I suspect folks that try making solid models in FreeCAD, using the different approaches often mentioned at CAD sites and their own experience, soon realize there are many ways to accomplish the result.
Many of the approaches are useful and can be further used down the modeling Tree (so to speak). But, not all - some are useful for only a limited follow-on usages.
Determining which approach (Workbench/etc) to use comes from experience of ‘doing it’ and solving the problems posed.
You can mix and use some things/tools from multiple workbenches but, not all… Trial and Error.
I most always prefer to use PartDesign but, sometimes it’s necessary to use another, such as Part.
Good example:
A missing tool in FreeCAD is the ‘Offset’ tool in SolidWorks - I use it often.
The Part wb has an ‘Offset’ tool but, it’s not like the one SolidWorks and it’s use (for me) requires some monkeying around, as seen the example below and there is no Offset in PartDesign:
1) In PartDesign, A Pad feature was created
2) In Part, the Offset tool used the Sketch from the Pad in PartDesign
3) In Part, the Offset is Extruded (cannot use it to extrude in PartDesign)
4) In Part, a Boolean Cut was made from the Pad in PartDesign and the Extrude in Part.
You can see all the visible features and the result.
I could not have done this without having spent time figuring out the ‘Why and Wherefore’ of it not working (and perhaps a few remembered tips from others).
I learned something just yesterday from NormandC regarding reusing a previous sketch (in PartDesign) for another feature without Duplicating it - I just selected the sketch from a Pad and used it for another Pad - simple! Thanks, NormondC
Of course, it can be model in one Fell Swoop having two circles in one sketch...
