Solidworks Structural Member question

[damcard]

I am using Solidworks 2009. I am just a hobby user. I am trying to do a 3d sketch and weldments to start my frame. When I choose structural member using square tube, it only lets me do it with 2, 3, and 4" sizes. Can anyone tell me how to choose a smaller square tube?View attachment structural member.jpg

 

[Miles]

My only experience using Solidworks was 11 years ago.........

Maybe this will help:
http://help.solidworks.com/2010/English/SolidWorks/sldworks/Weldments/Weldments_-_Creating_a_Custom_Profile.htm
http://help.solidworks.com/2010/English/SolidWorks/sldworks/Weldments/Weldments_-_File_Location_for_Custom_Profiles.htm

 

[damcard]

Thanks Miles. That is exactly what I was looking for. I really like Solidworks because it is a lot cheaper to make mistakes there than in the actual frame. I am really slow though. -David.

 

[bzhwindtalker]

yeah I really like it also! simpler than any 3d app I try, and functions oriented rather than polygon. I designed my trike frame using it :wink:

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=17847

you plan to make an ebike frame?

 

[Miles]

SolidWorks is great but I can't justify the expense, for my business, so I use Alibre.

 

[damcard]

you plan to make an ebike frame?

Part of one. I am designing a new front portion for my Racelink. I want to design a cavity for the batteries and go from a mountain bike to more of a standard upright seating position. It will take a couple weeks at least to get my design right. I haven't had a lot of time lately, but my gf is pushing me to get it done so I get all the bike parts out of my living room. -David.

 

[Salix]

You can also make the parts manually to define a part to be any size.

1.Select the profile you would like to sketch onto, then draw up the frame shape (top view most likely)
2.Then smart dimension this piece to any size you would like.
3.Exit the sketch
4. Extrude this piece to the length you desire.

If you require curves in your frame, use a sweep method, and not an extrude.