Creating a pocket in an existing model

[Redbull-wings-]

Hello,

I am new to FreeCAD and long out of practice with CAD software. I'm getting back in for the purpose of creating and modifying designs for use in 3D printing and appreciate your help!

First, if you have any basic tutorials for re-introducing someone to CAD I'd greatly appreciate it. I've already watched the MarthamEngineering series which was helpful.

Second, I am specifically trying to "cut" a design into an existing model I obtained from another user. I've imported the sketches and oriented them to the piece but am at a loss on the best way to remove material from the existing model in this shape. My thought was to sketch the design and then create a pocket with the part design workbench but I can't seem to figure it out as it says there is no " active body".

I've uploaded my file

Golf Ball Stencil.FCStd

(125.26 KiB) Downloaded 17 times

and my version number is 0.17. Please let me know if you need more information and I will be happy to provide it. Thank you for your time!

[chrisb]

You don't have really a FreeCAD model, you only have an imported Mesh, probably from an STL. There are several topics and tutorials around how to work with these. There are basically two steps to be performed in Part workbench:
- Create shape from Mesh
- Convert to solid.

Now you can use it as a BaseFeature in a PartDesign Body.

[Vincent B]

I've tried to make your part.
But you should make new the mesh with PartDesign.
https://ufile.io/lleym
Make 2 pockets through all with the sketches (reverse one sketch), because the file became huge with them 10 Mo.

[Redbull-wings-]

Thank you both for your informative replys! I was able to get it to work, exported, and printed in just a few hours. I really appreciate your time!