Cannot select geometry for mirror function

[Anonymous]

Hello,

This is probably a really easy question but I am new to CAD software and my tutorial videos do not work. (Being discussed on a different thread)  I am trying to mirror all the geometry in the attached file but when I open the mirror function I am unable to select any geometry to mirror.  It simply does nothing.  I have mirrored geometry before but it isn't working now.

[JDMather]

I assume you want to mirror the geometry in Sketch1.

In that case, you need to make Sketch1 your active sketch.

When you complete the part - attach it here and someone will demonstrate how it should have been modeled.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Steve,

Like JD indicated, if you want to mirror geometry in Sketch1, you will have to do it within Sketch1. Inventor does not support cross-sketch mirroring. I am just curious why you need to mirror the sketch. Based on design intent, it looks like you want o revolve the shape, right? You can simply edit Sketch1 and close the loop by drawing a horizontal line at the bottom. Then you can revolve it.

Many thanks!

[Anonymous]

Got it.  So geometry created in a sketch can only be manipulated in that sketch?

[johnsonshiue]

Yes! I believe that is generally true. Also, Inventor is history based. You can reference body geometry or sketch geometry created earlier but not later.

Many thanks!

[JDMather]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Got it.  So geometry created in a sketch can only be manipulated in that sketch?

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You could Project Geometry the geometry from Sketch1 into Sketch2, but I doubt that is the best way to achieve your true Design Intent.

Also, you should use dimensions and fully define your sketches relative to the Origin Center Point.

[kelly.young]

Hello @Anonymous I see that you are visiting as a new member to the Inventor Forum.
Welcome to the Autodesk Community!

Thanks for attaching your initial attempt, makes it much easier to discuss and troubleshoot. 

I'm assuming you are tying to Revolve the part and are calling it a Mirror, which is somewhat accurate. 

From the side view the profile is a mirror across the center line but once you get into the third dimension it becomes a revolution. 

Check out the screencast and see if that makes a bit more sense for you.

Hope that helps!

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