Can't select axis for circular pattern

[TheFerruccio]

I am trying to make a circular pattern about a rectangular prism. Basically, I want to make identical cuts into the sides of this prism. I figured that a circular pattern of 90 degrees would make the 4 cuts I need.

So, I created a sketch that consisted of an axis that ran through the center of the rectangular prism.

Upon starting the circular pattern, no matter what I do, the feature properties refuse to accept the that I sketched as a valid axis. I've tried creating 3-D sketches, 2-D sketches, and the only things it wants to take as an axis are the real edges of the prism. However, I do not want to pattern about the edges of this prism. That would just create a circular pattern floating around one of the quadrants.

If anyone knows a solution to this dilemma, I would be grateful.

 

[TheFerruccio]

Additionally, when I try the "bodies to pattern" (if I have the extrude as a separate body and do a subtraction), it lets me select the sketch, but only the entire 3-D sketch, and not just the axis on that sketch. Thus, it seems to just pick an arbitrary axis through the sketch on which to take the circular pattern.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

There is definitely something strange with that file.
If I suppress your 3D sketch and create a new one it works fine.
If I create a 2D sketch, the pattern is created at perpendicular to the line.

Your 3D sketch has also been "corrupted" somehow. Maybe by your use of the sketch points to locate the line.
The 3D sketch should consist of only the line to be used as the axis.

But overall it would be easier to simply create a reference axis.

 

[TheFerruccio]

I've had such a thing happen more than once, and it seems repeatable on the installation of SolidWorks we have here. But, thanks for the suggestion. I'm now using a reference axis, as suggested, and things are working much better. I suppose the nuances of this installation seem to prefer just creating an axis as a feature.