help with dwg/dfx

[*Pete*]

i hope i post in the correct place.

 

i am a Lightwave user about to start with arch visualisation.

 

however, there is a small problem, i understand that the most likely format i will be getting the plans in is DWG and DXF, but Lightwave doenst read those formats.

 

so, if anyone would be so kind as to give me a model/plan of a house in *dwg and/or *.dxf format so that i could practise to get it to LW and the same time try out what programs i will eventually need to buy to help me with these.

 

also, i would be gratefull if id get those files completely un-edited, so that i self could see what it takes to clean/edit them for easier work with LW later on.

 

thanks in advance.

 

petjuhhai@hotmail.com

[kalatheart]

hie,

 

this is the plan and elevation i used for an old visulaization i did . Hope it works for you . Please dont use it for commercial purpose as it was not drawn by me .

 

i cant tell u much about lightwave and autocad intigration cuz i use max.

neways best luck .

 

 

cheers .

[*Pete*]

Perfect!!

 

thanks, i got the dfx into lw without any problems using a free plugin, have to see what to do with the dwg tho.

 

is this the standard type of a plan you guys work with?

 

anyways, thanks a lot...suddenly arch-vis work seems so much easier than it did just a few hours ago

[*Pete*]

http://anydwg.com/dwg-dxf/

 

full version for $75.

if anyone is intrested

[IC]

Hi Pete,

LightWave imports dxf files without a plug in. One of the few filetypes it doesn't read is dwg.

 

I tend to convert any CAD models to 3DS anyway but if you're importing 2D elevations, you might find you're better off just having a print at your desk for reference.

Just my opinion of course.

[*Pete*]

you might find you're better off just having a print at your desk for reference.

 

 

oh, i thought that you would like to have the 2d object on a backround layer and model on top of it on a other layer, i would believe it to be much faster than having a print on the desktop, atleast..you will see if you miss a spot.

 

so it is better to import a 3ds file than a dxf file?, what program do you use for converting to 3ds?

[IC]

I use AutoCad for a lot of things, including export to 3ds. If you are going freelance, having a copy of the LT edition at least will improve your workflow tenfold. A Cad package is as important as a post processing package in our line of work.

For exteriors I tend to model in AutoCad until I have the basic shell and then export.

I have tried modelling in LW with background dxfs/images but it just complicates things (imo). I use layers for modelling rather than templates.

 

Being happy in my methods for modelling, I don't feel the need for it but I've heard great things about LWCad. It lets you model easily from 2d plans within LW.

[jcorpe]

If you are going freelance, having a copy of the LT edition at least will improve your workflow tenfold.

 

Could you explain a little more about why you recommended this? I didn't think AutoCad LT would allow you to model in 3d. If that is the case, wouldn't it be easier for this person to model in their native program from the DXF?

[IC]

I know a few viz guys who can't operate a CAD package more than drawing lines (and they don't need to) but they own LT (or similar) as it at least lets them open up drawing files and manipulate/view them.

 

What's the point of getting CAD files if you don't have a program that reads them in their native format?

I assume from Pete's posts above that he won't be modelling in CAD therefore he won't need an expensive CAD application.