Since I had to construct a lot recently under time pressure I noticed how inconvenient the slot feature is at the moment.
- about half of my use cases are to get a slot parallel to or onto an edge or a sketch axis
- the other half is to fit the slot into predefined space (existing sketch points)
None of these uses cases is currently covered:
The PR fixes this by using the center of the second slot arc as second selection point. So when you
- need a slot parallel to or onto an edge or a sketch axis, click onto the edge/axis two times
- need to fit the slot into predefined space (existing sketch points), click first on one sketch point then on a second
Here is a screencast as demonstration:
[merged] PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
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[merged] PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
Last edited by uwestoehr on Mon Jun 21, 2021 10:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
How do you determine the radius? It could be defined by a third click, similar to the creation of an ellipse.
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Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
Also I wonder what is the most "real" constraints set for a slot. Are both arcs equal or both sides parallel?
Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
Pocket slots are used when you mill a groove with the width of the milling tool. Thus the arcs are equal and start/end tangential to the lines.
I also use slots for pads to get 3D-printed beams. Since 90° edges come out too sharp, every 90° edge must be filleted and a slot appeared to be ideal for beams.
Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
I think you mix up the purpose of and the way to get a slot.
Purpose of a slot isn't to be machined with a mill. Purpose is to allow another item to slide in (generally).
So IMO, the important characteristic of a slot is that it's 2 edges are parallel, not that both arcs are equal. Sketcher isn't TechDraw.
Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
I don't see what you mean. Slots as they are have the an equality constraints for both arcs, I did not change this.
What I changed is the second definition point handling in order to speed up the complete slot definition, see my initial post.
If you think the arcs should not have the equality constraint, this would be an extra PR. I will not make this since I am happy with the existing arc handling.
Last edited by uwestoehr on Mon Jun 14, 2021 7:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
That's an excellent answer. I even didn't realize this.
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Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
This looks like a great improvement. Nice work! Personally I'd love to see this merged.
Re: PR #4843 sketcher slot revision
Agreed, I like this change as well.