Scaling uniformly using VCB

Gaieus · 22 Dec 2007, 05:15

Phil,

Just start your scaling operation and then type the values (do npt click into the VCB).

Note that with the Shift key you can modify uniform / non uniform while with the Ctrl key the scale about opposite / scale about center options.

In this case you'd need a uniform scale about the center.

You can either type in the ratio (0.8 in this case) or the correct measurement (400mm) but followed by the mm otherwise it will become 400 times larger.

With the side grips it is also easy to snap to an inference point while with the corner grips it is not (or even impossible? I never managed to...)

Finally, I hope you don't mind me moving this thread for this tutorial forums are really for finished, "destilled" tutorials...

philem · 22 Dec 2007, 05:31

I don't mind you moving this thread, sorry I put it in the wrong section.

I have followed your advice, but, the top pf the column resizes off centre, how do I get it to resize concentric about the middle?
thanks again.

Gaieus · 22 Dec 2007, 05:35

By pressing down the Ctrl key while doing the operation. (You cannot enter anything into the VCB while pressing the key but right after you release it and enter the value and hit enter, it will jump there).

Gaieus · 22 Dec 2007, 05:41

Here is the link to the scale tool guide:
http://download.sketchup.com/OnlineDoc/gsu6_win/Content/D-Modification_Tools/ModTool-Scale.htm

Rodentpete · 22 Dec 2007, 14:31

@gaieus said:

By pressing down the Ctrl key while doing the operation. (You cannot enter anything into the VCB while pressing the key but right after you release it and enter the value and hit enter, it will jump there).

You learn something new every day! I've spent so much time trying to ctrl/center to the right value, now I know I don't have to do it manually, yeah!

Howard leslie · 22 Dec 2007, 15:57

Philip,
I've created a tutorial for you:
See
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=3439
2 Methods
...
Hope this helps

Howard L'

Jean Lemire · 27 Dec 2007, 17:30

Hi Philip, hi folks.

See attached SU file for ideas.

I used one of the side handles with the SHIFT key and the ALT key together to get a scale about the center AND a uniform scale along two axis at once.

That is on a Mac. On a PC you would use SHIFT and CTRL.

Tapered column.skp

philem · 28 Dec 2007, 07:03

@jean lemire said:

Hi Philip, hi folks.

See attached SU file for ideas.

I used one of the side handles with the SHIFT key and the ALT key together to get a scale about the center AND a uniform scale along two axis at once.

That is on a Mac. On a PC you would use SHIFT and CTRL.

Hi Jean,
Thank you for the tutorial, but I must be missing something,
I made a copy of the profile on sheet one, then followed your directions,
But (and this is where I am missing something) Every time I let go of the Shift and CTRL keys (PC) tp type in the dimension, the red scale handle that is on the center disappears to the outside and when I type in the figures the model scales only on one axis.
What am I doing wrong?
thanks
Philip

Gaieus · 28 Dec 2007, 09:47

Philip,

Just keep the Shift+Ctrl buttons pressed when starting the scale operation then release everything, type and hit enter.
Like with most of the actions in SU, you can enter the values into the VCB immediately after the operation (in this case scaling) and not only during the operation.

philem · 28 Dec 2007, 11:08

@gaieus said:

Philip,

Just keep the Shift+Ctrl buttons pressed when starting the scale operation then release everything, type and hit enter.
Like with most of the actions in SU, you can enter the values into the VCB immediately after the operation (in this case scaling) and not only during the operation.

Thanks Gaieus

It started to make sense, and it also worked, thanks for taking the time

Philip

kwistenbiebel · 10 Feb 2008, 01:48

Sorry to dig up this old one...but is it possible to do a 'Copy+ scale uniform around center'?
Basically I need to offset an object to the centerpoint while scaling the coby down.
A box in a box so to speak....(in my case no box but car windows I need to make double glazed)

Is that possible?

Gaieus · 10 Feb 2008, 02:13

No, with the scale tool you cannot perform copying (like the linear and radial arrays with the Ctrl^Move or Rotate tools).

I know what you mean because I have played around with boat hulls and when I wanted to make thickness to the tediously created mesh, I obviously didn't want to stitch all those beziers together again.

My workaround in this case usually is that I make a Ctrl+Move copy somewhere out, scale the new copy (carefully choosing which direction, about opposite point or center etc. I scale it) and then move it back.

Now however there is this great script "Joint Push Pull" by Fredo that can help you (although I succeeded to screw it up with a hull but that was most probably my fault )

I have made this shield (and also its edges even thicker) with this script. On that path I could not have used the Follow me tool so finely. I guess if your glass is not too curvy, it must work pretty well.

GreyHead · 10 Feb 2008, 06:38

You can do Copy, then Paste in Place and scale the new copy - I think that has the same effect.

Bob

Gaieus · 10 Feb 2008, 10:18

True but make sure you group the geometry prior to it since otherwise it will simply merge with the original.

kwistenbiebel · 12 Feb 2008, 02:24

Thanks Greyhead and Gaeius for the tips.
the simple copy and 'paste in place method' worked like a charm.