Frame Generator: Shorten at Angle

[cadman777]

OK, guys, here's one I haven't found any solution for after all these years.

Maybe someone in here has a work-around.

How can I change the length of a frame generator part, using an angle cut, without cutting against another frame member?

Why do I want to do this?

B/c when doing handrail w/standard pipe, I haven't found a way to make that miter cut.

Instead, I've always used the Cope command, which is an End Treatment, not a cut.

The problem with Cope is, it doesn't properly change the length of the part.

Plus, I don't want a Cope for that connection, I want a miter cut instead.

Anybody have a solution for this?

Thanx ...

[CGBenner]

@cadman777 

Hi!  I'm afraid I don't have a suggestion on how to do this in Frame Generator, because all of my experience in FG involves nice clean 90° angles (wouldn't that be nice...?)  But I have heard of a lot of people using Tube & Pipe for handrails, for this very reason.  With T&P your sketch controls the bend, and if you use custom bends, you can create any angle that fits the parameters of your pipe style rules.  So.... not the answer to your question, but a possible suggestion?

[cadman777]

Thanx for that excellent suggestion Chris!

Unfortunately I don't have T&P.

But no worries, I've resorted to adding 'dummy' parts to trim against, with View Reps, zero mass + null Mark No's.

It's a PITA, but it works, isn't too time consuming and is 'reliable'.

Plus, I use a simple iLogic rule (Before Save) that a user in here kindly gave me, which provides the true cut length (but it only works in the Z-axis, which is good enough for h.r. parts).

Anyways, I was hoping for better after all these years!

Cheers ...

PS: I wonder if T&P BOM provides accurate cut lengths, and if you can add end treatments to the railing parts?

[CGBenner]

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@cadman777 wrote:

PS: I wonder if T&P BOM provides accurate cut lengths, and if you can add end treatments to the railing parts?

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That is an interesting question.  If I have time I will build a small assembly and test this, just so we know.

I'm glad you found a workaround, however imperfect.  Lets leave this open for discussion, and maybe someone with more FG experience will have some better ideas.  Good luck!  (btw, awesome when someone shares their ilogic with you, isn't it?!)

[cadman777]

Great. Let me know how it goes. Maybe try making a HR on an incline to make it a bit more challenging.

Yup, sure is nice when others share their iLogic secrets to success.

It has helped me begin to understand how to do some simple code mods myself, which will eventually 'lighten the work load' (e.g., I no longer have to manually add 3d sketches and Parameters to each and every h.r. part to get the true cut length into my drawing BOM). An amazing savings of work and time!