Overview

More content will be added soon, but for now, here are some quick thoughts:

• Naming should generally not have the version in it. That goes as a property field in the file itself.
• Hole wizard takes a bit of getting used to but is helpful
• Mirror whenever possible (and use the related symmetry)
• Stick to ISO standards
• Shortcuts are your friend (M for measure, D for dimension, C for constrain, and so on). Saves time.
• Use cosmetic threads over actually threading the part - it will make rebuilding and simulation faster
• To make a plane offset from another plane by a set angle, use the define geometry feature and select the plane to offset from and the axis of revolution
• When possible, use a revolved boss/base to start off the part
• Define features relative to a set origin. This makes future edits easier and is what you will want to show in drawings.

Naming/Versioning

When it comes to naming and version control for SolidWorks files, I generally agree with Sean’s recommendations.

That said, I differ in how I assign version numbers. Instead of starting at 1.0, then increasing by 0.1 until there is a major change or the revision is at x.9, I use Semantic Versioning guidelines. Note that if a part has already been machined, it should probably already be at 1.0.0+.

I find that handling version numbers in this way gives you a better idea of what has changed from revision to revision, whether or not different parts will be compatible, and where things are in production.