2D conversion

[Steve S]

I have a number of autocad dwg files of Plato cabinets that I would like to import into chief (v10). No problem with getting the files in with the import wizard, but obviously they are just line drawings. I tried a search on converting the dwg's to symbols, as I would like to add this cabinet line to my library. It sounds like I need some type of software to explode the blocks and convert them to symbols? Is this accurate? If not, is there a way to make the change from 2D to 3D? Thanks in advance.

[ECSURFER84]

the dwg file has to have 3d lines in it (lines in the z axis) for it to become a symbol

you can check this by orbiting

[Steve S]

no 3d lines. If they aren't there, any way to get them with what I have?

[ECSURFER84]

not unless you draw the cab's ! i doubt thats an answer you were looking for. Are any of the doors in the chief library anywhere close to the ones you have? if so, you can make the cab look just like a Plato cab.

either way, its time consuming

[ECSURFER84]

you might be able to extrude what you have, depending on the view of the cab in 2d....

[Steve S]

I have actually created some of the cabs already; I just got this disc from the K & B manager and she wanted me to try and get the cabinets into Chief. I kind of thought there was no easy answer. The views are plan view and cross section elevations, so no depth (z axis, right?)

[Steve S]

Thanks for the input, Ric.

[ECSURFER84]

No prob steve, let me know if you need help, i have cad 2005

[sutcac]

I have had some success importing 2D DWG's into Sketchup as a basis for extrusion, etc. and converting to 3D. One hint would be to make sure you have the "weld" ruby installed.

[ECSURFER84]

the only easy thing i can think of right now is to just create the doors and drawers from elevation, extrude those, import into cheif, and slap it on a custom made cab with a countertop. Seams like the quickest way?

[Steve S]

Thanks Bryce and Ric. I will give it a try. I haven't used sketchup much so I might be back...