Reshaping walls in VW2009

[bc]

Why can't the reshape tool reshape walls to create vertical edges?

I want to cut a rectangular notch in the top of a wall. Even though I am snapping to objects and the objects and curser indicate I am snapping to them the result is still not vertical. It is off by about .039" in 4 inches.

I have achieved the desired results by "fitting walls to geometry" on another layer, but I was just wondering why walls cannot be reshaped manually with the reshape tool to create a vertical notch?

Thanks

[mike m oz]

bc that is just the way it is. I've asked the question and have never had a satisfactory answer. Its obviously possible because as you point out "fit walls to geometry" does it. Manually though the best you can get is 1 mm.

[bc]

thanks Mike...one more tidbit to add to the list?

I realize that walls can be reshaped better in VW2010. One could probably just subtract a volume? But does the reshaping issue still remain in VW2010?

[Jonathan Pickup]

if you want to easily subtract a volume from a wall, but keep it as a wall, make a symbol of the object and add it to the wall. you might have to fiddle with the 2D representation to get a satisfactory plan, but it would be quick to add the holes.

[Jonathan Pickup]

i don't seem to have this problem, I can create holes with vertical sides. maybe you haven't got the right snaps turned off, or turned on....

[Jonathan Pickup]

have a look at this blog

http://archoncad.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-can-i-re-shape-top-of-wall.html

[bc]

JONATHON,

I don't get the action the blog suggests. Following your instructions I get what is shown in the attached file below after step 6 or so.. If I look at that from the side I notice the apparently vertical side of the v-notch is not really vertical. It is off by a little bit.

Zooming in one finds that in Picture 5 below a rectangle that started out touching the top wall peak is apart from the bottom peak.

What should my settings be?

Thanks

Edited June 11, 2010 by bc

[propstuff]

i don't seem to have this problem, I can create holes with vertical sides. maybe you haven't got the right snaps turned off, or turned on....

The cursor cues *say* that it's vertical,and it looks vertical

but as mike and the others have said, it's not actually.

1mm out

N.

[bc]

Indeed it is not. And I submit it doesn't even look vertical in elevation.

Seems like it is in the tool and they have just not prioritized it.

It is part of the 80% syndrome I often refer to...and what's riled Christiaan and others to the point of being beside themselves at times. I agree with Christiaan most of the time. What keeps me going is that we get 80% for less than half price...and I only know a fraction of the program. Some issues are so infuriatingly lacking in foresight and so apparently engineer induced I want to....well, whatever.

There IS flexibility in VW and there ARE work-arounds but I am getting weary. So much so I want to call it:

Vectorworks-around. Or Vextorworks maybe.

The over-riding consequence for NNA, however, is that I am reluctant to recommend the program. And as you know, I am still on VW2009.

I would be willing to pay more to get more. It would be great if I could compare it to Archicad and not be laughed at for these kinds of silly issues...if I could say look, you get most 95% of Archicad at a 25% savings and you can model too!

This would seem to be the way to increase market share but the majority must be satisfied with the status quo. Or at least they are at NNA.

Anyone care to add their 2 cents?

Edited June 11, 2010 by bc

[Kevin McAllister]

After a long time of being a Vectorworks champion (since Minicad 5), I am finding myself starting to agree. I have just completed an entire project based on a 3D workflow and using Sheet Layers to detail it. I've used many architectural tools (ie. walls) that I've never spent much time with in the past. While I think the workflow has great merit, the number of frustrations I've encountered have been greater than ever before. With tools that feel ill thought out or incomplete, a disorganized interface, a few bugs, and too many workarounds now part of the workflow, I'm beginning to look around to see what else is out there. It's very disheartening and frankly it should just work.

My two cents....

Kevin