Flexpipe Creator
Flexpipe Creator is a Sketchup Extension that allows you to design carts using flexpipe pipe and fittings. The flexpipe and fastcap fittings are very similar so these products can be used interchangeably (hopefully).
Toolbar
Face Suppression - The Flexpipe Creator works by turning wireframe models into flexpipe. The issue is you cannot have faces on any of your shapes as SketchUp normally creates. To solve this problem they have created a button that suppresses faces from being created. For the most part you will want this on, but sometimes you will want a face so that you can extrude a shape, then delete faces later.
Dimensions
Using the rectangle and line tool you'll create wireframes that will then be turned into the flex pipe structure.
The flex pipe will add 1-5/16" to all dimensions, so if you want something that is 24" x 24", you will reduce all sides by 1-5/16". You will do the opposite for interior dimensions.
Special Fittings
- HJ-13 - Parallel Fitting
To draw this, draw two parallel lines and then a line that is 1-3/8" between them. That line will act as the fitting.
Adding Accessories
- Click the folder icon in the Flexpipe Toolbar and Pick the Accessory
This will open the folder with all of their accessories. Drag and drop the one you'd like into SketchUp.
- Use the preset views and the reference point on the accessory to drag it to the appropriate place.
It can be very difficult to place this items correctly. Click on the accessory somewhere that will connect with the pipe and then drag it over to a point on the pipe that it should connect to.
- Using Option Click to Duplicate the Item
If you need a number of the same item, especially if they're on the same pipe, option-click on a point of the object that meets the pipe. This will duplicate it and make it easier to stick to the pipe as you move it.
- Rotate the item
Click the Rotation Tool, click two points on each end of the accessory, so it knows on what axis to rotate. Then use the pipe and reference points on it to rotate it to the correct angle. You can also use the small red crosses as presets for rotating an item.
- Copy as Necessary
Using the move tool, option click on the item and then drag the copy you're creating to any new points.
Adding Decking
- Drag the decking into your workspace.
You can find it in the accessories folder.
- Measure the area you would like to put the decking
- Make Guidelines on your decking equal to the area it will fill.
- Use the Push/Pull tool to shrink or grow the decking to size