djnelson75

I am glad to see that Vectorworks is starting to incorporate more 3D capabilities. Now I can place a 2D steel profile on workplane which is nice. Although there are a couple issues that I don't understand why they work like the do. 1. If I convert the 2D steel shape to a 3D object, the new shape gets put into the model perpendicular to my view. Who ever thought that this is be a great function should be downgraded. Obviously if I place a 2D steel shape on a work plane, then this is where the profile should be and if I convert it to a 3d object it should be perpendicular to the work plane regardless of how I am looking at it. 2. If I set my work plane, then try and place a 3D steel shape it ignores my work plane and always places it vertically.

This is basically what I ended up doing. Either that or place a 2D profile and then convert it to a 3D element. Then I can set Length. It seems like it would be much easier if the 3D tools actually recognized the active work plane. Thanks for the other responses I will have to check out the plugin.

I am trying to model a 3d Steel Connection and still have grasped the use the of the 3D standard shapes under the detailing palette. How come when I place a 3D bolt or angle it always comes in the top plan no matter what I have my work plane set to. I would like to be able to switch view to a front view and place an 3D angle with the height going into the screen. Is that possible?

Actually I was going to make another post, but I think I will put it here. This is more of a wishlist/rant. Vectorworks really needs to unleash the power of their built in components for 3D modeling. There are many areas that I feel could be improved. The height of columns can only be adjusted through the properties. This means I have to measure the length I want and then input it into the dialog. Why not give me the ability to stretch the height of columns dynamically snapping to other 3D elements. For framing elements allow me to dynamically stretch the length in 3D like you can in the top/plan view. Also allow me to snap the end points of beams to different elevations, easily sloping framing members. Vectorworks has this ability for it's generic extrusions and sweeps, why not extend it the architectural elements as well.

I was refering to steel braced frames. Usually Diagonal steel members in a x or chevron configuration, for lateral stability in a steel famed system. What I am really struggling with is these are easily modeled from and elevation view, but the framing member tool only allows you put members in on active layers top/plan view.

I was curious how are people modeling brace frames. With the Framing member tools, with generic extrudes, or sweeps??? Thanks Dennis

Thanks for the reply, that worked great. I was able to get the lenghts of my extudes. Now I am questioning whether or not a going about my task in the most effiecent way being a new Vectorworks user. I Need to model and schedule some light gage hat channels and J profiles. Since I couldn't find anything like that standard vectorworks tools I was going to just use standard extrudes to model them and then schedule there lenghts through the worksheet. If you have any suggestions on a better way to model these elements I am all ears. Thanks

I am trying to get a handle on worksheets I have been able to create worksheets for predefined elements in vectorworks. Walls, Windows, Framing ect... This there a way to schedule Generic 3D objects. What I really what to schedule the lengths of some extudes I made.

Thanks. That helps a lot.

Another newbie question, so what is the process for exporting a 3D dwg out of Vectorworks, and having the building in the correct location. I tried to export a right isometric view, but my building was all twisted around in autocad.

This would be helpful. As a new user I am struggling with what the work flow is for 2D details. Should you put each detail on it's on layer, or should you put multiple details on a layer and make viewports out of each one. None of the getting started or help menu seem to touch on details at all.

I am going to skip all the digressions and wanted to comment of the original post about manufactures creating Revit content. If you look at most of the Revit content that you can download from say Autodesk seek, you will find that it is nothing more than a family with an imported dwg/dxf. It's not a true Revit object, and there is actually a lot of discussing on Revit forums about wether or not people posting content should have adhere to some standard. That is not to say that everyone is taking the short cut, Simpson Strong Tie is now creating true Revit content for some of their hangers.

I am a new user so there is probably a simple answer that I am overlooking. When using the framing member tool, is there a way to show a label of the size that is link to the profile you picked. For instance if I pick a steel shape that is W24x95 is there a way to have the label report this, so that when I change the profile the label will change. By default the label is set to Bm#. Thanks

Thanks that is what I was looking for. I keep looking for it under the object info palette but could see anything.

I can't tell you a lot about Vectorworks since I am new user ( I will leave that to the experts here) but I can tell you a lot about Revit since I have been working the program for the last 4 years. The downside to Revit is that it isn't flexable at all. All the work that you do has to be done in a plan or elevation view. It's very hard to model in the 3D environment. They made some improvements with the new massing interface but at the same time took away some of the best features of the old interface, so in my opinion it's still have baked. Revit family/type system allows you to easily create simple element with many variations quickly, but as soon as you want to create something more complex it starts to become a pain in the rear. Some of the up sides is it's ability to manage a set of documents, sheet creation, live sections/elevations, the ability to link to 2d details to a section mark, automatically manage and schedule revisions. All things if I am not mistaken you can do in Vectorworks.