Repeating last action
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Even the placement of the initial component shouldn't require that you move it in tiny increments to place it.
Unfortunately, often authors of components you find in the 3D Warehouse haven't bothered to make them easy to insert with precision. But you can modify the component to make it easily inserted.
This is a joist hanger I drew some time ago. I adjusted the location of the component origin and axes so it could be dropped easily where it is needed without screwing around adjusting its location.
It's also worth learning how to use the Move tool correctly. Although you can grab an entity anywhere with the Move tool, it is best to grab it by a point that will correspond to a point at the destination. That will beat trying to nudge the component into place.
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Great idea, Dave. How would I go about adjusting the location of the component origin and axes if I have a component that needs it? Thanks.
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You can have a look at Daves blog post about this topic here:
http://www.finewoodworking.com/item/41609/component-insertion -
Take a look at this thing I did a few years ago. It should give you some ideas. The key thing is to position the component origin at the same point you'd use as a reference in placing the real object.
For the joist hanger I placed the origin so the inside of the hanger, where the joist would sit, is level with the bottom of the rim joist or beam and at its center. It would correspond to a pencil mark on your real rim joist or beam for centering the joist.
Edit to add: Cotty, you're quick!
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@chessnut2 said:
Great idea, Dave. How would I go about adjusting the location of the component origin and axes if I have a component that needs it? Thanks.
Right click on the component and select Change Axes then click the relevant location and directions.
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@dave r said:
Edit to add: Cotty, you're quick!
Because the question was for you, I thought I can answer with your answer
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before you ask... Turning on component axis will help know where the axis is one comps you didn't make or forgot where you put it.
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Another note that doesn't really address "repeating last action" request. There IS a "nudge" plugin at sMustard. I believe that's the one I've used, though I don't have it loaded now and don't recall paying for it... I think some people doing more intricate or free form models use it more. Since I do more rectilinear work there always seems to be good points to snap or align to.
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Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions. I have saved all of them and am looking forward to trying them out (if I can ever catch up with my yard work). This has been a very positive first experience in this forum, and I appreciate the patience and helpfulness you've shown to a Newbie at sketchup. Thanks. Jim
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No problem... You'll find this community eager to help and very generous. I've seen a lot of forums in my life, this one stands out as a very active and helpful place.
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