Can I change the work plane of a existing family element?

[Nic M.]

Now I have two elements in a family, one is created on the correct work plane and flex when the type parameter chages the other does not.

I know I can change the element start / end paramater to move the position of the existing element and lock it to the correct work plane, But I want to keep these parameters for later reference.


It would be nice if in sketch mode we could change / select a diferent work plane.
Or am I'm missing something abvious

[gnl]

I don't understand your problem...
Yes you can change the workplane while in sketch mode, just select workplane from the toolbar and pick the new one.
Or maybe that isn't the correct answer ?!? :?

[Nic M.]

This is true when creating a new element, but can you also change the workplane while editing an existing element?

In the tools menu there is a "work plane" heading but when in sketch mode the option to "set work plane..." is greyd out.

[David]

Nic,

I have also found myself wishing to change the work plane for a piece of geometry within a family, but after it has been created. A example that has surfaced is in parameterizing an extrusion depth, or depths. e.g. frame width, sash thickness, etc.

[Nic M.]

Par exemple

when I make a window family,
- I sketch the frame
- draw a reference in the middle of the frame (in ref. level) to position the glass
- switch to exterior view to sketch the glass but forget to set the correct work plane

so now I have a window family where the glass is incorectly placed in the window frame
I know i can correct it by dragging on the blue dots and arrows
I realy would like the glass on the right work plane just so that all family's have the same setup

I have tried to: select the glass click edit sketch/ select all lines / Cut/ now you have the oppertunity to select a different work plane / and paste

Sometimes this works, sometimes I get a Hell of errors


Now this is a simple example to clarify where I'm after
:? maybe it's only that silple in my mind

[Vincent Valentijn]

ah.. yeah I see your problem. I'm afraid you're right to think that you just -can't- adjust the workplane of a geometry in hindside, only by redrawing it.
This is a mayor irritation indeed, it leaves you behind with having to redraw things or .... one other option (which you found if I'm reading your post correctly) and that's to simply keep the workplane and change your geometry's start/end of extrusion to meet your demands (enter it in props or drag the blue dots as you said)
Being able to switch workplanes (simply by being able to change it in props, a pullout list with planes and a pick plane option would be fine) is a great entry for the wishlist Nic, you have my vote!

[David]

To change the work plane for an extrusion in a family, Copy the object to the clipboard, set the work plane, delete the object from the family, then copy align. The object will be on the new plane. I have tried this with families, but doesn't seem to work with in-place families.

This method is from Wai at support.