Unable to extrude on projected sketch

[scotS3G9D]

I'm trying to simplify this part, basically make it flat without the curved top/bottom surfaces.  I've projected the outline and hole locations, but am unable to extrude this into a new body.  I've tried sketching on the flat bottom surface of the part and also on the XY plane...neither works.  The part was sent to me as a step file.  Can someone help me figure out why this isn't working?

Thanks, Scot

[g-andresen · Accepted solution]

Hi,

This is because connections were disrupted during projection.
The crossline method can be used to detect and eliminate them.

günther

[scotS3G9D]

Thank you!  I zoomed in and couldn't see anything that wasn't connected so thought it was something else I was doing wrong.  I don't work with a lot of parts with multiple curved surfaces so this one is confusing to me.  Also, would you know how I can adjust the orientation so the long dimension of the part is along the X axis?  Currently, the part sits at an angle and drawing my fixturing is causing me much grief.