How to cut hole in log wall?

[ntxdave]

I know this is a really dumb question but I am having trouble cutting a whole for a door or window in a log wall. Here is an rough image of the wall type I want to cut holes into for doors or windows. When I try to do it, I have the wall as a group which is made up of a number of groups which are the logs. I am getting messages about the number of groups. Advice on how to do this correctly would be appreciated. Yes, I know this is a dumb question..........

LogWall.png

Here is the simple skp file......

LogWall.skp

[Gus R]

I usually subtract (solid tools) each group one by one while repeatedly pasting in place what I'm subtracting. If what's being subtracted is just repeating you can use a component instead of a group and then you only have to do it once and then make the component unique say for the header where it may not need to subtract the entire log. I see you also have a solid there which I'm assuming is a door and that has to extend beyond the front of the door. I always like to extend the solid beyond the limits of what I'm subtracting since if it's right on the edge it will result in a mess.

[ntxdave]

Thanks for the reply Gus. I did not realize the object was hidden behind the wall. Here is an updated image that (I think) does a better job of showing what I am trying to do and what the results are.

LogWall V2.png

I am not 100% sure I understand what you were telling me to do.

[Gus R]

If you open the attached example you can see how I created unique components for each log that's have identical openings. The white ones are unique. If you create a component you only have to cut that log once wherever there's an opening. With a group you have to cut them one by one.

Log Cabin Cutout Sample.skp

[Gus R]

I am not 100% sure I understand what you were telling me to do.

See attached example. It's in version 8 for anyone else to take a look.

[ntxdave]

Gus, I am feeling really stupid. I open your model and do not understand how you cut the holes/sections for the logs. I tried doing it with only one log at a time and got the same message I showed in my last post. What the heck tool did you use to cut the logs?

I have used SU for several years now and have not had this problem before.

[Gus R]

I'm using the native solid tools. Should be the fourth icon that says "subtract" on mouse over.

[Gus R]

First you select the solid you want to subtract. Then click on the subtract icon and then click on one of the logs.

[Box]

Nested groups are not solids, so your group of groups cannot work with solid tools. You must either explode the log groups into the parent group or explode the parent group and do multiple subtractions, one log at a time.
You also have an extra couple of misaligned logs at the bottom.

So here in this gif, I delete the extra log, explode the log groups creating a single solid then subtract the 'hole'. You could regroup your logs after, loose to groups would do it in a click or two.

[ntxdave]

Ooooh how dumb am I, I was using the subtract wrong. Now, another dumb one: if I want to subtract from multiple logs, do I have to recreate the subtract object for each log one at a time? Is there a way to subtract from multiple logs at once?

[Box]

Use Trim.

[ntxdave]

Ooooooooouch - Box that is to simple! I am feeling dumber by the hour.

[Box]

It's worth noting that this Trim function is broken in 2023, you have to reselect the tool each time.
But I suspect you aren't working with 2023 anyway.

[ntxdave]

It's worth noting that this Trim function is broken in 2023, you have to reselect the tool each time.
But I suspect you aren't working with 2023 anyway.

You are right. I am using 2020.

[Gus R]

Don't worry. I was stumped with the subtract tool at first since I was using Bool Tools for a long time.

[ntxdave]

Box, what is the tool on your toolbar next to the eraser (the one you clicked on to delete the object you used for the trim and subtract functions)?

I was going to try to modify my main toolbar to include that tool but I cannot seem to get to the option to modify a toolbar. I cannot get the ability to edit a toolbar to show up.

BTW: I tried both of the options that you showed in your videos and got them both to work.

[Box]

That Icon is Delete from the 'Standard' toolbar.
This thread has a gif showing how to make a custom toolbar from about 9 years ago.
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=59701&hilit=+toolbar#p543863