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John Cruet
Joined: 30 Apr 2004
Posts: 352
Location: Guilford, CT
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 Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:43 am Post subject: My Use of 3D CAD- response to F700ES |
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VectorWorks.
I develop plans which I use hybrid drawing tools, like the wall tools, which project into 3D space according to a preset (or adjustable) height. Once the plans are all done, I then link design layers in a "model layer", and this results in the total design in 3D.
Once on that "model layer" I then set the elevation views, and, in order to develop the elevation in 2D further, I then select the entire model, choose "Convert Copy to Lines", then cut the copy and paste it into its own layer. I can develop sheets by showing and hiding layers and classes which show the information I want to show. It really isn't as complex as it sounds but it allows me to work using one program for both 2D production work and 3D presentation work. All 2D drawings, 3D models are in one document.
As the model in the document remains intact, so does all the information connected with it.
If I mastered the Viewports concept, perhaps it would make work a little easier. But I still prefer to work in sheets (or "views").
_________________
John Cruet
G4/733 w/1028 mb RAM & OS 10.4.10, Classic-free, skuzzy-free (runs PC7)
MacBook Pro 2G Intel core duo 2 gig RAM & OS 10.5.4.
PowerCadd 8, WT 9
Canon iP710 printer
www.johncruet.com |
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fred johnson
Joined: 04 May 2004
Posts: 85
Location: CT
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| Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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John,
I agree with you regarding viewports but since I also use AC the ideas were not so hard to grasp. Come to our next VW user group meeting at CSA office as one of the things we are focusing on intently is the viewport thing; last meeting was a "live" hookup with Johnathan Pickup and quite interesting. |
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 5:09 am Post subject: |
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John - Interesting that you would jump back and forth. I would think it makes your productivity dip when you shift from one program you use 80% of the time to one you use much less. (Making big assumptions here based on the idea that continued focused use on one program makes you more proficient than one you don't use as much.) 
I am using the split of PC and Sketchup, but as BIM becomes more prevalent in the future - I can see myself migrating to Vectorworks. And I think when you don't need all of the features of a program - such as 3D for a badminton court  - you just don't use them. I don't use a lot of the color palettes in PC and I don't like the door and window tools (graphically). Big BIM - Little BIM.
My concern when (big when) I shift to a BIM style program, will I be able to get the quality of drawings I want. |
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fred johnson
Joined: 04 May 2004
Posts: 85
Location: CT
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| Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:28 am Post subject: |
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| I work more or less similar to John except its 80-20, VW-PC/WT, and generally no cross over between programs. I have upgraded to the latest version of VW but not PC/WT as the things I use it for hardly seem worth the updated features. For elevations I had been using a very old little script to generate them automatically, on a separate sheet directly from the model which I keep linked to the model as thing develop before unlinking, etc. and proceeding with CD's. Actually I have seen both John's drawings and completed buidings and have been quite impressed with both. |
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 832
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 7:35 am Post subject: |
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I think most PC users state their preference for the quality of drawings you can produce with the program. It's not a comment of John's work - just to be clear.
I have to think that VW has developed a method to modify the attributes of objects et al to allow you to create the type or style of drawing a particular user would want to have. ie: I have a specific door symbol that I like - the leaf extends past the arch of the swing.... gives it a nice hand-drawing feeling. Old school stuff like that is what i like to add to my drawings. CAD just makes most drawings look sterile. IMHO. |
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fred johnson
Joined: 04 May 2004
Posts: 85
Location: CT
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| Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:14 am Post subject: |
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| In VW you don't so much as "draw" a door with the symbol, as "place" an actual door on the drawing, as the door "symbol" has both a 2D and 3D component. Once the door is placed it can be 'edited" as to size, frame depth & thickness, door thickness, type, casing & style, sill, etc. In plan view just a few of these qualities appear, however in other views, elevation for instance, the casing, actual door appeararance become visible. It is possible to edit some of the inherent graphic attributes of the symbol for either or both of the 2D and 3D components, in terms of line weights, etc.. however I have not found the need to do so as the default appearance seems acceptable and equal to what I get with PC. As to windows, earlier versions had the complete Andersen line built-in as well as custom window 2D/3D tools; I believe the latest version has Marvin built in but I'm not sure if its in addition to the Andersen line. |
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John Cruet
Joined: 30 Apr 2004
Posts: 352
Location: Guilford, CT
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| Posted: Mon Aug 03, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject: |
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| phansford wrote: | | My concern when (big when) I shift to a BIM style program, will I be able to get the quality of drawings I want. |
I've had a considerable amount of success generating the quality of drawings that I want- just staying in VectorWorks.
I had conducted something of a migration away from PowerCadd to VW when PowerCadd went to version 7. Version 7 for me was difficult. And VW had worked very hard to correct the shortcomings in their program.
Regarding the Badminton court, I'll bet I could do that in VW just as well- and have all sorts of object-oriented information about it as well.
_________________
John Cruet
G4/733 w/1028 mb RAM & OS 10.4.10, Classic-free, skuzzy-free (runs PC7)
MacBook Pro 2G Intel core duo 2 gig RAM & OS 10.5.4.
PowerCadd 8, WT 9
Canon iP710 printer
www.johncruet.com |
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