I'm trying to position a set of porch stairs. I first position the stairs into its approximate location just by eyeballing it. But I'd like to position it exactly. I know precisely how far away from the nearest wall the stairs are supposed to be, but when I select the stairs, I don't get a handy set of dimension references (like we get when we select a wall). Positioning walls is a breeze because we can input the precise dimensions and the walls move accordingly. But how do we position an object like a set of stairs when there are no dimensions shown?
So far the only thing I've thought to do is to create a 3D box object of the appropriate dimension which I then use as a yardstick. In plan view I move the stairs until they line up with the edge of my box object, and then I erase the box object. It works, but it's pretty tedious. There's got to be a better way. Does anybody know what that would be? Thanks.
Gary
Your idea is exactly what I use/do...fast and accurate.....and a box can be used to set a point in two dimensions at one time....align to a corner of the box.
An alternate, if it works, is to use the grid...turn it on and set grid size to work for your accuracy. Sometimes the object only aligns to a very small spaced grid.
Zooming in close makes final alignment easier/faster/accurate
Don't forget you can nudge (and set nudge distance in prog settings) using arrow keys when mouse click drag is too tedious/inaccurate.
A temp free standing wall may be easier than a box, as stairs will snap in place...but box object is OK
Use snap, ortho, etc from bottom right of screen to your advanatge...use on or off as suits the situation.
Hi Gary,
By far the simplest method I think is the Nudge. If you are using V16 you have two Nudge setting one just the Arrow keys on your keyboard and the other Control + Arrow. I have one set to 25mm (1") and the other set to 1mm (about 1/16th"). If you position the stairs against a wall you can just hit the arrow keys repeatedly to move it it 25mm increments, 1mm increments are whatever settings you choose. You may want to use bigger preset distances, 6" and 1" for example or just change it temporarily while doing the stairs so you can set it to the exact distance in one go. With Nudge preset to 6", it is still quicker to hit the arrow key six times quickly to move the stairs 3' than to go into settings and change the Setting to 3' just for that one occasion.
You can also use Linear Dimensions. Just start the dimension line at the wall, key in the distance you want in the Comander bar and place your stairs at the end of the dimension line (then delete it obviously). This works quite well but the Nudge is still much quicker.
Don't forget you also have the Tape Measure (Tools Menu).
Allan
Quote from: Doug.S on February 09, 2012, 01:00:08 PM
Your idea is exactly what I use/do...fast and accurate.....and a box can be used to set a point in two dimensions at one time....align to a corner of the box.
Thanks, Doug. It works, but it sure is tedious.
Gary
Quote from: Allan Chesney on February 09, 2012, 05:50:05 PMBy far the simplest method I think is the Nudge.
That's a great idea! So, if I want to move the stairs, say, 3' 4 1/8" from the wall, all I have to do is position it against the wall, temporarily set the nudge distance to 3' 4 1/8", then hit the arrow key once. I like it. That would be fast indeed.
As for the Linear Dimensions control, I guess I'll have to learn how to use that. It sounds useful. I haven't found the tape measure to be all that useful, so far. I can use it to confirm a distance, but since it doesn't persist, I can't use it as a yardstick to move an object against. Maybe I'm not using it right.
Thanks for your help!
Gary