Using Pierce

[Ralph2]

I am trying to learn SW 2007 on my own through tutorials and manuals...
If.. I make a circle > then insert > curve > helix /spiral: Then.. insert > reference geometry > plane > normal to curve:
Then on that plane draw a circle... loft ? extrude? sweep? ???

How do I get it to follow my helix? My manuals talk about using "pierce" as a relation but it is not available. Seems that "somehow" I need to get the center of my circle tied to the end point of my helix. The "pierce" property makes sense in that regard.. but how..?

Specifically, eventually, I want to draw a trapezoid thread in a hole, but am using a simple circle as a simpler start to the process??

Thank you for your time
Ralph

 

[TheTick]

Select the helix and then select the circle centerpoint. Pierce works w/ a point from the active sketch and a curve or edge from outside the sketch that intersects the sketch plane.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

While the circle sketch is still open, Ctrl select select it and the helix. The Relations Manager should appear and the Pierce relation should be available.

 

[Ralph2]

Thanks..
But for some reason (obviously I am doing it wrong) selecting the helix and the circle in the relations manager shows no options available.
In playing around though I am able to sweep. As eventually I want to cut this shape I wonder if I am even on the right track.
What feature would one use to "cut" along a line like a helix?

 

[TheTick]

The relations manager ("Display/delete relations") does not let you create the relations. Hit the ESC key a few times and make your selections without any other tools or dialogs open.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

As TheTick said, make sure you select the centrepoint of the circle when making the pierce relation.

"What feature would one use to "cut" along a line like a helix?"
Insert > Cut > Sweep

 

[Ralph2]

Thanks again..
Still can not do the pierce thing.. seems I can not get the center point of the circle. I can only select arc1 (circle) and edge1 (helix) <Grrr>

But thanks to CorBlimeyLimey.. I can do the Insert > Cut > Sweep in a solid so am happy (for the moment)

 

[TheTick]

Tools --> Options --> System options --> Sketch

--> Display arc center points in part/assembly sketches

--> Display entity points in part/assembly sketches

 

[Ralph2]

I knew there had to be something I was overlooking
Thanks