Railing Tool for baseboard/mouldings

[tsw]

I've been searching for a better way to model baseboard other than the usual Extrude Along Path method. Using the Railing Tool, you can get to a solution that's fairly workable. A few advantages over the EAP method: 

• Uses a 2D symbol for the moulding profile so you can update the baseboard for an entire project if it changes
• Can be set by Object Style, making universal changes easier (textures, line weights, classes, etc.)
• Using Guardrail-Frame settings and appropriately classed components, you toggle between a high detail 3D view and a simplified version for elevations
• Easy to reshape (including skirtboards on stairs)
• Query lengths to include in a worksheet if needed

 

It won't cut around doors automatically and I haven't figured out a way to easily do window/door trim. Also requires some fussy one-time setup if you want to have a matching simplified representation. Other than that, it seems to work quite well. Examples in the attached file.

 

Baseboard Example.vwx

[E|FA]

I like your workaround idea of using the railing tool for baseboards.  

 

There are two third-party plugins that might be of interest:

• https://fitplot.it/vwplugins/mouldings.html
• https://plugins.andreafacchinello.it/baseboard/

[Andy Broomell]

On 7/8/2024 at 7:39 PM, E|FA said:

• https://fitplot.it/vwplugins/mouldings.html

 

I use this one and it's been a game-changer. (Thanks Paolo!)

 

Makes you think about what the EAP tool should really be in the first place!

[DBrown]

On 7/8/2024 at 9:45 PM, tsw said:

• Uses a 2D symbol for the moulding profile so you can update the baseboard for an entire project if it changes
• Can be set by Object Style, making universal changes easier (textures, line weights, classes, etc.)
• Using Guardrail-Frame settings and appropriately classed components, you toggle between a high detail 3D view and a simplified version for elevations
• Easy to reshape (including skirtboards on stairs)
• Query lengths to include in a worksheet if needed

Great idea!!!