Creating the Lateral Channels

Objective: Learn how to create lateral channels by using reference points, extracting isocurves, and applying Boolean operations.

Creating the Lateral Channels

Start by adding a reference point on the surface:

Go to the Curve tab and use the Point command.
Ensure Osnap is activated with the options Int and End enabled.
Click on the lower part of the seam of the lofted surface.
Move the point 0.5 mm along the seam:

Select the point and go to the Transform tab, then click on Move.
Click on the point to set it as the reference, then type 0.5 in the command bar and press Enter.
With Osnap set to Near, select the seam to move the point along it.
Extract an isocurve from the surface:

Go to the Curve tab and use the Extract Isocurve command.
Select the surface and change the direction to V in the command bar.
Click on the previously created point to extract the isocurve and press Enter to finish.
Split the surface using the isocurve:

Go to the Surface tab and use the Split Refit Surface command.
Select the surface and the isocurve, then press Enter.
Delete the smaller surface.
Offset the larger surface to create the channel:

Select the remaining surface and click on the Offset command.
Change the option BothSides to Yes.
Set the offset distance to 0.3 mm and press Enter twice to complete the operation.
Mirroring the Solid

Before performing the Boolean operation, mirror the solid to create the second channel:
Select the solid and go to the Transform tab, then use the Mirror command.
Set the axis by typing 0 in the command bar and pressing Enter.
From the front view, hold Shift and click on the top of the model to mirror it correctly.
Applying the Boolean Difference

Create the channels using Boolean difference:
Go to the Solid tab and use the Boolean Difference command.
First, select the Shank and press Enter.
Then, select the two mirrored solids and press Enter to complete the Boolean operation.
Result: You now have the lateral channels successfully created.

Next Lesson: Adding Gems to the Lateral Channels