[Plugin] Bolt Maker (Final Update 7-Feb-2012)

[sdmitch]

Hi sdmitch,

Is it possible to expect other kind of head such as Phillips, Torx, countersunk?

Another thing could be to give an entry field for length as screws normally match to standard lentgh. I suppose it would be very difficult to embed lengths table....

Regards,
Alain

As the name implies, Bolt Maker makes bolts not screws. I'll leave that one for someone else.

[Ken]

Great Plugin. Would it be possible to keep the tool active with the setting so one could install a line of bolts at numerous construction points, instead of having to make the selection again and again. So if I had 5 areas that I wanted this type of bolt, and these areas had the same requirements, I could after making the first bolt, just select the next 4 construction points and make the same bolt at all the construction points.

Thank you for this plugin

Ken

[sdmitch]

Ken, That seems like a reasonable feature. I'll investigate the possibilities.

[sdmitch]

Bolt Maker X offers an additional bolt location option for situations where non-rectangular components/groups are envolved and a repeat option to allow the placement of bolts of the same specification.

[raineysky]

Thank You Sam

[Michaelv]

Awesome! Here is some Mac testing.

Couple little things, see picture:
When the bolt length is across a profile, it adds a big length of thread. Whether I use location or offset.
If I use offset with the cylinder it doesn't work too well, but you know that and it is why we can now use absolute location and that works great.

In the mac option box, the size is very small when implemented like that, so the option "Locate by offset" yes/no becomes "Locate by" yes/no, I suggest "location" Offset/Pick (see PM)

[sdmitch]

The problem with the "thread" is the shape of the bottom group. The bolt has to go in and out of the group twice and does not find the faces in a top down order thus causing the problem. I am aware of the problem and I'm working on it.

[Michaelv]

OK thanks

[sdmitch]

To all Bolt Maker users: Bolt Maker XII - The final edition has been posted. It corrects the problem with multiple entry and exit point on any given group or component. It even allows and handles non-parallel faces. A fixed length option has been added so that bolts that do not require a nut can be placed. Check out the updated tutorial for further clarification.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bw8zdmaKDWIfZDdkNWM5OGEtMDZiMC00NTYxLTkyODMtY2NkY2ZmYmI1OGJl

[raineysky]

Thank You, Thank You. It works great!!!

[small08]

Outstanding Sam,thank-you for moving this forward!

[utiler]

Very nice work, Sam. Your ability to structure a script for easy interpretation is wonderful...!

[Ken]

Sam

Thanks for a great plugin that does everything required to add bolts to a project.

And another thanks for writing plugins that are easy to follow, allowing me to gain knowledge from your scripts.

Ken

[jonorman]

I`m stunned... This is way beyond my expectations

[jpalm32]

Wow!! What a time saver. Thanks.

[bmike]

very nice...
just tested it and it will come in handy for my timber to steel connections.

i did notice that if bolt 2 components together, it will update all components in the model with the holes, regardless of if those components were part of the bolt assembly. small niggle, and something i can work around, for sure.

nice work!

[sdmitch]

Of course that's the nature of components. Editing one changes all. Before using Bolt Maker, right click on each and choose "Make Unique". Groups don't have that problem.

[EscapeArtist]

Very nice plugin. Thank you!

[bmike]

Of course that's the nature of components. Editing one changes all. Before using Bolt Maker, right click on each and choose "Make Unique". Groups don't have that problem.

agreed.

wonder if there is code that can make only the components selected when running the plugin unique, or have them downgrade to groups...

but, nice work.

[ksor]

OOPS!!!! Sorry Bolt Maker fans. Dispite what I thought was adaquate testing, I found a problem while playing around with the plugin this morning. It has been corrected and a new copy posted.

Hi younger brother !

You say it's the file is updated but where is the updated file placed ?

[TIG]

Most logical authors put the current file download-link on the first post in the tool's thread.
So look there.

It's quite easy to add a link to that very page in the post announcing the update - see most of my scripts' threads...

[ksor]

Most logical authors put the current file download-link on the first post in the tool's thread.
So look there.

It's quite easy to add a link to that very page in the post announcing the update - see most of my scripts' threads...

I allready HAVE that file - so it's OK !

But normaly you can't place a new posting as the first posting i a thread - right ?

You have to EDIT the first post

[TIG]

Correct - the author owns the first post [usually where the first download link as given]... so he can edit that post later if the script is updated.
So if the file changes he updates the script on the first page and the thread's title to suit.
The Plugins Index 'sniffer-dog' spots titles starting with [Plugin] and also notices any changes to them for version/date etc so the index is auto-updated...

[guanjin]

very nice...
just tested it and it will come in handy for my timber to steel connections.

i did notice that if bolt 2 components together, it will update all components in the model with the holes, regardless of if those components were part of the bolt assembly. small niggle, and something i can work around, for sure.

nice work!

Too strong

[guanjin]

luoluo.gif

First select line prompt
Edge does not belong to the selected Surface

Too strong

[guanjin]

First select line prompt
Edge does not belong to the selected Surface

tishiiiii.gif

[sdmitch]

If you would care to attach the model to your post, I will try to determine what the problem is.

If an inference has been established to an edge on another face, that can confuse things and cause this error because the inferenced point is what you get and not the point you think you are pointing at.

[guanjin]

If you would care to attach the model to your post, I will try to determine what the problem is.

If an inference has been established to an edge on another face, that can confuse things and cause this error because the inferenced point is what you get and not the point you think you are pointing at.

Thank you:sdmitch

无标题.skp

[sdmitch]

juanjin,

I didn't have any problem with your model. It has to be a odd coincidence that you were getting the error message. Although it is not required that all entities be components or groups, I would highly recommend it so that the plugin can better identify the selected face.

[guanjin]

juanjin,

I didn't have any problem with your model. It has to be a odd coincidence that you were getting the error message. Although it is not required that all entities be components or groups, I would highly recommend it so that the plugin can better identify the selected face.

Thank you:
sdmitch
But does not affect the use, multi-select time