# How to cut a separate Notch in a stud or track?

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FoqP5UHJkLVUx7ynb41At%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c5ab45c5-2bb7-40ee-9238-dc8e6be4a8a9" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Prepare the family

### 1. Download the family

1. Choose one of the families below:

*Imperial family:*

{% file src="<https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FlMCSmoIfc8KOztj7cLUY%2FI_SC_Notch.rfa?alt=media&token=32819b01-12f6-419d-924c-7c67ad774ca6>" %}

*Metric family:*

{% file src="<https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FnGuyBipc6UoKcPqrCnaH%2FM_SC_Notch.rfa?alt=media&token=502098ab-13d1-49cd-a929-5f115aa6ec2e>" %}

2. Drag and drop the family into the project.

{% hint style="info" %}
The family is saved in **Revit 2023** and belongs to the **Structural Connection** category.&#x20;

If you work with newer Revit versions, you can easily upload and upgrade the family in your project.
{% endhint %}

### 2. Select the type by CNC machine name

Currently, the family contains types for three CNC machines - **Arkitech**, **Howick** and **Pinnacle**:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FiOsamyLqfKj51loJTLWd%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5698cd0e-df79-4afc-a235-eaba27dd42a5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Each type contains parameter values designed for a specific CNC brand:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F4LpZFcdFT0FU4DI3WcST%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3d71f947-1c7d-4ddf-9881-b23a2c15a9ab" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Warning**: Do not change the CNC Type
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: if the required notch punch name is different from the default NOTCH or you have a specific notch tool name for separate notch cuts, you can change the **CNC Command** parameter value.&#x20;

The value you enter will appear in the exported CNC file.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### 3. Create new type

The default sizes are:

* Imperial: **3 1/2"** (web) x **1 5/8"** (flange)
* Metric: **89mm** (web) x **50mm** (flange)

If you need a new size, follow the steps:

1. **Duplicate** the family type
2. **Rename** to the appropriate size
3. Change **d** and/or **bf** parameters in the type parameters
4. Click **OK**:&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FiIZOp3YEAC76Zugbg5RZ%2FNotch%20duplicate%20type.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=65b3a3e6-9d3a-41b4-b063-6383b4377c8a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Recommendation**: the notch hole size should match your stud profile. For example, if your stud is 600S162 (6" web x 1 5/8" flange), the Notch family type should have these type parameter values:

d = 0' 6"

bf = 0' 1 5/8"&#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Insert manually

### 1. Drag and drop the type

1. Open a **plan view** showing the track component you want to cut
2. **Drag** the family type from the **project browser**
3. **Insert** the notch onto a selected track:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F45vNA8KCcWNql2mBLKKT%2FNotch%20insert.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=0b7d3b23-d86e-4325-bc15-b94b73e1d506" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: the Notch family is a **face-based** family and the selected **stud** or **track** will be the **host**.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Tip**: if you're having issues placing the family, try hiding the wall temporarily.
{% endhint %}

4. Adjust the notch position in the stud or track:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F8GkJrLpihLWQ7WN62iBS%2FNotch%20change%20position.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=9f0bbd57-6d89-47b8-848d-ea43ccf5db1c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 2. Cut a custom-sized hole

If you need to create a **hole** in a track of a **custom size**, you'll need to place **multiple notch instances** adjacent to each other.&#x20;

Some notches may **overlap** - that's because the notch punch has a certain size that is already set up in your CNC machine.

For example, if your notch size is **1 5/8"** but you need a **4"** hole, you'll need to insert three notches and some will overlap:&#x20;

1. In the **plan** view, draw the boundaries of the 4" hole on the track (recommended)
2. **Insert** holes&#x20;
3. Align the holes with the boundaries using **Move** tool

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F8J82oPsNTEPgGyHiqCGC%2FNotch%20multiple%20intances.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=b1c0eaae-d287-4211-8143-e1722ce93719" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the exported CNC file, the notch command locations on tracks will match the <mark style="color:red;">red crosses</mark> at the centers of the family instances:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2F7STtGWVjr7PA08ZUDOt5%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f5b52eb8-5f54-4ed9-88f9-41199f9a1db6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 3. Adjust the instance parameter values

Adjust these parameters for each inserted notch

* Framing Layer = Frame
* Framing = Wall&#x20;
* Framing Member Mark = any combination of letters (e.g. HO)
* FM HostMemberSortMark = \[instance **Mark** parameter value of the framing **host wall**]
* \#bf = **bf** (flange) type parameter of the notch host track (C+C\_CH Plate)
* \#tf = **tf** (thickness) type parameter of the notch host track (C+C\_CH Plate)

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FfF6eaejY4OroIgRH3t6y%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=eae8bde1-6864-4492-91d0-f27fcabda939" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 4. Number elements

1. Navigate to **Wall+M**
2. Click on **Number Elements**
3. This command will input the data for the **FM Sort Mark** parameter:

<figure><img src="https://239424168-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqtUsszuAWXIZhQhrvjnb%2Fuploads%2FU8MyPAECh1gvv43UE5Dw%2FNotch%20number%20elements.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=1496bc76-c2b6-4e24-8b4e-27b341394620" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Warning**: Number Elements command will renumber all **Structural Framing (studs, tracks, etc)** and **Structural Connections (angles, anchors, etc)** in the entire project.&#x20;

If you don't want to renumber all other elements too, you can enter the values into **FM Sort Mark** manually.
{% endhint %}

***

{% hint style="info" %}
If you can't find the answers you're looking for, please [contact our support team](https://helpdesk.besmart.software/support/tickets/new).
{% endhint %}