Locking an X, Y, or Z value when using Find Nearest CAD element?

[Woody S]

I was wondering if there was a way to lock either a X, Y, or Z location when using the "Find Nearest Cad Element" button?

I have a drawing authority that uses locations in two directions to define angled surfaces and radial tangent points. I click a point close, input my Z value. Then I basically have to dial it in; each time I hit "Find Nearest CAD Element" it gets closer, but re-inputting that Z value 3 or 4 or 5 times to lock in on the X & Y at that precise Z value is annoying. If there's not currently that functionality, I'll put it in the Suggestion Box, some parts I end up reclicking the Find Nearest hundreds of times.

BTW, I tried the clickable "Z" box to the left of the Z value, doesn't appear to do anything, certainly doesn't solve my current problem. But since I'm curious, does anyone know what that actually does?

[Matthew D. Hoedeman]

That is what SHOULD do it. Click on the one you want it to find, then click on the 'find' icon (binoculars?)

Never had it work for anything other than VECTOR and SURFACE points.

[Woody S]

Ahh, I see now. so I fill in two values, an X and a Z, leave the Y blank, and click the 'Y' button to the left of the value, and then flick "Find Nearest CAD element", and it leaves the X and Z, and finds the Y. Nice.

That will work fine at 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° around the part, or on a flat surface, but if it's on a radius around the OD of the part (torus), I don't know two directions when it's say approximately 30° around the part.

[Matthew D. Hoedeman]

Still works the same, doesn't have to be on a flat surface. You may have to click on the surface you want, at least close to where you want the point, then do the find thing.

[Woody S]

Yeah, I tried that before I responded, it threw me inches away, because that's where the Y value of the X and Z I had clicked on was at. I need the exact Z value, and an approximate X, but it treats the X as exact too, so the Y is probably not anywhere near where I clicked.

[Matthew D. Hoedeman]

the "find" axis should be the axis with the biggest vector for the final point.