How to offset edges with non co planar edges

spoof

Hey, i love the offset tool, so handy for different reasons, but recently i wanted to offset a set of edges which were non coplanar, no go. The closest thing i could do was copy, past in place and then scale, but it doesn't quite behave in the way i want. Anybody any ideas?

Gaieus

Hi Cormac,

The native SU Offset tool can indeed be used on coplanar edges only. You need the "Tools On Surface" plugin to be able to offset non-coplanar edges, too (but it can do so many, other things!)

TIG

Fredo's Tools on Surface will offset edges onto non-coplanar surfaces [as well as lots of other useful things] -
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=76625#p76625

EDIT: Csaba - you beat me by a whisker !

mitcorb

Welcome.
Perhaps post an image or a skp <~4mb, so that others may offer suggestions specific to your project.

EDIT: I should have known that "Quicksilver" and "Greased Lightning" would get there first.

spoof

Ok very good, quick reply, i think you have solved it for me, but just because mitcorb said so, i will upload a skp so you can see why i am asking the question. The back story is that it is a bunker for a golf model (i am exporting it to unity), i had a 3d outline of the bunker which i used the soap skin plugin to make the base and then i wanted to include a lip around the bunker so i wanted to offset the outline of the bunker. So i have managed to do it but it would have been so much easier to use the offset tool to make the lip (in green). Thanks guys

bunker for golf course

spoof

That tool is dam fantastic. It may prove invaluable as i do allot of work with DTMs and contours and the like, drawing on non planar surfaces is a god sent. Thanks or putting me onto this plugin. This seems to be a dam fine community, i am a sketch up newbe (3 months)..

dylan

It is certainly a much needed set of tools for landscape work imo.

mitcorb

@spoof:
I am glad that TOS was the solution you needed.
I was hesitant to suggest a plugin so soon, since you were posting in the beginner's forum, and I thought if you showed an image, you would get an answer easily done with native SU tools.
It's all good.

Gaieus

Yes, mitcorb is right - I do not want to suggest plugins right at the beginning as one really needs to learn to use SU itself first.
This seemed to be such a specific request however that I could not resist.

spoof

I absolutely understand yer concerns, definitely need to get the basics under your belt first, i agree. Perhaps i posted in the incorrect form as i am not a total beginner. Thanks guys, i am sure that i will be in further touch with ye in the future. cheers

Gaieus

Never mind the place - it really won't bother anyone.