Expert: Bob - 12/3/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

So, when I use a linetype that has dashes, such as ISO08W100 or ISO03W100, it appears different depending on whether I am using the Line Tool versus the Spline, Arc, or Circle Tool. Basically, when I am drawing a straight line, the dashes look like they are supposed to. When I am drawing a curved line, the dashes seem to, for a lack of a better way of saying it, get all scrunched up. If curve I am drawing has a tight radius, then the dashes get so scrunched together that they register as a solid line. It the curve is more gradual, then the dashes become more spread out (less scrunched). I use the Spline Tool to delineate electrical wiring, and it never looks like I intend it too. Any advice???

Thanks!!!!

ANSWER: Yeah, aint it a pain!

Doesn't matter for my work, but here is the suggestion I would make.
Try it -- and I will ask someone for more help if it doesnt do it for you.

First -- you dont mention plotting, and you dont mention layouts. Normally, we say all that matters is how it plots.

Were it I -- only thinking of model space -- I would change the LT Scale on one example of each type of object (line), SAVE, and drag the object into a tool palette, then check to make sure the LT scale holds in the tool. Then, I would edit the flyout of each tool so that only the appropriate line can be drawn with the tool.

OF COURSE, since you left out EVERYTHING about your history, your field, and your AutoCAD release, I have no idea whether my way is one you can grasp and use.  Write back fully please.

BOB

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yea, I always seem to forget to mention the model release (2006).

So, the problem exists when plotted as well. And it doesn't seem to matter whether I draw the spline/arc/circle in model or layout space, it still gets plotted weird. I should've mentioned that I did try changing the LT Scale, but it didn't seem to have any effect. And I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "drag the object into a tool palette".

On a slightly different subject, it seems crazy to me that I cannot control the LT scale of an object in either the Plot Style Manager nor the Layers Property Manager. Is this true?

Thanks.....

Answer
Hi --

I guess you are somewhere on the other side of the world. You STILL did not tell me anything about yourself, so I dont know the level at which to answer -- from your reply, I am guessing are a student, or someone trying to learn without reading a good book or taking a course.
And you didnt pay attention when I asked again for it, so maybe you are a student who does not listen to the teacher.

And SORRY

1---  a "model release" is the contract you sign when your photo is taken, allowing it to be published. ALL OF US MUST USE THE "NORMAL" TERMS IN AUTOCAD, OR WE DONT UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER.

2---  if you do not understand tool palettes, you have not studied since release 2004 came out, in the year 2003

3--- it seems crazy to me that you misunderstand the program so much that you think an object is changed by the Plot Style Manager or Layer Property Manager --- they refer to the entire layer, not an object.

SO, SORRY --- BE SERIOUS WITH THE PROGRAM AND WITH ME, SO I CAN UNDERSTAND YOU, or please understand that I cant help you.

The issue of getting all the linetypes to plot right (how they look onscreen in Model Space is not really important) is an entire chapter of a book. I cant give better advice than to buy a book, and do all the exercises.


BOB