Sketching/Modeling Questions...

[SA2020]

I've attached a file that I just started working on and I'm getting stuck and could use some help.  

I created a sketch in the front view for the shape of my part.  I then extruded it to the overall width.  Now I'm wanting to sketch in the top view so that I can create some cutouts.  I am stuck with this part as I created my lines for where I want to extrude and cut away a section.  

1)  What is the easiest way to create extrudes on the top of my part?  Should I sketch and then extrude or is there another way?  I tried sketching the shape and extruding, but when I select extrude it won't let me select the sketched lines I want to extrude.  I'm trying to cut away the middle of the part, leaving a 1/2" section on each side, to a depth of .375.

2)  I tried moving my sketch/model, but had some issues.  What's the easiest way to move both of them?  I typically like to reorientate my part one axis at a time, it's easier for me to move and get to where I want.  I tried doing so, but had no luck.

3)  Would it be easier to create a complete 3D wireframe sketch, then extrude what I'd like? 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, etc.  

[laughingcreek]

You have 2 sketches at the top (sketch3 and sketch 4).  In order to extrude, you need a closed profile of sketch curves that are all in a single sketch.

Are you trying to extrude the center rectangle you've drawn on the first step?  that's not going to work because the lines forming the rectangle aren't all in the same sketch, and thus don't form a closed profile.

[SA2020]

Just a brief update, I was successful and was able to create my extrudes.  

Attached is my updated file.  Still curious if the way I created the part is the "correct" way to do so?  Any tips would be greatly appreciated.  

Also, still having trouble trying to move the entire part to where I want it.  I want the top of the part to be Z0 and had trouble with that.  But I'd also like to know how to move everything in X and Y as well.  

Thanks.

[laughingcreek]

In fusion it's a good idea to avoid the move command.  Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's the ideal tool for a job, but it is way over used by people who are use to other modeling programs.

Good modeling practice would be to draw your initial sketch where you want the extruded solid to be.  I'd suggest going back and editing the sketch.

[SA2020]

Thanks for the info laughingcreek.

I'd prefer to have the option to move a model after it's complete, one reason is that sometimes I import models and must move them to where I want so that I can machine.  

For future modeling, I will keep this in mind that I should sketch where I want to machine.  

[laughingcreek · Accepted solution]

The move command will do any type of move your looking for.  If you want a particular part of your model to be on the origin, then you might try the point to point option in the move command.

Since the cam environment lets you set the machine origin to the part, I've never found it necessary to move a component in order to machine it.  I always leave it in it's original place in the assembly.

here's a screen cast of making the object you were just asking about.  pretty much same approach you took with some minor tweaks.