Expert: Bob - 10/9/2008

Question
Hi!
I use Auto-CAD 2007 and I am in this field almost 7 years (started with Auto-CAD 14). Currently working for Engineering company. My problem is drawing with two different scales in model space. I have never had such a case in my experience, and I always use paper space for drawings with different scales. This time our customer has his own standards which I must follow. Can you tell me what is the easiest and simplest way to draw in model space using two different scales for objects, and how to dimension objects with different scales in model space.

Answer
Hi --

Fast answer, as I just have a minute. (REAL fast answer is: shoot the idiot client) Of course, the main reason not to do this is that you create a quicksand for potential errors.

If there is a way -- DRAW AT FULL SCALE
--- use another drawing and paste the "off" one into the main drawing as a block, then scale the block (or similar) -- that louses up lineweights, potentially, but lets you use "real" dimensions.

If you have to draw in the same drawing, still draw at full scale, then scale  the object. Use dimension overides (very carefully)

(I havent time to consider this carefully and try it for you) Xref and scale the xref??????????????????

These ideas are tough if you have lots of revisions.

Think about these and write back telling me if they would work in your situation, and we will try to refine or rethink.

Just DONT EVEN THINK of drawing at reduced scale or increased scale on the same MS, unless you truly must -- do your work at 1:1, then scale it.


BOB