Using combine to create new components from other components

[smallfavor]

This process so far has been less that intuitive as I continue to get unexpected results.  I finally got what I was after but there's an error in the timeline that I don't understand.  Can someone point me to a more detailed explanation of how this tool operates and best practices please?

http://autode.sk/2eKne8G

Update;  Well it appears the new body doesn't have those line but an previous 'tool' remained.  However in other cases when the tool isn't saved all the other copies of the component used disappear.  It's very confusing so far.  And of course a number of red and yellow flags have shown up in the timeline.  Project is taking way more time and effort that seems warranted for it's simplicity.  There's also an issue of using the joint function to place item instead of the move - it only works on the the ends and center points of targets.  Needing to place something at a particular spot is another bit of hassle so far.

[smallfavor]

http://autode.sk/2eKtqgO

[HughesTooling]

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@smallfavor wrote:

There's also an issue of using the joint function to place item instead of the move - it only works on the the ends and center points of targets.  Needing to place something at a particular spot is another bit of hassle so far.

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Have you tried adding Joint Origins where no target's available. See help below.

http://help.autodesk.com/view/NINVFUS/ENU/?guid=GUID-D1A77DB8-8E42-4BEA-82DA-F51B39635DC0

Mark

[TrippyLighting]

Also remember that you can apply an offset in XYZ  with any joint allowing you to join things in rather arbitrary locations.