Timber Framers Guild

How to stretch a timber in Sketchup

Posted By: daiku

How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 04/25/08 01:18 PM

To "stretch" a timber:

1) Place one end exactly where you want it.

2) Double-click the timber to "get inside" it. AKA change your context to that of the timber. AKA "edit" the timber.

3) Select the entire end of the timber that needs to be stretched. It is not enough to select just the joint. Use the select tool (space bar) to drag across the entire half of the timber to make sure you select not just the joint, but any other geometry that is part of the end of the timber itself.

4) Type "m" for move. Then "lock onto a rail", by hovering the mouse over a long edge of the timber, then press and hold the shift key (do not click your mouse yet). Now choose on a point on that same edge where the joint meets the timber and click on it (usually at the shoulder or housing line).

5) Keep holding the shift key, and move the mouse to the destination point and click again. Note that the timber "stretches", but stays in a straight line.

6) NEVER use the scale tool. It will distort the geometry.


When using the TF Rubies, never forget:

Quote:
A timber is a component at the top level of the model. It is cannot be part of any other group or coponent. A tenon (or any joint) must be a sub-component of a timber.


CB.
Posted By: natiro

Re: How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 04/25/08 02:37 PM

Thanks Clark, I had it up to selecting only the end of the timber. Now it is obvious if I select the entire timber the whole thing wil l move not just the end. I feel better that it's a commonly asked question!
dave
Posted By: bmike

Re: How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 12/15/08 05:16 PM

follow up to an old thread - but if you work with v.7 pro you can create timbers that will scale in only certain directions - making changing beam lengths easier...
Posted By: daiku

Re: How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 01/29/09 06:44 PM

I made a YouTube Video that demonstrates how to stretch a timber. Thanks to MikeB for the tips on creating videos! CB.

PS: Mike and I are still exploring Dynamic Components, which may allow using the scale tool to stretch timbers.
Posted By: lefty

Re: How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 01/29/09 11:56 PM

Great video...
Posted By: Tom Docking

Re: How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 01/30/09 12:28 AM

So, now that you are an "expert" audio - visual guy, we expect to see alot more videos from you! They are really helpful. Thanks AND I really appreciate the collaberation going on with you and Mike re the dynamic components and rubies. One day we will have a really slick timber framing design system built around Sketchup and will be in large part due to you two.
Posted By: bmike

Re: How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 01/30/09 02:31 AM

nice. the audio is a good addition.
Posted By: Love Layout

Re: How to stretch a timber in Sketchup - 02/01/09 12:50 PM

I just loaded SU on my laptop and am looking forward to catching up with you guys. Thanks for all your time and effort.
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