pic: 3 CIM WCD Ball Shifter CAD

[Jared]

Originally Posted by Bryce2471

Thanks you! This is useful information.
I will consider these images when modifying the design.
What software did you use for this?

I used SolidWorks with a Simulation plugin. It's a great piece of software for comparing designs and comes with a "simulation adviser" plugin that explains how to use everything.

Originally Posted by Chris is me

Honestly I think it's best practice to design a gearbox as if it was made from solid plate, then lighten after the fact. So the outline of the gearbox is defined by the edge of the CIMs, etc - then remove material. Right now it looks like you're making webs and connecting them, and it's a lot easier to mess that up than it is to go the other way. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

More on pocketing in this great video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGmsnD0KQMs

Here's how I usually do it:
I start with a layout sketch of center to center distances, and use it to make a second sketch with outlines for bolt holes and bearings. Next, I draw in the webs as just single lines, usually between the center of two circles. I use the offset tool to create the outline of the webs. In the same sketch, I also draw the outline of the gearbox and use the offset tool again to give it thickness. Finally, I fillet and mirror everything. How else are people doing it? I really like the method described in the video.

Here's an example of my normal approach:
http://imgur.com/a/gXYzS