INSULATION WITH ANGLED ENDS

[chrisF633G]

As I was detailing, it occurred to me that it would be helpful to be able to change the end angle of a line-based detail family which I use to denote insulation so that I can align it with through wall flashing. I almost had what I want working, but when flexing the family I found that changing the angle back to zero, which is what I would want to draw the majority of time, something breaks and I can't change it back to a different angle such as 15 degrees.

Would anyone proficient in family creation be able to provide pointers on what I might be doing wrong? File uploaded if you would like to take a look.

[laura.johanssonPN37Y]

Does this only happen when it goes to 0 degrees, or can it draw 5 degree angles?

If it's only when 0 then I would duplicate the shape (A), paste it into the exact same spot, and give it a visibility parameter and the angled version (B) as well. Then I would add a parameter that says that IF angle is 0 THEN use A, otherwise use B. 

Hope that makes sense.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

Use Ref. LINE - not PLANE - for the moveable line. Align and Lock the TIP of the Ref. Line to x,y intersection of Ref. Planes. 

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

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[barthbradley]

Sorry, @laura.johanssonPN37Y. I pinged the wrong person.  

[chrisF633G]

Thank you!  I don't think I've used Reference Lines before - I'll have to read up on what the difference is and where to use them in the future.

[Mike.FORM]

Ref Planes extend infinitely. Ref Lines are finite so it allows you to align and lock the ends so that you can control the location of the pivot point of an angle or have them create a diagonal constrained by ref planes ate each end.

[chrisF633G]

Thank you Mike. That helps.