Ron Kwaske

Has this issue been resolved? or, is there a work-around? I've been fighting this for a while.

I do it by classes, and put all existing conditions (including walls, windows, roofs, fixtures, etc) on a class titled '02 Existing Conditions - General'; and I put all demo on '02 Existing Conditions - 024000 Demolition. '

I'm looking for a solution to this as well.

I would make the stairs a symbol, and then create 2d representations on separate classes (lower floor, and upper floor) which you can turn on or off depending on which level you need.

I would manually class all the stamps separately: eg: Stamps-Arch, Stamps-SE, Stamps-PE, Stamps-CE. And then have only the respective stamp class turned on, on its coordinating title block. To make life easier, you could then create a script to turn them on or off as needed.

You would need to class the stamps and signatures separately by discipline. I do the same depending on the state I am working in. You can then either manually turn the classes on or off; or, create a script to do it for you. As mentioned in my previous post, I created a script to turn my stamp(s) and signature(s) off and then turn a 'not for construction' label on in its place.

Thank you!

I don't link my specs to my callouts- I use them for different purposes. - I use the description in the classes (organized by csi) for general material notes and call it out via a custom data tag - I use keynotes organized by csi to provide detailed instruction usually in details and section views. - Finally, I have my specs just as text in a library that I group by section. I manually place and modify them as necessary. I have modified my spec format, still using a 3-part system, but streamlined attempting to make it easier to read. Note that I do not do government work and I am very aware that on small, non-institutional projects, few actually read the specs cover to cover, so I do my best to keep it 'friendly.'

I manually enter the finish on the 'room finishes' tab in the space object. I don't know of any way to get a slab object 'talk to' a space object.

If I have a floor with many different finishes; I configure my slab so that the top finish is the subfloor. Then, I create extrusions for the floor finish and class them accordingly. This method is really advantageous to detail thresholds if you are careful about the actual thickness of the floor finish.

To keep things nice and tidy, and in an attempt to make it easier on the construction end; All of my classes are organized by CSI Masterformat. Within the class, I add a very general description that I can call out via a custom data tag (usually for calling out a material type). Likewise, all of my keynotes are organized by CSI, and I use these for very specific notes to call attention to (usually for calling out a supplier/or equal, or some other minimum criteria, or standard of quality or performance ).

I think it easier to just model the stair system. This way, you have complete control, and, you will have very little detailing to do on the back end.

From my experience; 3d symbols are often best modeled in VWorks instead of importing from other sources (I have found restaurant equipment notoriously bad to import). A properly modeled symbol using 3d solids and, taking advantage of the correct 'show detail' levels will dramatically decrease processing / rendering time.

100% modeled and then turned into a symbol. I've done this for most of my 'stock' doors - both wood framed and hollow metal.

Model it! I do a lot of work with pre-engineered metal buildings - either rehab, or new with unique architectural features. Like timber frame, there is a lot of redundancy, so, I create custom symbols of major components. Be sure to use symbols as much as you can- both for ease of changes; but, also to help manage the file size.