Modelling Challenge

[sbrown]

Ok, I know Phil could do this, I can't figure it out can any of you? I also need it done in 6.1 not 7.0. preferably a balluster family or generic model if it cant be done in a balluster family.

[aaronrumple]

I doubt that revit would render enough resolution on the shape to make a 3D model worth it. Small round shapes below about 1" get faceted....

[sbrown]

I agree, however I'm doing a blow up view of the railing only.

[Wes Macaulay]

This is an R7 file, and it shows more or less how it could be done...

[beegee]

Nice work Wes. ( Phil had better watch his back... :) )

[BillyGrey]

Alright, I'm gonna hit the bait on this one:

Hiya, Wes!

Gotta tutorial in the works???

Or, perhaps a succinct, cursory explanation for we
newbs???


:):):)

[Arnel Aguel]

Modelling a free form object in revit is actually quite difficult you need to be a family master ( to qualify as one you need to have at least a dozen kids.... LOL).

Yeah Wes would you mind writing a tutorial for some free form objects for us to learn the in and out of family creation.

Thanks

[mmodernc]

Did Phil Read ever post his or were they only bitmaps?

[Danny Polkinhorn]

Similar to Wes's, in 6.1. I would draft it instead.

[Wes Macaulay]

It's a blend to begin with, then a revolved void to get the final shape. And I can't really take credit for this since it was Phil's earlier expose of how to model Foster and Co's London Swiss Bank that got me going!

With this method you get max 90d per blend; if you need more twist then you have to add more blends one on top of the other. Revolve-void away, and voila.

[Scott D Davis]

I would draft it instead.
Yeah, but now at least I know how to draft it! That would be tough to figure out in 2D from scratch.

[beegee]

Heres a quick procedure. ( Wes can correct any errors )


Create a solid blend from a rectangular profile. Top and bottom profiles identical and at 90° to each other and then vertices twisted.
Rotate / copy that shape 90°
Mirror both solids vertically ( May need some adjusting because blends mirror strangely )
Create a vertical void revolve, with the profile having a cut-out. Hard to describe – See Image ( This sample revolve is made from partial ellipses )

The void revolve cuts the model like two rotating blades, producing the result you see in the earlier images..

[jbalding48677]

Brilliant...

I would have to agree with some regarding the modeling vs. drafting. I think you have to make a decision here on it's use. If you need to show this to communicate/visualize the final design, then modeling might be necessary, but only when at a scale that it actually shows. I would most likely create a "bulb" on the baluster, then spec it from Julius Blum or wherever and be done. If I had to render it, I would keep the "bulb" baluster in the background and swap out for the detailed in the foreground.

We are having the same discussion regarding model vs. draft on some Islamic patterns for a theatre project. Different story for a different time... Although we picked up a copy of HatchKit to assist...

[ariasdelcid]

I think Metanoia is right

[christopher.zoog51272]

Although we picked up a copy of HatchKit to assist...
cool, let us know how it works.

[sbrown]

Well here was my solution prior to receiving all the help. Thank you all, great work.

[Wes Macaulay]

Modelling a free form object in revit is actually quite difficult you need to be a family master ( to qualify as one you need to have at least a dozen kids.... LOL).

Yeah Wes would you mind writing a tutorial for some free form objects for us to learn the in and out of family creation.

ThanksI've got three kids so I guess I count as 25% Family Master :mrgreen:

Free form objects.... whew... it's a case-by-case thing, ya know?? I'll write one after I learn how to predict the future :beer:

[Merlin]

woo-hoo!....I wanna be just like Wes when I grow up!

[Wes Macaulay]

I dunno... Wes often loses his keys... in fact, last AU my boss decided his name should be "Wes's Boss" and my colleagues decided that MY name tag should say "If lost, return to Pacific Alliance Technologies" (I missed my flight last year). There are some days where I wish I was someone ELSE!

[PeterJ]

I dunno... Wes often loses his keys.


Talking in the third person, Wes? I fear you may already be becoming soneone else.