In the last post in this Cabinet Configurator Tutorial, we added a new work plane, created the Plan sketch, then created the geometry that represents the plan version of the face frame. In this sketch, all geometry from front to back that is constrained to the projected points –such as the face frame, will not need dimensioning. The projected points will smoothly update to any changes in the parameters that dive the geometry they were projected from. Any geometry drawn front to back however, will require dimensioning.
We left off the sketch with the face frame constrained to the points that were projected from the elevation representation of same –which automatically gives it it’s thickness dimension. Looking at the Status Bar, you can see there is one dimension needed, which is the width. If you click and drag either of the ends of the sketch, you can drag it to a new width. Create a new parameter named Overall_Width, and give it a value of 36”. Dimension the front-most line with the new parameter, and you will have a fully constrained sketch…
We may as well finish up the face frame by adding the stile representations at this point. They are represented as two vertical lines that are coincident with the front and back lines of the face frame. You will need to create a new parameter for each one, and as before, we will use the Face_Frame prefix for sorting reasons. Name the two parameters Face_Frame_Left_Stile_Width and Face_Frame_Right_Stile_Width, and give them both a value of 2”. Apply the dimensions using these parameters by first clicking the stiles vertical line, then the end point of the front line on that particular side…
…with that done, you should have a Fully Constrained sketch. The next thing we will sketch is the back. Just draw a Two Point Rectangle of any size somewhere behind the back-most projected point…
The black color (at this color scheme) of the rectangle denotes an unconstrained condition, which, if you have been paying attention, becomes blue when constrained. Since the face frame is centered on the origin, we shouldn’t use the center of the lines when constraining them to the projected points –it will cause an overconstrained condition down the road.
To constrain the rectangle, get the Coincident Constraint tool from the Constrain Panel, and click on the bottom-most line –then click the second from the back projected point…
While selecting the line, if you see the green dot, click somewhere else as that signifies you are selecting the centerpoint of the line. Now do the same thing for the other line constraining it to the backmost projected point…
The Status Bar should read 2 dimensions needed, but it will be awhile before that will happen. The back width depends on the distance between the two sides, which themselves depend on the Overall_Width parameter and how the cabinet is configured. When one (or both) of the cabinet ends have an applied finish panel, the face frame becomes mitered and the setback of the side or sides change. The amount of change depends on the thickness of the face frame. It’s not as complicated as it sounds though –most of the changes will happen automagically 
Zoom in on the right end of the back, and use the Line tool to create a side panel like this…
…then click the Show/Hide all Constraints button down in the status bar (under cursor in image below) to double check that you didn’t goof up. There should be horizontal and vertical constraints on their respective lines, and little yellow dots (Coincident Constraints) wherever a line meets another line…
Hover your cursor over one of the dots to expose the pair of Coincident Constraints. If you hover your cursor over them, the line they are attached to will highlight.
If you find that any of the constraints are incorrect, it can be deleted by selecting it, then right clicking and choosing Delete from the Marking Menu. Then you can add the correct constraint from the Constrain Panel on the Sketch Tab.
If all is well, click the same Show/Hide all Constraints button to shut off the visibility of the constraints. The sides only have two of their own parameters, and we need to create them now. Looking at the Parameters, I decided to rename the Bottom_Thickness parameter to Case_ Bottom_Thickness so that it will sort better in the Parameter List. I then added the parameter Case_Side_Thickness, and for the Equation, click in the field, then click the little arrow that will appear on the right. Select List Parameters, and choose the newly renamed Case_ Bottom_Thickness parameter…
Now add a parameter called Rabbet_Width, give it a value of 3/8”, then click Done to close the Parameter Editor. Add the constraints to the side representation…
Grab a corner (grabbing one of the lines will only allow horizontal or vertical movement) of the side sketch with your cursor, and drag it to a location near the back of the face frame. Notice that the original location will still be visible until you let go of the cursor. Do not touch the face frame –we don’t want any constraints added automatically…
…then get the Collinear Constraint tool from the Constrain Panel, and select the horizontal line that represents the front face of the side, and the line that represents the back of the face frame…
Now create and constrain the left side exactly as you created this one (mirror image of course).
You should be able to drag the sides from side to side, but not up and down. The next set of constraints for the sides are somewhat involved, so we’ll finish constraining them and start on the top nailer frame in the next installment of this Cabinet Configurator Tutorial. Save your file, and just for shit’s & giggles, hit the E key and test to see that all of the loops are closed…
Later.
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