Create Two Dimension Styles In One

[Redheaded Drafter]

I want to have two dimension styles in one dimension line. The first style would be a point to point dimension with the text centered and above the dimension line. The second style would be a running dimension to each point with the text over the second extension line and above the dimension line. Right now I am using two seperate dimension lines, one on top of the other. I'm trying to find a way to combine them into one dimension line so that I won't have to dimension the same thing twice.

 

At first I thought that using alternate units would work, however I was not able to find a way to seperate the two dimensions. Also, I didn't see how to make the alternate units a running dimension.

 

Does anyone know if I am missing something, or is this just not possible?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

[Dana W]

Experiment with the baseline dimension type. It is still two styles, but the baseline type will give you your running total.

[Redheaded Drafter]

I've been experimenting with the baseline dimension type but I still am unable to find a way to combine a baseline linear dimension and a continued linear dimension in one stand alone dimension line.

But thank you for the suggestion, in the process of experimenting I learned some new things!

[mdbdesign]

Can you post picture of what do you try to achieve.

[Dana W]

I've been experimenting with the baseline dimension type but I still am unable to find a way to combine a baseline linear dimension and a continued linear dimension in one stand alone dimension line.

But thank you for the suggestion, in the process of experimenting I learned some new things!

 

I haven't seen this method used the way you want it done before. This must be a special case. Usually, the running total or baseline dimensioning is used to let the shop know NOT to measure the next feature from the last feature. This will avoid them making cumulative dimension errors. It is most important where tolerances are involved. It is also refered to as Datum line dimensioning.

[Redheaded Drafter]

The drawing on the left is what we currently do. The one on the right is what I am trying to achieve. We do a point to point dimension string on cast in place embeds for our General Contractors sakes. Occasionally our own erection crew needs a rogue dimension while erecting. In these instances they have to do the math themselves or call us. Our drafting department (of 2 individuals) decided that it might be useful to have a baseline dimension string in addition to what we have already. So I am looking for the most efficient way to do this.

[Redheaded Drafter]

PS

Sorry it took so long to respond, we have been swamped for the past few months!

[Dadgad]

PS

Sorry it took so long to respond, we have been swamped for the past few months!

 

I have figured out a way to do this, as shown in the attachment, but I am not so sure it is the best way. I have added a field to the dimension in the text formatting toolbar. Unfortunately the field must reference two points, only one of which may be in the dimension. This necessitates drawing a line, the endpoints of which will define both points. Using the OBJECT setting in the FIELD dialog box, you can then select the object, and the attribute, LENGTH which you want to insert in the field. I have separated the lines so they will be visible. They would probably want to be on a non-printing layer. This method is tedious, as each field needs to be keyed to the appropriate straight line. If you try to set it up as a dimension style, the field will be lost. You can copy the dimension, or make a block of it, but each time it is used, the reference will need to be refreshed to the correct line.

I think a better way to go about it is the use of 2 distinct dimensions. The first being your normal dimension, and the second being a baseline dimension, but with the baseline spacing set to 0. In order to display as shown in your right hand drawing, set the baseline dimension test position to horizontal, and your text offset to whatever you think looks the best.

This is a much safer way to do it, as you needn't worry about the very repetitive resetting of the field reference to extra lines, which are also extra work.

Edited February 24, 2012 by Dadgad

[Dadgad]

You will need to have different baseline styles for the 2 axi, so that they display correctly. The values for your X Axis baseline dimension style will probably look something like the ones in this attachment.