Posts made by MtnArch

I agree with pbacot. I use Chuck Vali's excellent Instant Architecture plug-in but cannot get used to first adding a line across the wall(s) for the head height before I start the plug-in to insert the windows/doors. To Chuck it makes sense, but for me it's an extra step (or two, or three, or ...) that I don't want to do.

You'll need to have both (on sheathing, on cladding) dependent upon what cladding you use.

@medeek said:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/128644708/medeek-wall-plugin/

Added my pledge! Looking forward to this one!!

I've used them on two residential projects: one was used for the foundation only (built entirely on a huge granite rock - lots of ups and downs) and was completed, the other was a three story house with the walls and floors using the ICF's (ready to pull permits and the owners divorced - never built). If you use them you MUST use a contractor who has done them before, or a manufacturer's rep who will come out and train you/your contractor to ensure it's done correctly.

I've been fortunate to see Tower of Power in 1979 and again in 2009. Awesome concerts, each one!

I saved the download of SU 3.0.99 on August 1, 2003; my download of SU 4.0.123 was on July 1, 2004. My first download of SU was on November 28, 2001 and SU 2 was on March 14, 2002!

@medeek said:

Another point worth noting is that a well designed truss or roof is already a thing of beauty, no further marketing gimmicks required.

Spoken like a true engineer!

Added my (continued) support to your Kickstarter campaign!

That's pretty much how it's done down here, and with the detail I sent you it sounds like what you've seen and what we do are pretty close. I would agree, too, that the 2x sleepers rarely have the edge beveled to be in-plane - it takes too much time for the framers to figure the correct cut.

In my neck of the woods we don't use valley sets - where one roof covers the main truss set it is usually stick-framed (usually 2x4's and 2x6's) with what we call 'California Fill' that bears on the main set. PM me if you'd like to see a typical detail.

This is how I do it: after you've logged into your account it should bring up the main screen that has the Plugins towards the bottom of the page. Pick on either one (say, the truss plugin), then when it shows your order number pick on it. At that window it should say "Download Now" at the top - pick that and save the new version to your computer.

I think the CA might be Canadian - someone else may know more than my guess? US pricing is $49.99 each. Well worth the cost!

I'm also looking forward to when they roll out the Affinity DTP (the upgrade from Serif PagePlus)!

Long-time Serif user here too - bought Affinity Designer and Photo as well. Haven't had time to get into both yet but looking forward to using both soon!

@medeek said:

What is the typical header thickness between the top of the vent hole and the top of foundation?

What I usually do is provide a solid wood header within the floor framing and suck the vents up tight to the top of the stem wall.

As to size, it will vary depending on the topography of the site, total size of the underfloor area, etc. Also, here in California if you are in the "SRA" (State Responsibility Area, which is where fire protection is provided by state forces such as Cal Fire) you have to use approved ember-resistant vents which are further limiting.

I've had HP plotters (DJ 330 and 450C), and Canon Plotters (iPF 755 and iPF785), and have used HP 1055's when I worked for other architects. I love my iPF785 - ink lasts quite a long time and seems to be a little less per ounce than the HP's, and is reasonably fast for a one-person office. Epson plotters seem to have good specs but have not seen one in action or known anyone with one yet. Check prices online - I found my first iPF755 for $1,800 basically brand new on eBay (an architect going through a divorce who had to unload the plotter he'd only had a month for CHEAP and right away). I traded it in after a couple of years on a new iPF785 that included a 36" color scanner - one of the best purchases I ever made.

I work with a contractor who normally builds spec homes, and he LOVES exposed heavy beams and trusses - I vote yes!!

Love it - I'll purchase them when they're done!

Thanks Nathaniel - much appreciated!

Make sure that you offer those of us who renewed (but paid the full boat price since the renewal process hasn't been implemented yet) a refund of the extra dollars or some other goody (maybe apply the overage to next year's upgrade fee?).

The problem isn't so much that they don't come along often, it's when they DO come along you need the tool NOW! I don't normally design dual pitches either but up in the Sierra Nevada mountains (in the snow) it's done quite a bit.