3D Modelling: Working Planes and Creating Simple 3D Objects

[Michael Siggers]

Hi

 

So, I have a small project where I need to model an Extractor Hood to house an Extractor.

 

With my recent posts and determined to get to grips with Vectorworks, I would like to pose a question about 3D Modelling in Vectorworks.

 

I have managed to create the basis for the Extractor Hood, as can be seen in the attached Vectorworks File. Slightly annoyingly, the Architect wants a curved front and sides. My Initial approach is to create half and then Mirror it. So far so good. I have managed to create half the curved surface using various 3D Solid Tools with Shelling being the last.

 

The next hurdle is creating the 'Ribs' will I am proposing will provide the support.

 

So the approach has been this;

 

1. Extract the internal Edge from the curved front. Initially I extracted the Surface as a Nurbs Surface, the extracted the Edge as a Nurbs Edge, before realising I can extract it as a Polyline/Polygon. Initially when I extracted it as a Nurbs Curve and then converted it to a Polygon, it changed the orientation and dumped it on he ground plane.
2. I then proceeded to model the 'Rib' shape on the ground, composed the elements to create a polygon, then extruded it, then rotated it so it ended up standing how I wanted it. I could then move it into position. All this involved quite a lot of changing of orthographic views.
3. Then, once I discovered that I could extract the edge as a Polygon instead of a Nurbs Curve, I thought great, I can move it to one side, draw the remaining shape to create the surface, extrude, then move back in place. However, because this was effectively just a curve floating in space, I could not use the Polygon (5) tool to draw in 3D as it kept drawing on the ground plane, even though I was clicking on the ends of the curve. I had to change to a side orthographic view. I did try and use the 3D Polyline which let me draw the shape, but I could not create the required surface.

 

I have attached the file which has a spare Polygon/Polyline ready to create the shape I need. I would love if anyone could show how this can be done as I definitely feel that I am missing something as I should surely not have to do so many clicks and view changes to draw this shape.

 

As a comparison, I have attached a short video from Sketchup showing how I can drawing the shape from the curve very quickly, without having the change views, toggle Working Planes etc. I've got to be missing something in Vectorworks and help would be appreciated. I am determined to try and stick with Vectorworks, but at the moment, everything seems so long winded and painful.

 

Kind regards

 

Mike

 

 

Cooker Hood.vwx

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

Can you post a picture of what you want to make?  

 

How you make this may or may not be the same in VW's, but it should be simple enough.

[Jeff Prince]

41 minutes ago, Michael Siggers said:

As a comparison, I have attached a short video from Sketchup showing how I can drawing the shape from the curve very quickly, without having the change views, toggle Working Planes etc. I've got to be missing something in Vectorworks and help would be appreciated. I am determined to try and stick with Vectorworks, but at the moment, everything seems so long winded and painful.

 

You need to learn about Working Planes in Vectorworks and stop trying to force Vectorworks to behave like Sketchup.

Your angst will go away after that.

 

 

 

[Michael Siggers]

2 minutes ago, Jeff Prince said:

You need to learn about Working Planes in Vectorworks and stop trying to force Vectorworks to behave like Sketchup.

Your angst will go away after that.

Hi

 

I'm not trying to make Vectorworks behave like Sketchup, I'm just wanting to make sure I am not missing something as my impression at this stage is it seems to be long winded.

 

Thank you for the video. I do get the Working Planes approach and have some set up already. I'd be interested to see how you would do that if that existing object was not already there, which was conveniently located to create a working plane where needed.

 

Mike

[Jeff Prince]

3 minutes ago, Michael Siggers said:

I'd be interested to see how you would do that if that existing object was not already there, which was conveniently located to create a working plane where needed.

 

If you are starting from 0 with no geometry, you just draw on the layer plane or create a working plane to suit your needs.  The working plane tool allows you to set one wherever you want or use existing geometry to orientate to.

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

Fast forward to 15.10.  It shows how to create a hood scoop on a car from a hood that is already modelled.

 

The entire video is all about what you may be wanting to do.

 

 

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

I have some experience in modelling sheet metal components.  If you post a picture similar to what you are trying to accomplish, I am sure it would be quick and quite simple to do in Vectorworks.

 

 

[bcd]

Edited September 12, 2024 by bcd

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

@bcd  Nice work.  Is that the shape for certain.  

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

@Michael Siggers Many of us have completely different methodologies.  One is not better than the other, but the upside for you is that you get the expertise of many users.

 

I am a NURBS person, so I go that route.  Below is a short video that shows three different methods, one shows how to a create hood with four different sides.

 

Others may chime in with another process, there are a few more ways to do this.  

 

 

 

[Michael Siggers]

Hi

 

Apologies for the late reply @VIRTUALENVIRONS and @bcd

 

Many thanks for all the help. It's really appreciated and full of useful information. The information on Nurbs is very useful.

 

I managed to get the initial design done which is basically a Cooker Hood shroud to encase an Extractor supplied by others. Essentially I have had to design an MDF surround which can be decorated to fit in with the rest of the Kitchen Design.

 

It did take me longer than usual mainly because I am still getting used to, and up to speed with, the way Vectorworks works. I have been using Sketchup for so long, it's like second nature to do anything in that software. I am slowly learning all the Vectorworks shortcuts, although I do want to remap a few, such as Shift-M for Move. I'd rather just use M, and make Shift-M toggle Multiple workspace windows.

 

Anyway, getting there slowly but surely. I'm determined to master it as I really like the software. Going to wait a while before I upgrade to 2025 as firstly I don't want to lose any of my settings, and secondly, I want to wait until any bugs are sorted.

 

Mike

 

 

[Michael Siggers]

9 hours ago, VIRTUALENVIRONS said:

I have some experience in modelling sheet metal components.  If you post a picture similar to what you are trying to accomplish, I am sure it would be quick and quite simple to do in Vectorworks.

 

 

This looks fantastic! Just shows how far I have yet to go.

[VIRTUALENVIRONS]

I am 70 years old, have been working in 3D for 40 years.....I am still learning.  There is great info on the thread from everyone...lock and load.

 

kind regards.....Paul