Changes

The full length of the triangle can be found in SolidWorks by adding a dimension to the sketch in which the triangle was drawn. Click the pop-out arrow under smart dimension to see more options, and then select “Path Length Dimension.”  

The full length of the triangle can be found in SolidWorks by adding a dimension to the sketch in which the triangle was drawn. Click the pop-out arrow under smart dimension to see more options, and then select “Path Length Dimension.”  

[triangle_pathlength]

[[File:Triangle pathlength.png|750px|none]]

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Select the triangle to apply the dimension. This will overdefine the sketch; since this is only a reference dimension, make it driven and select the green arrow. This tells you the measurement of the whole triangular path; this should be 12.25 inches.  

Select the triangle to apply the dimension. This will overdefine the sketch; since this is only a reference dimension, make it driven and select the green arrow. This tells you the measurement of the whole triangular path; this should be 12.25 inches.  

[triangle_pathdim]

[[File:Triangle pathdim.png|750px|none]]

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The point of the bend is found using smart dimension again. Select the bottom line of the triangle to apply the dimension; again, leave the dimension driven.

The point of the bend is found using smart dimension again. Select the bottom line of the triangle to apply the dimension; again, leave the dimension driven.

[triangle_benddim]

[[File:Triangle benddim.png|750px|none]]

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From that mark, measure 26.5 mm (~1in) and make another mark. This is the perimeter of the rounded corner. We will find this by using the “Measure” tool under the evaluate tab. Select the curve you want to measure, and the information will appear in the measure pop up box. Measure will give you a lot of information, but here we are just interested in the arc length.

From that mark, measure 26.5 mm (~1in) and make another mark. This is the perimeter of the rounded corner. We will find this by using the “Measure” tool under the evaluate tab. Select the curve you want to measure, and the information will appear in the measure pop up box. Measure will give you a lot of information, but here we are just interested in the arc length.

[triangle_measure]

[triangle_measure]

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Repeat the same markings from the other end of the rod.  

Repeat the same markings from the other end of the rod.  

[triangle_marked]

[[File:Triangle marked.png|1000px|none]]

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Moving on to the hand bender. The hand bender has two pins: the radius pin in the center that sets the radius of the bend, and the holding pin that holds the piece of metal against the radius pin.  

Moving on to the hand bender. The hand bender has two pins: the radius pin in the center that sets the radius of the bend, and the holding pin that holds the piece of metal against the radius pin.  

You are going to position the rod so the first mark from the end is held between the radius and the holding pin. Make sure that the rod is held tightly between the pins.  

You are going to position the rod so the first mark from the end is held between the radius and the holding pin. Make sure that the rod is held tightly between the pins.  

[triangle_align]

[[File:Triangle align.png|750px|none]]

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Pull the handle to bend the rod until the second mark touches the center pin. Then bend it a bit further because the metal has some spring so it will bounce back slightly.  

Pull the handle to bend the rod until the second mark touches the center pin. Then bend it a bit further because the metal has some spring so it will bounce back slightly.  

[triangle_bend]

[[File:Triangle bend.png|750px|none]]

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Repeat this using the marks on the other side. Tie a string to the top, and now you have a triangle! Call the family to dinner or go make some music!

Repeat this using the marks on the other side. Tie a string to the top, and now you have a triangle! Call the family to dinner or go make some music!

[triangle_complete]

[[File:Triangle complete.png|1000px|none]]