I am not a wizard in the weldments aspects of SolidWorks, but I have a couple general questions? Is it required to use the 3D sketch to create the "wireframe" of a weldment feature? I have a product that I would like to produce on the top plane because all of the various standard structural members would align on that plane. Also, I have some sheet metal parts that need to be added to the weldment assembly, multibody part. What are the best practice methods of accomplishing this?
First of all welcome to solidworks forums.
answer to your question about weldment well its nothing that you have to use 3D Sketch normal 2D Sketch will also do the work,just make sure you use Library Features for best use of the weldment feature.
You can also insert parts into the weldment and use mates to position the inserted parts.
Actually this works with any part, it doesn't necessarily have to have the weldment feature.
http://help.solidworks.com/2012/English/solidworks/sldworks/c_weldments_overview.htm
You use 2D and 3D sketches to define the basic framework. Then you create structural members containing groups of sketch segments. You can also add items such as gussets and end caps using tools on the Weldments toolbar.
For more information about weldments, see SolidWorks Tutorials: Weldments by clicking .
You can do all of your weldments with 2D sketches if you feel like creating planes all over the place. After you get your weldment done you can add sheet metal as you normally would.