profiles, then using the loft command to create the basic tapered body. Next used the shell command to create a hollow body. The problem with this, is that is create a vessel, with a closed bottom.

Next, I started the same with the 2 sketches, and the loft command. Then moving to the patch section, and deleting the top and bottom faces. then using the thicken command to model the stainless material thickness.

All is well up to this point. When I try to apply a fillet to the 3 sides. I can only add a fillet to the 90 degree corner, and not the 45 degree corners. The attached screen shot will show some strange geometry.

Any help, greatly appreciated.

Regards, Rob

[NicolasXu · Accepted solution]

Hi Rob,

Welcome to the community!

Regarding the fillet issue you mentioned, could it be caused by the fillet radius is too large? Can you attach the model here so we can take a close look?

In your case, when using the shell command, we can select both the top and the bottom faces to remove them, to form the hollow leg. (Hold Ctrl/CMD to modify selection) Please refer to the screencast below for details. If you add fillets after the shell, you may have to apply the fillet to both the outer edges and inner edges. Adding fillets first then doing shell could save some efforts. I also added the “Extrude + Taper” method which can be used in the case that the taper angle is known.

Hope it helps.

Best Regards,

[rgough0]

Hi Nicolas,

Thanks for the quick answer. I'll try your method when I get home for work. I've attached the model. The strange geometry is at the junction of the inner and outer bodies, on the 45 degree angles. You can see this when zoomed in to the corners both on the top and bottom views. The fillet works on the 90 degree angle, but not the 45 degree angles?

I've attached the model.

Thanks again, appreciate your help.

Regards, Rob

[NicolasXu · Accepted solution]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the model. The strange geometry you mentioned is generated by the Thicken command. The command will add thickness along the normal direction of the selected surface.

In your case, the side face is not parallel to any coordinate plane, it can explain why the top and the bottom faces are slanted and not connected with other faces. So, it seems Shell is a better solution for your design purpose.

Regards,

[rgough0 · Accepted solution]

Hi Nicolas,

Thanks for your help. I tried the shell method last night, it worked "PERFECT".

Now on to the rest of the project, which is to model the top and bottom inserts. These will be tig welded in place to provide an attached point at the top, and a levelling foot at the bottom. The parts will laser cut from stainless.

Thank you again,

Regards, Rob

[NicolasXu]

Glad to hear it worked. It sounds an interesting project.

Please feel free to reach out if you get any questions.

Regards,