Joining Polylines to make a single 3D Polyline

[cargo33us120260]

I'm drawing conduit runs on a floorplan. Because the layout changes *daily* (grrrrr), I'm finding it easiest to draw the runs with plines, give them an elevation and then once everyone is happy with the layout, I sweep them with circles.

But when I have to offset the elevation, I have to join my 2 segments with 3d plines, and then I have 3 sections to sweep. Is there a way to join all of my segments into one thing so I can just sweep the whole thing at once?

For instance:
I draw a pline 30' long. I give it an elevation of 10'.
Break it in two.
Drop one of the sections to 9'.
Draw a 3Dpline to connect the 2 endpoints (now it looks like a Z when viewed from the side)
Grab my 3" circle, and sweep each section separately.

Is there a quicker way?

TIA
cargo
using plain Acad 2007

[jaberwok]

If you're ignoring bends you can simply draw a 3dpolyline over the existing (2d) plines by snapping to ENDpoints.

[.T.]

I'm drawing conduit runs on a floorplan. Because the layout changes *daily* (grrrrr), I'm finding it easiest to draw the runs with plines, give them an elevation and then once everyone is happy with the layout, I sweep them with circles.

But when I have to offset the elevation, I have to join my 2 segments with 3d plines, and then I have 3 sections to sweep. Is there a way to join all of my segments into one thing so I can just sweep the whole thing at once?

For instance:
I draw a pline 30' long. I give it an elevation of 10'.
Break it in two.
Drop one of the sections to 9'.
Draw a 3Dpline to connect the 2 endpoints (now it looks like a Z when viewed from the side)
Grab my 3" circle, and sweep each section separately.

Is there a quicker way?

TIA
cargo
using plain Acad 2007

Hi cargo,

Maybe have a look HERE (http://www.freecadapps.com/swdetails.php?page=category&value=ACG-LSP&orgvalue=ACG&review=1406&rowcolor=ffffcc) and HERE (http://www.dotsoft.com/polylinetools.htm). There are some 3rd party apps that will join 3d Polylines. I haven't used them, though, and I don't know if they would be faster than what John recommended.

HTH

[cargo33us120260]

Both are good ideas. I'll them out and see which works best for my situation.
I was just worried there was a simple command I didn't know about!

Thanks for the help!

cargo

[mmccarter]

The routines in timcrearys first link does not join 3d arcs (arcs drawn where end points and mid points have different z values).

Due to the brilliant restrictions our IT department has put in place I can not comment on the second link as I can not view anything at dotsoft..

The routine we use here at our place to join 3d polylines is called "pedit3d". A quick google search should find it.
It is worth noting that it will create a series of straight faceted lines in place of an arc though and also that because it recreates the lines and leaves the original it is probably worth doing an "erase" "previous" immediately after the routine is run to keep your drawing tidy and the file size down.

[cargo33us120260]

Thanks, I'll google it.

My issue with the 3d plines is that I can't give them a thickness (can I?). The thickness is useful during the layout process and helps me keep up with what i have where. I suppose I'll just have to find a way of making notations for myself to keep up.

[dzatto]

Thanks, I'll google it.

My issue with the 3d plines is that I can't give them a thickness (can I?). The thickness is useful during the layout process and helps me keep up with what i have where. I suppose I'll just have to find a way of making notations for myself to keep up.
You could give assign it a line weight, then use the LWT toggle to show it or not. That may help ya.