Parametric column chamfer

[DKIVIG]

Hi,

I am attempting to create a column family with side edge chamfers. I NEED the chamfer to be able to be set to 0. Normally this will not allow an extrusion to exist (giving the error of a line being too short - both with extrusion profile and voids), which is expected.

Revit has a default rectangular column family (I am attaching a copy of it) with chamfers that CAN be set to 0 without complaining. I have been using this family as a starting point, but cannot modify its extrusion profile reliably. The chamfer sketch lines seem to be somehow special - cannot be deleted or copied.

Does anyone know how these sketch lines are made? I am trying to achieve something like this (while being able to set the chamfer to 0:

Even if it is impossible, I would appreciate some explanation over those magical sketch lines that can be 0. I can't wrap my head around those.

[barthbradley · Accepted solution]

It's hardwired. You can't delete it either. Behavior is similar with In-Built Parameters in Families. Can't change 'em, can't delete 'em.  For example, try to delete or change the Length Parameter/Dimension in a Line-Based Family.   

[DKIVIG]

I don't expect anything else from Autodesk, but thanks for your time, it is much appreciated.

I will ponder over it for a bit more, and likely will opt for one of the workarounds solutions, with the hope I don't lose sleep over it.

However, I still implore anyone with a satisfactory explanation of this phenomenon to come forth and put our minds at ease. Thanks in advance.

PS: Explanation above. Whether is is satisfactory is questionable, but cheers for that.

[barthbradley]

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@DKIVIG wrote:

I don't expect anything else from Autodesk, but thanks for your time, it is much appreciated.

I will ponder over it for a bit more, and likely will opt for one of the workarounds, with the hope I don't lose sleep over it.

However, I still implore anyone with a satisfactory explanation of this phenomenon to come forth and put our minds at ease. Thanks in advance.

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What "workaround"?  You were provided with 2 approaches. One that uses Voids and one the doesn't.  If you don't like the Void approach, then build in the intelligence to make the Solid work.  I showed you how. A simple formula will do the trick.  

[DKIVIG]

That might not have been the correct wording. I only used it because I thought the bahaviour exhibited in the family is the standard and expected approach of building chamfered profiles that can be replicated, but it seems it is a unique functionality.

[Mike.FORM]

Glad to hear you figured it out. and this is moving in the right direction.
If you are wanting the corner cutouts to also use voids instead of just being the sketch of the column you will need quite a few other helpers and formulas and the voids likely need to be split into individual pieces so they can each have a cut geometry control.

[barthbradley]

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@DKIVIG wrote:

That might not have been the correct wording. I only used it because I thought the bahaviour exhibited in the family is the standard and expected approach of building chamfered profiles that can be replicated, but it seems it is a unique functionality.

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Gotcha, but is there a solution for this thread, or is it to just be left open for discussion?  I mean, I don't know what more can be said on the subject.