Creating the Central Channel for Setting

Objective: Learn how to create the central channel for setting stones by extracting curves, splitting surfaces, and using Boolean operations.

Creating the Central Channel for Setting

To begin creating the channel, we need a reference point on the surface. Go to the Curve tab and use the Point command.

Make sure the Osnap option is enabled with Int and End selected. Click on the bottom part of the seam on the lofted surface to place the point.

Once the point is created, move it by 0.5 mm along the seam.

Select the point.
Go to the Transform tab and click on the Move command.

Click on the point to set it as the reference.
Type 0.5 in the command bar to move it precisely by 0.5 mm.

With Osnap and the Near option enabled, select the seam to guide the movement.
Extracting the Isocurve

Now, we will use the Extract Isocurve command, found in the Curve tab, at the point we just created.

Select the Extract Isocurve command.
Click on the surface.
Change the direction to V.
Click on the previously created point, and press Enter to complete the command.
Splitting the Surface

Switch to the Surface tab and use the Split Refit Surface command:

Select the surface.
Select the extracted isocurve.
Now, the surface is split into two parts.
Delete the smaller surface.

Creating the Offset

Select the larger surface, and click on the Offset command.

Change the BothSides option to Yes to create an offset in both directions.
Enter 0.3 mm as the offset distance.
Press Enter twice to complete the command.
Performing the Boolean Difference

To create the channel, we will use a Boolean difference:

Go to the Solid tab and select the Boolean Difference command.
First, select the shank and press Enter.
Then, select the offset surface we just created and press Enter to complete the Boolean operation.
The central channel is now created.

Next Lesson: Preparing the Channel for Stone Placement