Forums >> Revit Building >> Technical Support >> New Orleans_Cast Aluminum Column

NorthLake1

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Hi Folks!

I'm a seasoned homebuilder and Revit novice in the New Orleans area.  I'm using Revit Architecture 2014 and I wanted a cast aluminum column for one of my designs and could not find one anywhere, so I created one that came out quite nicely.  The only problem that I can't seem to figure out is how to draw model lines representing details such as fluting in the curved and tapered faces.  If anyone would like to coach me a bit, open the attachment and you will notice model lines in the lower portion of the column visible in front elevation view...the problem is that is the only view I can see them.  I'm guessing this is because the lines are not drawn in the correct plane?  But I can't figure out how to create a plane around these shapes.

I'd like to post this column for everyone's use once it is correct.

Thanks in advance!

Kevin

Edited on: Fri, Jun 26, 2015 at 9:56:03 PM

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pijpiwo

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It would be nice to be able to pick any surface and draw on it in the project, unfortunately that option is available in mass environment only. If you’re satisfied with just showing lines (vs. real geometry/shape), you can load your column to the mass family and use model lines to draw on any surface with 3D Snapping and Follow Surface options checked. Divided Surface and Path tools will help to be more accurate.

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NorthLake1

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Nice!  That works great; thank you so much.

One other thing I'm having trouble with that's similarly related.  I'm having trouble drawing grids or grills in my windows.  Just a typical residential double hung 1/1 window.  I'm sure it has something to do with work planes, but I've spent hours and can't figure it out.  Say a house has a covered front porch and I need to draw grills in the glass.  I open front elevation or 3D view and Revit wants me to switch to a side elevation view to draw the lines; well I can't draw grills in the side of the window!  The error message I get is "Can't draw because Work Plane is at a very sharp angle in this view". 

Any pointers or youtube reference video you can send my way would be an amazing help.  Promise I won't keep pestering you; this seems to be the only thing I haven't figured out on my own.  Other than that, I've been able to complete several projects entirely.

Thanks again!

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pijpiwo

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You need to set your work plane to the surface you want to draw on and be in the parallel view to that surface or in 3D. However, I would advise not to do window muntins in the project. Create them in the window family and make them as a parametric array, and possibly nested. Take a look at the Marvin window library (link below). They have already done it for us. Muntins could be a 3D geometry (extrusion) as they have it, or just lines if that’s what you prefer.

http://www.marvin.com/support/technical-resources?draw=32

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NorthLake1

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Nice!  That works great; thank you so much.

One other thing I'm having trouble with that's similarly related.  I'm having trouble drawing grids or grills in my windows.  Just a typical residential double hung 1/1 window.  I'm sure it has something to do with work planes, but I've spent hours and can't figure it out.  Say a house has a covered front porch and I need to draw grills in the glass.  I open front elevation or 3D view and Revit wants me to switch to a side elevation view to draw the lines; well I can't draw grills in the side of the window!  The error message I get is "Can't draw because Work Plane is at a very sharp angle in this view". 

Any pointers or youtube reference video you can send my way would be an amazing help.  Promise I won't keep pestering you; this seems to be the only thing I haven't figured out on my own.  Other than that, I've been able to complete several projects entirely.

Thanks again!

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NorthLake1

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Not sure why the same initial reply posted again twice...but thanks again; the help is apreciated.  The Marvin window link is great.  Now I need to figure out how to set the work plane where I need it to be for my future reference; strange as it seems, that one has eluded me.

Have a great week Chicago!

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pijpiwo

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See this.

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NorthLake1

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Tried that but was still doing something wrong...probably up working too late with crossed eyes.  Anyway, went back to the project this morning and figured out I was trying to select the wrong plane.  Thanks!

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