Symmetry plane frustration

[[Mi...]]

I've had a lot of issues using the Symmetry Plane "special geometry" (not the Symmetry construction).

First, the way to define one according to the manual (i.e., probe 3 point on one plane, then a single point on an opposed plane) has never worked for me. The only way semi-consistent way I've been able to define one is using recall feature points, but this leads to its own problems.

About 1/3 of the time, it reports a plane with the normal 90° from where it should be. As in, I'll probe a plane with a (1,0,0) normal, and a plane with a (-1,0,0) normal, but the resulting symmetry plane has a (0,1,0) or (0,0,1). Obviously, this means the width characteristic (the one I'm usually interested in) is useless. I've tried deselecting the "recalculate nominal geometry" checkbox. I've tried selecting stuff in a different order. I've tried constructing it with respect to a different alignment.

But all to no avail; it seems it always gets "stuck" when applied to some features, and never at all on others.

Has anyone else had to deal with this? I'm still stuck on a 5.4 license, so do these issues go away if we upgrade?

[[Cl...]]

I just scan poly lines on the two planes and recall those points into the symmetry plane. Works fine.

[[Mi...]]

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I usually scan as well, but it seems to make no difference. I'm assuming you're using a newer version of the software?

Also, do you use Recall Feature Points, or just Recall?

[[Cl...]]

Too bad your company won't fork out the extra dough for the software upgrade.
I never understood the rationale behind trying to save a few bucks, and potentially
making things harder for the employees to do their job?