"slabs" vs Polyline Solid

[johnnyprc]

I've seen many videos of people who use "slabs" for all sorts of things (which is how I use the tool), and then sometimes I see use of Polyline Solids. Can someone just tell me what, if any, real actual differences between those tools?

Thanks!

[Joe Carrick]

In Plan View there's very little difference - basically just Layer and base elevation. Slabs are created relative to the current Floor while PLine Solids are created at elevation zero.

OTOH, a Slab can't be created in Elevation View.

[Joe Carrick]

I also use Soffits (Cabinet Tool) and Primitive Solids depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. If you are just creating a Symbol which consists of a variety of geometric Solid Shapes then IMO the way to go is with Primitive Solids and the Boolean Operations.

[johnnyprc]

Thanks Joe - so really those 2 act virtually the same except where you can draw them, and what they are referencing....? Good to know then.

I should play around more with the Primitive Solids - I thought per name they created mostly basic shapes in 3D.

[Joe Carrick]

I should play around more with the Primitive Solids - I thought per name they created mostly basic shapes in 3D.

That's pretty much true - but by using the boolean operations (Solid Union, Intersection & Subraction) you can create complex Solids. Also, a Solid can be exploded to it's individual surfaces which can then have separate materials assigned. These things make it possible to create very complex Symbols. It would be nice if Chief also had a Tool for edge treatment of Solids (rounded, etc.) but so far that's not available. OTOH, with a little extra work I can get there.

If you are making a Symbol it's possible to mix all sorts of 3D objects (including Molding PLines) to get the finished product.