Help: Resize Multiple Circles

freddig · 19 Jun 2009, 09:43

Hi All,
I use Sketchup to design electrical panels. Along each outer edge of a panel I will have a series of drilled holes. Sometimes I need to change the size of these holes, but Sketchup will only let me change the radius of one circle at a time; I can't select and resize multiple circles (even if they are all the same size). I've tried the scale tool but it does weird things. I'm I missing something or is there a plugin that might do the job?

Many thanks

ely862me · 19 Jun 2009, 10:02

if u make one hole a component and then multiply it when u want to change one hole will change all of them

Gaieus · 19 Jun 2009, 10:46

Yes, what Ely says. Components have the advantage (beside others) that f you edit one instance in a model, all the other instances (copies) update instantly. Read more about components here .

Note however that though components can even cut a hole on a surface automatically, they can only do this on ONE surface so you may not be able to use them in your particular model above as you'd wish (although there are "workarounds").

freddig · 19 Jun 2009, 13:19

I had tried using a component but as you've said it only cut the hole in one surface. If I created a component from the two circles and joining faces, no hole was cut. I was sort of hoping that there would be a way to change the radius entity property for a multi-selection as you can do for layers. I looked at looks of plugins but nothing suitable.

Regards

Gaieus · 19 Jun 2009, 13:34

I said "there are workarounds" - it's just a matter of consideration whether it's worth investing time into using them or not. In the attached file, there are four instances of the same component (with two, further components nested in each) are placed. As you can see, the bottom faceof the panel (?) is not cut through, just as you also know.

You can however manipulate the "hole" components without any problem; scale them (only along their red/green axes so that the "thickness" won't change) and at the end, if you select all > Right click > Explode, the nested components "regain" their own cutting behaviour and each cuts through a face.

Of course, this should only be done when you are ready with positioning, scaling, texturing - everything that makes the use of a component with multiple instances being edited at the same time "handy".

Hole.skp

Jean Lemire · 19 Jun 2009, 14:07

Hi Freddig, hi folks.

See attached SU file for ideas.

Changing multiple holes.skp

freddig · 19 Jun 2009, 14:14

Hi Gaieus and Jean,
Brillant, now I have two solutions. Some great lateral thinking.

Many thanks for your help guys

Gaieus · 19 Jun 2009, 14:18

That's because we went to the same bar together the first night when visiting Googleplex in Mountain View last year.

Gaieus · 19 Jun 2009, 14:32

How will this resize/update several holes at once, Pilou?

pilou · 19 Jun 2009, 14:37

Seems there is very more easy
I must think of that

pilou · 19 Jun 2009, 14:39

You are more speedy that me
I had writing before to try

Gaieus · 19 Jun 2009, 15:08

He... and you also edited your previous post

mac1 · 20 Jun 2009, 05:40

@freddig said:

Hi All,
I use Sketchup to design electrical panels. Along each outer edge of a panel I will have a series of drilled holes. Sometimes I need to change the size of these holes, but Sketchup will only let me change the radius of one circle at a time; I can't select and resize multiple circles (even if they are all the same size). I've tried the scale tool but it does weird things. I'm I missing something or is there a plugin that might do the job?

Many thanks

As always there are many ways of doing things in SU. Here is another idea:

Establish center point ( guide point) of each existing hole , then delete hole;
Select the center point(s) and make a them component;
Draw the circle(s) you want to use as replacements and make components;
Select the old center point where you want to change circle size;
Using the component browser, select the desired circle you want to use as replacment and then select replace selected
Explode the replacement circles and extrude thru your panel
Not :Make sure you have the insertion point correct else the replacements will not align with desired location

pilou · 20 Jun 2009, 12:10

@unknownuser said:

so must find a plug who convert a selection with some object in group or component
(must be existing)

Yes by Chris Fullmer again at Smustard Loos2groups Modify here
But some work around must be made for my work with the case of the posts above!
Stay connected

pilou · 20 Jun 2009, 13:44

Yep
Not find yet something tricky except the plug of Chris Fullmer
Scale and rotate Multiple
Works fine with different objects in the same times!
Each "hole circle" must be a group or a "components"

The good parameter is Scale about "Center" for the Chris Fullmer plug

if not group or cmponent must find a plug who convert a selection with some object in group or component
(must be existing)yes see 2 posts following

Alas the problem are the "black empty white holes"
So work on a "plan" then push pull it at the end

Workflow can be
Explode all
Select the the up face plane with the holes
Kill inverse selection
Group each Holes (this now is made by hand but maybe will automatic in few time*****) (see 2 post following)
Apply Scale and rotate multiple By Chris Fullmer (center)
Explode all
Push pull

***** Now you can yet make this
Select "holes"
move it in the empty space
Apply the plug (Loos2groups ) = each holes becomes a "group"
Move it at old place