Way to make grooves or reveals?

[pbacot]

but when doing multi direction edges, some of the extrusions are on the proper side while some aren't' and you can't choose to flip them because it will make the same mistake on the other lines.

Exactly!

Thanks for the tips. I keep forgetting to try "shell".

[Pilou]

Seems multiface-offset by Remus + inverse selection by Tig
+ Joint PushPull by fredo 6 can make some tricks in 3 clicks

[pbacot]

right Pilou. I will look at those too. My original approach was that the main form of the surface stays where it is and grooves are subtracted from it. It seemed to me that these grooves should be positioned by single lines, and given standard width and depth input. Buildings and many things are made up with grooves or joints defining every part. The quickest and simplest way is best. Surface lines (edges) can often represent it but co-planar lines in SU do not render and must be added to final images selectively.

[haynesc]

maybe this ? http://www.1001bit.com/pro/1001bit_pro_user_guide.pdf

Goto page 37 ...

[EarthMover]

Thanks Chris. The 1001 bits tool is a great tool, but doesn't quite fit the bill. It just creates grooved via a face select with an incremental offset. We need more of a "engraver" tool that works via preselected edges. Hopefully TIG can come up with something. If he can't do it, no one can.

[cuttingedge]

I worked on joinery company and most of the time offset or copying lines can outline the groove. and do a joint-push pull all at the same time.

Once one groove is outlined, copy or array to as many as required. quick select by doing a crossing in parallel front or side view. then joint push-pull to give it a uniform recess.

this works with curved faces as well.

[rv1974]

Seems multiface-offset by Remus + inverse selection by Tig
+ Joint PushPull by fredo 6 can make some tricks in 3 clicks

Windowizer would do it with one OK click (bonus: material separation)