Locating problem entities

[davidinindy]

I am trying to creat a winding groove on the face of a plate. I created this sketch by drawing the centerlines, then offsetting the outer profile in both directions. It keeps showing an error message that it's unable to offset one or more entities. The groove profile looks exactly like I want it, except i can't get it to cut into the plate.
Also, is there a way to pinpoint where the problem entity is when using the "what's wrong" feature?

 

[TheTick]

If your centerline is a spline, you can not offset a spline in the same sketch that the spline is created in. You need to start a new sketch to be able to offset a spline.

The limiting factor for offsetting any entity is the minimum radius. If the offset distance exceeds the minimum concave radius, the offset will fail.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

It's impossible for us to visualize the groove you trying to cut from the info you give. Can you be more specific? What do you mean by "drawing the centrelines, then offsetting the outer profile"?

Are you trying to use a Cut-Sweep along a path or an Extruded-cut perpendicular to the face?

Try turning your centrelines into a Composite curve before offsetting.

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

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[davidinindy]

OK, to clarify... I drew the centerlines using lines and arcs. I then offset them in each direction to creat the outer edges of the groove. I do have radiuses in the corners. I tried the extrude-cut perpendicular to the face. I will try the cut-sweep next. I also am going to try to create a composite curve of all of the lines and arcs.
I'll let you know what works.
Thanks

 

[MadMango]

Like Tick said, I think you have a situtation where one or more of your inner radii are too small.

Try going to Tools>Sketch Tools>Check Sketch for Feature to see if anything comes up.

Ray Reynolds
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