Drawing Walls

[DODGE]

Hi Guys

Just a quick question, more out of curiosity than anything else.

I draw a lot of walls, and since I started with Autocad around 18 months or so ago.

I have tried various ways of drawing them. I usually just use the line command and then just offset to the required wall thickness, then tidy up the corners etc.

Can you tell me what is the correct method for drawing walls? Should I be using Polyline, Multiline or what? The way I am doing it now, I have got pretty fast but I don’t like to do something if it isn’t correct. I work as an Architectural draftsman and I work for myself. So I don’t have the luxury of working in an office with other humans who I can bounce questions off. I have been self taught with AutoCad since I threw away the Rotring and drawing board around 18 months back. I can’t imagine ever drawing again with a pen. It’s strange cos when I started cad I just thought I would never be able to do it.

Anyway guys, any help would be appreciated.

Dodge.

[A1DWG]

Hi Dodge,

 

I dont think there is a right or wrong way to draw the walls. If you are quick and accurate in your method why change? There are other methods, like you suggest, but with benefits and drawbacks.

 

I usually draw either a polyline (draw the inner or outer wall line, then offset, then add the two return lines) or rectangle for straight walls. My work often involves hatching the walls, and then revising the layout, so working with hatched objects is far quicker than individual lines and unassociated hatch for the alterations to drawings, although the initial layout takes slightly longer.

 

I also have to identify stud walls differently to block walls etc so this suits my requirements. I'm sure others will say the multline option and re-hatching any revisions suits them.

 

Give it a try and see.

[ReMark]

I've used all three (line, polyline and multiline). My preference is for polyline. I use it primarily in conjunction with direct distance entry. Polylines are handy when it comes time to offset.

[MaxwellEdison]

You may want to look into the Architecture vertical product (still has full function AutoCAD). Its a little more intensive, but the wall, door, and window styles can really speed up layout time and make for a nice finished drawing also. However you may find the expense is not worth it for the amount you do or how in depth you go.

 

If sticking with regular AutoCAD (and theres certainly nothing wrong with that) I'd probably go with a mixture of lines and polylines. One of my favorite methods was to draw the initial layout with regular lines on a prelim layer. Then I'd switch to a new layer (1F-Walls, etc...) and use the BOUNDARY command (as many here have guessed, its my favorite command ). Pick a space between the inner and outer lines and it will trace them with closed polylines. Then I would go in and apply my hatches. This would give you the easier editing of lines and the cleaner final product of polylines.

[GypsyQueen]

Can you tell me what is the correct method for drawing walls? Should I be using Polyline, Multiline or what?

 

Seeing as there is never a right or wrong, only a personal preference, or perhaps for some of us a company standard, you're doing fine.

I work an MEP engineering firm. I run duct all day and find that I prefer using MULTILINE since I can just set the "duct size" and run it. There's little fuss for me using that command.

 

Having trained a couple employees now in the drafting department here, I've come to the conclusion that each one will do what they prefer. So cheers to you for finding a way that works for you.

 

 

..... and use the BOUNDARY command (as many here have guessed, its my favorite command )....

I don't have an actual "need" for Boundary, but since I read about it this morning, I've been messing with it for the past 15 minutes and I must say, that I think this will become a godsend for my next recreation job.

 

And Max, I'm sure I've probably read about your love of the BOUNDARY command elsewhere, but this is the first time I've actually sat down and utilized it.

[MaxwellEdison]

I take no offense GQ. I tend to use it most when I'm converting a company's orthographics of their products into 3d solids for use in our models. Simpson Strong-Tie especially. I'm not sure what program they use to create their brackets and hangers, but their .DWG exports are HORRIBLE!

[GypsyQueen]

I take no offense GQ. I tend to use it most when I'm converting a company's orthographics of their products into 3d solids for use in our models. Simpson Strong-Tie especially. I'm not sure what program they use to create their brackets and hangers, but their .DWG exports are HORRIBLE!

Sounds like some of the dwgs I get from our Architects. :lol: NO offense to you Dodge!

[BIGAL]

As I was involved in an architectural add on for autocad in lisp I would never draw walls from 1st principles again. I would search out a lisp wall routine they do exist, we could draw 4 lines at a time automatically filleting as it went. stud walls were 2 lines again all input automatically breaking and filleting other lines. Not sure if the package is still sold.

 

The package was for simple drafting and included walls, doors, roofs etc you could convert a single line layout to muti lines. All line work was 3D you draw a line with a elevation and a thickness roofs 3D also.

 

As an example of time saved I did a waffle slab program it took the guys about 20 minutes to draw and trim the panels the lisp program took about 10 seconds to do the same.

 

What I am saying is search the web the time savings are enourmous for simple tasks like multi line drafting. As a guide floor plan to full 3D maybe 10 minutes.

 

Just read your in Melbourne contact cadtech@skylineenergy.com.au tell him alan sent you

[Noahma]

Hi Guys

Just a quick question, more out of curiosity than anything else.

I draw a lot of walls, and since I started with Autocad around 18 months or so ago.

I have tried various ways of drawing them. I usually just use the line command and then just offset to the required wall thickness, then tidy up the corners etc.

Can you tell me what is the correct method for drawing walls? Should I be using Polyline, Multiline or what? The way I am doing it now, I have got pretty fast but I don’t like to do something if it isn’t correct. I work as an Architectural draftsman and I work for myself. So I don’t have the luxury of working in an office with other humans who I can bounce questions off. I have been self taught with AutoCad since I threw away the Rotring and drawing board around 18 months back. I can’t imagine ever drawing again with a pen. It’s strange cos when I started cad I just thought I would never be able to do it.

Anyway guys, any help would be appreciated.

Dodge.

 

This is how we do it in our office, although we are working slowly to pull ourselves into Autocad Architecture.

[DODGE]

Thanks to you all.

It's great to get all this feedback.

I now feel much better, as like you say, there really is no right or wrong way as long as you get the job done.

Cheers my dears.

Dodge

[DODGE]

Sounds like some of the dwgs I get from our Architects. :lol: NO offense to you Dodge!

No offense taken Gypsy thats cool.

Dodge