Twisted Bar

Hella

Hi,

Help! I'm trying to model metalwork for garden pieces; things such as gates or outdoor chairs.

I've been trying to create a twisted metal bar without much luck and I was hoping (praying) for some advice. I've found a few models in the Warehouse but I really need to be able to make my own.

The typical dimensions for the steel would be 25mmx5mm (+ length) or square bar 10mmx10mm (+ length).

This is an example of what I'm trying to do.
example

Thanks

DreadedOne509

Hello!

Using the Protractor tool you can 'twist' one end of a 'bar'.
You will probably need to join two or more 'bars' to get the desired
affect though.

I'm new to Sketchup so am not familiar with available Ruby scripts and plugins
but there are probably some out there that will do the trick as well.

Gaieus

You mean the Rotate tool not the Protractor?

Indeed this is the technique however. Eric (Boofredlay) has a nice tutorial on this but the tutorial section of the site is under construction at the moment.

So basically the procedure would be:

Use the PushPull tool with the Ctrl button to create sections in the bar.
select the end, place the rotate tool to the middle and rotate a bit.
repeat the operation as many times as needed (the more tiny rotation, the nicer twists
remove the inner edges created with the Ctrl+PusPull tool
In any case, if you deal with such things, you would make good use of the drawmetal plugin.

DreadedOne509

Yes, the Rotate tool, sorry.

Was also thinking that depending on what kind of outcome you desire, some interesting
affects can be had with the Make Spring plugin. At work where I don't have access
to it's proper name.

charly2008

Hi,

another variation is the use of Curviloft and Perpendicular faces. Have a look at the link below:

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=29374#p256385

Charly

Hella

Many thanks all!