In Part 2 of our SolidWorks part modelling series, we continue building the steering knuckle model and introduce some powerful modelling techniques to remove and duplicate geometry efficiently. While the first video focused on adding material using Boss-Extrude and Revolve, this stage of the process is all about subtracting and refining.

The core feature introduced in this video is Cut-Extrude—a tool that removes material based on a sketch. But the way we use it here brings in some useful techniques that go beyond basic usage.

Cut-Extrude: Subtractive Modelling Essentials

Cut-Extrude does the opposite of Boss-Extrude. It removes material in the direction defined by the feature’s settings. In this case, we use a simple rectangular sketch, but instead of defining its dimensions absolutely, we reference existing geometry. This parametric approach ensures the cut scales automatically if the part size changes—ideal for designs that may need revision later.

We also explore using 'Through All' in both directions as the end condition. This ensures the cut will always completely penetrate the part, regardless of any size changes. It’s a great example of building resilient, adaptable models.

Open Sketch Cuts & Direction Control

Not all cuts require a closed sketch. The video demonstrates how an open sketch—composed of lines and arcs—can also define a cut. In this scenario, it becomes critical to pay attention to the cut direction arrow, which shows which side of the sketch the material will be removed from.

You can toggle the direction using the arrow in the viewport or the ‘Flip Side to Cut’ option in the properties. This type of visual control is especially helpful when working with asymmetric or directional cuts.

Mirroring: Save Time, Stay Consistent

Rather than duplicating effort by creating a second cut on the opposite side of the part, Mirroring is used to replicate the feature across a plane. This keeps the model clean and ensures changes to the original cut automatically apply to the mirrored one.

Mirroring also extends to Boss-Extrude features. Later in the video, after sketching and extruding a boss on one side of the part, we mirror it to the other side, maintaining symmetry and reducing manual work.

Preselection: Speeding Up the Workflow

A great tip introduced in this video is Preselection—the process of selecting geometry or features before launching a tool. This can save time, especially when using tools like Mirror, where multiple selections are involved. Selecting the plane and feature beforehand ensures that the mirror preview is immediate and accurate.

The video also shows how to recover from a missed selection by manually activating the correct selection box, which is handy if you're navigating via the feature manager.

Sketching on Faces & Shift-Selection

Until now, all sketches were made on planes, but SolidWorks allows you to sketch directly on flat model faces. This becomes useful for creating features that need to align with existing geometry. In the video, a circle is added on an internal face and dimensioned to be exactly 1mm from a straight edge. The tip here? Use Shift+Click to select the edge of a circle rather than its centre—small detail, but incredibly useful for precision.

Wrapping Up

By the end of this video, the model is beginning to take its final shape. We've combined cuts, mirrors, and smart sketching to add complexity and depth. In the next and final video, we’ll finish the part by adding holes, fillets, and chamfers—so be sure to watch it when it drops.

🎥 Make sure to watch the full video to see these tools in action—the visuals tie everything together and show exactly how SolidWorks responds as you build. If you missed the first video, you can watch that as well. And don’t forget to subscribe if you’re following the series!