Drawing Wires

[TIG]

Unfortunately although the SKP downloads just fine the 'path' for the wire is not seen !
Another try ?

Or even easier... draw the desired path of lines and arcs, then use my Weld tool to make the selected parts into a continuous curve path, and then use my PipeAlongPath tool on that selected path to specify a 'pipe' size to be extruded [and remember that a cable is only a pipe with no central 'hole' !]

http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=TIG-weld
http://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=PipeAlongPath
...

[ntxdave]

@tig said:

Unfortunately although the SKP downloads just fine the 'path' for the wire is not seen !
Another try ?

Yes, it is not seen. That is the problem. I am having problems drawing the path. That is the part I need help with. I was fully expecting to use the Weld tool to connect lines. I am just having a problem drawing curved lines in 3D.

I thought maybe you would be able to click on the images and seem them larger so you could advise me.

[gilles]

BZ tools:

[pilou]

you can also make a volumic grid for click on it with the "bezier" curves of Fredo!

[Dave R]

As Pilou suggested, draw a box to help with placement of a Bezier curve. Or you can draw straight lines in the general path of the wire and use Bezier Curve to create a path for TIG's Pipe Along Path.

BTW, we need to get you making components on a regular basis. Too much loose geometry and too many groups in this model.

[ntxdave]

Thanks guys, you helped me a lot. I had kind of thought of that but had not tried it yet. Still a little "playing" to do but you got me on the correct track. I am not sure I fully understand how you did the box and drew the lines with it. I just drew straight lines and then converted. Got to experiment with various types of Bezier so I learn the difference in the types of curves/lines.

Yes, Dave, you have taught me the value of components instead of just groups. This was an old piece of equipment and I had done some exploding before I started playing with the additional items that needed to be added. I promise I will "clean it up". I need to go back and do that for a bunch of my equipment (which I do have stored as components).

When I get this one worked out the way I really want it to be, I will post a rendered version and you guys can set me straight.

Once again, thanks to all of you. I felt pretty stupid in asking the question. Should have gone with my gut but hope others may take something away from this as well.

[ntxdave]

OK - I did some more messing around and wanted to let you see some progress. A little hard to see but there are actually 2 cables there (one is red, the other is black).

While I am not 100% satisfied, but it is a start. Will try some more messing around tomorrow if I get a chance.

As you can see, this was done with the alpha version of Enscape......

[Dave R]

Good work. You wanna come wash my car?

[ntxdave]

Thanks Dave - I really need to play with the Bezier stuff more so that I understand better what each of the tools does. Need to go find a good tutorial that will help me learn.

At least it is a start.

[Dave R]

I think Fredo did a PDF with some documentation on using the various curve tools. I could do a demo if you want although not tonight. The sand is almost all down in the bottom.

[ntxdave]

One last image as I continue to tweak the details a little. Think this is all for this piece of equipment though.

@DaveR - when I finalize this piece of equipment I promise I will go back and convert most of the groups to components. Some of the groups may stay as groups inside the appropriate component.

I have one more MAJOR task before I go start updating my equipment/component library though. I want to set up a library of standard colors/materials/textures that I apply to all of the equipment so that the frame, brushes, and other common elements are the same in each component. So, I need recommendations in how to clean up the mess I probably have in my library. In particular for layouts/models where I have multiple pieces of equipment I want to eliminate duplicates color/material/texture instances (hope that makes sense). I think I have seen a thread once before but was not able to find it that gave some steps & tips on how to accomplish this. Hope someone can point me in a direction.