Hello,

I'm interested to know how other people attach gridlines to their timberframes.

Thanks,

Brock

Explain a bit more.

In a specific software package?
For labeling?
For use in the field?

Right. Sorry, that was a VERY vague question.

Applying gridlines for labeling purposes in Sketchup.

Brock

OK. Next, are you asking how to draw them in SketchUp, or how to use them, in general but with SketchUp as the design tool?

To actually draw the grid in SketchUp would be tedious as SketchUp does poorly with text - so you have to combine lines with leaders or text, typically along the ground plane.

What I've found that works is color coding or simply labeling with a leader a common reference point - such as a post in B1 that acts as the origin (where the grid would start).

When I use the grid in HSB it is another matter - as HSB actually has a parametric grid - complete with labels, spacing, line styles, etc. etc.

For the practical use of the grid - I've used it in several ways - it really comes down to how you label for the shop, production, and raising.

Sometimes I get an autocad floor plan from a designer to import into Sketchup. I can then take my post placements directly from that. But more often I'm designing a frame, at least a first concept, before the designer has a floor plan ready. In that case, I "snap chalklines on the deck" using the tape measure tool. If you double click on the red and green axes, you'll get construction lines aligned with those axes. Then drag out from those to set the rest of the grid (use the VCB to precisely position these). As far as adding labels to these, I agree with Mike, that SU is a little clumsy about it. I use the text tool, and double click on the grid line (at a non-intersection), and then type the label. This will give you leaderless text. That's what I did here:


The forum software shrank the picture. The see it full size, go here.

Here's a link to the Sketchup Model

I use construction lines like Clark, but I put 3d, extruded and filled text on the ground plane at 12" tall. Makes it very easy to see.

PS: If you use the timber list tool, make sure the grid labels are either hidden or a subcomponent, or that you explode and turn them into a group so they don't get put on the list.

Gabel: If you put them on their own layer, you can simply turn off that layer before you make the timber list, and then turn it back on again afterward. CB.

Thank you!!

Does the Pro version have any advancements in this area?

The actual 'sketching' has been straightforward to me - turning the sketch into professional looking plans, however (with gridlines and titleblocks) has been more challenging.

Is this generally where sketchup falls short in comparison to other programs?

Brock

Yes. The "layout" program, which is bundle with the pro version, is the 2D presentation package. It excels at things like title blocks, multiple views of the model, etc. You can test drive the pro version without upsetting the installation of the free version. You get 8 hours in the test drive.

Layout works pretty well... I've played with it a bit - and I have a project that will eventually end up going through the entire SketchUp package from start to finish - but I'm not there yet.
Plenty of control of title block, labels, etc. etc.

Give the Pro version a try. For me, as I work in AutoCAD HSB as well, I needed the ability to import / export DWG and DXF, which is why I went pro.