taoist

FYI, The Custom Stair tool is still with us in VW 2019. Left click on Down Triangle at bottom of pallette's Hover and it will say Utility Menu At the bottom > Customize Go to + All Tools Simple Stairs Curved Stairs Custom Stairs Alternate go to Tools Menu > Workspaces > Edit Current Workspace or you may make a copy, then alter as you wish. This way you will always have original workspace. taoist

Here is a link to 3rd party stair parts using Vectorworks to create. Being a residential home designer/estimator, these parts are just what the doctor ordered. We should already have these. Current limitations of what is given us for options is conceptual at best. Should have Custom Tab for adding or selecting railing profiles. https://www.newenglandstairworks.com/cad-models/ taoist

Here is a link to 3rd party stair parts using Vectorworks to create. Being a residential home designer/estimator, these parts are just what the doctor ordered. We should already have these. Current limitations of what is given us for options is conceptual at best. Should have Custom Tab for adding or selecting railing profiles. https://www.newenglandstairworks.com/cad-models/ taoist

As a Residential House Designer & Estimator, having the tools listed below would greatly improve productivity. Feel free to add to the list. Wall Definitions 1. Option for corner boards, quoins, etc.. Currently we must create these. 2. Wall components with vertical and horizontal offsets Roofs / Rafters 1. Options for shadow board(s) 2. Options for Gable end returns, Hip, Full Hip with ability to set length and roof pitch. Currently we must create these Openings 1. Header options; size, material, vertical location, placement in relation to wall depth. Jack studs, sill plate(s). Currently no option in settings. 2. Moulding profiles library to change trim on the fly and update. Great for client presentations. Stair Rails 1. Library of rail profiles to choose from and have the railing update. Currently need to create extrude along path, profile, then do the operation. Cabinets 1. Auto countertop cutout for sinks. Maybe has been corrected as I just upgraded to VW 2019. Worksheets 1. Should already have "templates" for takeoff purposes. Think Wall Framer tool worksheets. I am customizing for my needs. taoist

As a Residential House Designer & Estimator, having the tools listed below would greatly improve productivity. Feel free to add to the list. Wall Definitions 1. Option for corner boards, quoins, etc.. Currently we must create these. 2. Wall components with vertical and horizontal offsets Roofs / Rafters 1. Options for shadow board(s) 2. Options for Gable end returns, Hip, Full Hip with ability to set length and roof pitch. Currently we must create these Openings 1. Header options; size, material, vertical location, placement in relation to wall depth. Jack studs, sill plate(s). Currently no option in settings. 2. Moulding profiles library to change trim on the fly and update. Great for client presentations. Stair Rails 1. Library of rail profiles to choose from and have the railing update. Currently need to create extrude along path, profile, then do the operation. Cabinets 1. Auto countertop cutout for sinks. Maybe has been corrected as I just upgraded to VW 2019. Worksheets 1. Should already have "templates" for takeoff purposes. Think Wall Framer tool worksheets. I am customizing for my needs. taoist

Mike, As far as the need to set floor joists per floor as you go is a good thing being that if you set all floor joists to same size, and one needed to change the sizes, that would require editing. However, in your defense, should have option for making this universal, or at least asking if stay with same or need to change. taoist

Vectorworks wall framer tool is in dire need of an update. It has not changed for as long as I can recall. I will admit it has been awhile since I have posted anything. I will look into the opening options, ( doors, windows) and see what is available. I design new residential houses and do the estimating. We use other software, so I have something to compare Vectorworks against. I have recently purchased VW 2019. Prior to this update been using VW 2013. List of suggestions, please feel free to chime in. 1. Need to have option for number of jack studs supporting header. Based on opening width, is a great place to start. Be able to edit any opening for framing changes 2. Option for window sill jacks 3. Option for number of framing sill plates 4. Option for where to locate the header (under top plate, or on top of window) it's depth, and material. ( Dimensional, LVL, etc..) 5. Option for plate at bottom of header 6. Option for jacks to support header from shoe plate or from sill plates. 7. Options for how to frame exterior corners, 2 Stud "L Corner, Double stud (currently have) 'U" Corner, etc.. 8. Options for partition wall joins. Blocking between 2 studs, Stud on flat, etc.. 9. Worksheets to be able to account for all of this. Regards, taoist

Hello everyone. Good thread on stairs. Yes, I miss the old style of stairs also. Have not seen any since I lived in N.E. For what it is worth, Here is a site for stair parts for Vectorworks. http://www.newenglandstairworks.com/cad-models/ Rod

Hello all, Wondering if anyone has residential framing worksheets from sill plate to interior trim they would like to share. In other words, complete takeoff. Any tips, tricks or help would be great also. Just getting started in this arena. Look forward to the responses. Am willing to help to learn explore this. We could take a very simple model and then proceed from there. Say a ranch 1,000 square foot Vinyl, carpet, hardwood flooring Asphalt/Fiberglass shingles Stick frame or truss roof Corner boards Vinyl or clapboard siding Concrete or Block Foundation Double Hung Windows Painted drywall interior Door & Window casings Interior Doors you know, the usual full blown list of what it takes to build a house turnkey. Look forward to the selections. I am sure we will have suggestions for the minds at Vectorworks. Remember, today's solutions are tomorrows problems. Rod

Wes, Thanks. It has been quite a while since I have used any of these tools. The wall framer needs serious work. To me the wall framer should pick up the opening settings; As far as floor framer, last I recall, no option for sill plate, bridging, floor sheathing. New 2015 and 2016 roofing tool seems to have gotten better. Thanks, Will be busy. I always start with small simple project. If can't get that correct, wont get large one either. Rod

Hello all. What is procedure for framing the model? We do residential new home and occasional remodeling. I currently use Vectorworks for Modeling purposes. That is to say, show 3D model without needed framing. Do I need to use different design layers for framing? IE: Floor Joists Rim Joists Wall Framing Rafters I need to do framing as well as takeoffs. I hope those in the know will read this thread and help with needed information. Need to get up to speed on using Vectorworks framing and takeoff abilities. Thanks, Rod

Luv, http://kbase.vectorworks.net/questions/508/Using+Section+Viewports+to+Create+Live+Sections+and+Interior+Elevations See if this helps Rod

Pat, Thank you so much! Rod Gave me another idea I will have to try. Thanks again

OK Thanks. Pat, Then this is for you.

Tim, Video runs for 15 seconds then stops. All i see is intro. Nothing on technique. Can you make sure you have video that is complete and repost. Wall moulding video runs fine. I have not looked at the others yet. Thanks, Rod

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I have downloaded the suggestions. Will be interesting to watch and implement. Many Thanks, Rod

OK. Great to know. How does one handle openings that span beteen 2 stories or levels? Have that wall section as 1 wall and set top of wall to be at same height? EX: 2 story home. 2 Story foyer. That is to say, when enter home, Foyer is 2 stories (1st and 2nd level) tall. Make sense?

Tank you for the reply. Well, I guess so much for BIM !!! How do they expect us to design using BIM principles when we are not given the tools. I have no experience with reporting matrials in Vectorworks. I do not know if planes and solids will report what I need. My guess is no. This is really a very weak area that should have been addressed some time ago. Guess the powers that be decide otherwise. Oh how I wish I had time to spend time with the powers that be and show them other products (CAD Software) that already oes this, and has for years. I guess they figure walls are only horizontal components. Thanks, taoist

I am still using version 2013. Have they given us the ability to do vertical stacking of wall components when creating/defining walls? Ex: Stone or brick on lower portion of wall and stucco or siding on upper portion of wall. Is there a real comprehensive list of the changes/updates other than what they show for online? I have downloaded the 2016 Demo, Have not installed yet. Anyone have any answers on this? Thanks,

Sills are exterior, Stools (stool cap) are interior. At least that is the way in US

Benson, Yes the wall framer tool is woefully inadequate. Definately needs a major overhaul. As far as #4 depends on your needs. Are you needing to show the framed walls in plan and elevation (panel) views. I myself never use the wall framer tool. It just does not meet my needs. You could creat details to show how you want it framed. I would have to play around with the tool and wall styles again to see what is / isn't possible. Wish I could be more help.

Do you have a drop box account?

I for one appreciate the work involved. Keep up the good work !!!

9 I believe.

They were in a previous version of VW. I have the library but it is too large to post here