I can only sketch in one plane??

[basalt]

HI guys,
I am just starting out in solidworks and am trying to draw an allen key as per this link
Tutorial #8: How to create allen key | SolidWorks Tutorials
The problem I am having is in step 7, I select the sketch and "normal to" and it takes me back to the front view, I am unable to draw the hex on the top view. I am selecting my views from the toolbar as they don't show up in the design tree as shown in the tutorial.
How do I sketch in various planes?
I know this question is very basic so thank you for your patience.
I managed to draw this allen key last week, but can't do it now, SW won't let me draw a hex in any other view except the front view.
Frustrated, if I can get past this I will go back to the basic tutorial where I was before I jumped ahead.
Thank you for your time.
Colin

[ger21]

I think you need to create a new sketch first. A 2D sketch can only be on a single plane.

[broby]

Have you followed the instructions EXACTLY?

To display the "Standard" planes you need to "Show" them. To do this right click on any item at the top of the tree and select the "Hide/Show Tree Items..." this will show you the "Systems Options - FeatureManager"
On the Right hand column, third item down is "Default Planes" change the setting to "Show". Click OK and htis will show the planes in the Design Tree.

Step 6 is telling you that you need to select the TOP plane and create a sketch on this plane.
What this means is that you click on the "Top Plane" in the feature tree and then select the Sketch tool, this will be the LH Icon on the flyout menu.

This will open a sketch on the "Top Plane", but the plane will be shown on screen in the last position that it was positioned at.

The Step 7 is telling you to rotate the view so that it is "Normal" to the screen, i.e. you are looking directly onto the plane.

Step 8 is telling you to create the HEXAGON shape at the "ORIGIN".

Since the first sketch you created was also started at the "Origin" you will end up with two sketches located from the Origin.

You should now be able to complete the tutorial without problem.

Hope this helps you.
Regards
Brian.

[basalt]

Brian,
Thank you for your help, the planes were hidden, after spending hours yesterday beating my head against the wall, I got up this am, read your post and made the part in about 3 minutes. Thank you so very much for taking the time to analyze my problem. I would also like to thank CNC Zone for being the one place I can go to for answers, I tend to get lost looking around the web for tutorials, forums etc.
At first I was reluctant to post my problem here because it was so basic. Thanks again to both Brian and ger21 for your help.
Colin

[broby]

Colin,
There is no such thing as a "Basic" or "Dumb" question, just a question that YOU do not know the answer to..
The only time I believe the questioner to be "Dumb" is when I see them doing something really stupid because they were too ... scared to ask the "Basic" question of how?
Everyone has to learn sometime and this is where this forum is so helpful in this regard.
Cheers
Brian.