Took me a while to realize that I must manually create a plane at end of the curve, it’s not part of the sketch feature definition. I did see that if the curve is selected when new sketch command is started it will create a plane for me, but which end of the curve seems to be up to SW.
Anyway, now I’m in a sketch that’s normal to a curve at a point but how can I constrain a sketch element to the inherent pierce point? Majority of the time that I’m sketching on a plane that’s defined as normal to a curve at a point the only logical reference point is the pierce point. I could explain how to do this in SE off the top of my head without even seeing it. Incase my question is poorly explained I demonstrate what I’m thinking using SE with a quick random shape.
normalToCurve.gif
OK, if you are trying to sweep a round shape along a curve, then solidworks has an easy step.
Just select the curve, and select circular profile.
image.png
However, if you just used something round as an example, and your real shape will be more complex, then you can use planes.
image.png
Alternatively, if you wanted the sketch plane somewhere along the curve, you will have to create some sort of point there to place the plane on. Either a reference point or a point from another sketch.
Then, after sketching on the plane
image.png
Is this what you want?
Profile shape was just example, I should have used a square. I got the plane added. Problem is; in your last screen shot I do not get “make pierce” option, only Anchor. That is what I’m trying to find.
normalToCurve_SW.gif
I see it now, thank you. My bad. I don’t see any warning or error message in SW. I’m assuming you tried copying my helix table into SE and that’s where you got the error message? We have SE 2019, looks like you’re newer.
After fixing the self-intersect everything better. I should have known to look for that. I guess I was spoiled to SE error. I’m on fence about letting the software try to solve, but would like if it informed me of my error.