[Plugin] 2D Wall Section Tool v1.1 20110903

[tomot]

I recently completed my first set of working drawing using SketchUp and Layout. This is a 2D wall section tool, which grew out of the need to show more detail in cross sections, particularly once they were imported into Layout. This tool should help users that do working drawings in Layout using wood framed construction.

My first attempt WallSectionTool1.rb served its purpose for a simple transfer of a wall section from SU to LO. However it failed to take into account that sections are also View related. Hence this newer version tries to fill in some of those gaps. Because sections can either horizontal or vertical I have also given this newer version a new name: 2DSectionTool.rb Since the only difference between a wall and a floor section is fundamentally a change in lumber and insulation thickness, I have combined both into one ruby.
Here is a more detailed explanation:

This new 2DSectionTool.rb creates a 2D Vertical or Horizontal Sections, using Standard North American Lumber dimensions. and Architectural Material Symbol.
1. Choose: View (Top, Front, Right, Back, Left) this tells 2DSectionTool's in what view its STUFF is going to be drawn.
2. Click: 2 Pick Points. This tells 2DSectionTool's at what location the STUFF is going to be drawn.
3. 2DSectionTool: Can draw its STUFF over top of existing 3D Section Elements.

2DSectionTool: Can't read your intentions. Be sure to change the settings in the dialog box before using this tool.

"The Default": 2DSectionTool's draws: a 2D Vertical Section using, 2x6 Studs, Dbl. plates, Batt Insulation, with default 1/2" Interior and Exterior finishes, in Front View.

If you choose 2 vertical pick points (one above the other), "The Default" will be drawn, vertically.
If you choose 2 horizontal Pick Points (one left, the other to the right), "The Default" will be drawn, horizontally.
Before using 2DSectionTool, always decide if your Section is going to be a Vertical Section using Front, Right, Back, or Left Views.
Or Horizontal Section, which uses the Top View.

Make the appropriate setting changes first, otherwise you may end up deleting unintended geometry.
2DSectionTool: will also draw walls or floors at any angle. It depends on your 2nd Click, if your 2nd Click is not vertical or horizontal, your section will be drawn at the angle between Click 1 and Click 2.

Example: You may want to Insulate only: Turn Draw Insulation ON, Turn all other Draw functions OFF. Now use 2DSectionTool to Insulate a Rafter Section assembly.

2DSectionTool will also always automatically create a layer named "Layer0section" on which it draws the section stuff, hence it wont stick to any other existing 3d geometry your model may contain. When you have finished using 2DSectionTool it will by default go back to activate Layer0.

Important: If your not using SketchUp to produce working drawing in conjunction with Layout this plugin wont be of any use to you. I'm looking forward for some feedback, I'm not entirely sure if combining both wall and floor section into one tool is better than separating it into 2 parts?
Also depending on geographical location not all exterior walls maybe be entirely of wood construction , in which case there is room to add brick veneer or rain screen principle type walls, to this script.

[mitcorb]

Hi, tomot:
This looks to be an interesting innovation. Hopefully some of the 6 who have downloaded it at this point can provide their thoughts, soon.

[utiler]

Hi tomot, thank you for your generosity. I'm interested in how your working drawings turned out; are you able to post a few images of what you did?

[Edson]

tomot,

first and foremost, thanks for a new plugin! however, the information provided is scant. would you mind explaining exactly what it does? it would be nice if you included pictures and, ideally, a video as many plugin authors do.

[tomot]

tomot,
it would be nice if you included pictures

OK!...done

[tomot]

Hi tomot, thank you for your generosity. I'm interested in how your working drawings turned out; are you able to post a few images of what you did?

yes!...https://picasaweb.google.com/1068664281 ... erAddition

[dtrarch]

Tomot

Very nice and proffesional drawings.

dtr Architect

[jolran]

Yep, Nice house. Will try your plugin as well.

[gullfo]

very nice! i had created a whole set of 2D dynamic components to do the walls, ceilings, doors, windows, etc sectionals. i'll definitely post some feedback.

[tomot]

Tig: Thanks for fixing my link

[redinhawaii]

tomot, nice clean set of Working Drawings. I look forward to trying out that ruby for sections. gullfo, I look forward experiencing your 2d dynamic components.
I just am finishing my 4th set of Working drawings... still alot to learn though, but I am enjoying doing them in SU/LO.
aloha
red

[AcesHigh]

thanks a lot, although wood framed houses are virtually non existant in my country.

[tomot]

thanks a lot, although wood framed houses are virtually non existant in my country.

If you do working drawings, and have an idea for a wall section for construction in your country, I'm happy to have have look at your idea, email me!

cheers!