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3D House Foundation Basic Tutorial

  • Creating a 3D foundation is easy:
    • Open a new 2D drawing.
      • In OPTIONS set 2D workplane to X-Z.
    • Draw the following layout in 2D.
      • Hint: Use a grid with .5 Minor 10 Major.  Show me.
      •  Measurements are from from the CENTERLINE of the foundation so the extrusion of the foundation profile maintains correct position.
    • Combine all outside lines ('B'). [All lines must be VECTORS not planes.]
    • IMPORTANT: Draw inside walls in the direction of ARROWS to assure correct orientation of extrusions
    • Draw the foundation profile (shown in RED)

  •  Foundation profile detail.

  • Switch to 3D mode and ZOOM in on the profile
    • Make sure 'Enable Sticky Handles' is on in OPTIONS->General.
    • Select profile and then use CTRL+H to set a handle as shown using MIDPOINT SNAP. (at 0)

  • Now ROTATE it ('R')
    • Choose  X axis
    • Enter 90 deg.
    • Hit ENTER

  • With a sticky handle set you can select the profile anywhere and the handle will guide the extrusion.
  • Hit 'X' and choose options shown.
    • 'X' is Hotkey for Extrude.
  • Start with the inside walls.
    • The profile does not have to be touching the foundation lines, it will extrude from where it is..

    • If the wall was drawn in the correct direction the extrusion should orient properly.

  • Finish with the outside walls.
    • Just hit F3 to repeat extrude command.
    • If outside wall lines are not properly joined, you will not get the mitered corners.

  • A top sill can be placed in the same way.
    • Draw the profile in 2D mode. (X-Z plane)
      • Turn off snap grid for distances less than .5 ft
    • Set a handle on the middle of the bottom.
    • Rotate 90 deg on X axis to X-Y plane.
    • Extrude along the same lines.

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