Topic: Block Manager... are you using one and if so, which kind?

[gmyroup]

Good morning,

I'm curious as to which type (if any) of block manager you are using. If you're using a commercial or Shareware manager, which one?

Also, does anyone know of any good but inexpensive (under $50) 2D block libraries... discipline doesn't matter?

Thanks

[M-dub]

Blockwerx from CADwerx.net

I have used it for about 5 years or so and really like it.

[Gliderider]

Toolpalettes work well enough for me.

[AVCAD]

I built my own Manager which works very well. DCL & Lisp with catalog files holding the block descriptions.


using the toolpalettes is a problem here cause its local to your PC, no way of standardizing it for a company....atleast that I know of.

[dgorsman]

We used to have everything as IMAGETILE menus.  Given that we have a number of different clients to support, with different blocks, layers, settings, and so on, I created something easier to keep up to date.  I'm glad I did - I don't want to think about having to manipulate the CUI everytime a new block needs to be added.  Instead I just add a line to the proper data file; the users don't even need to restart AutoCAD to see the updates.

[gmyroup]

There appears to be a definate bias towards people developing their own tools.  Is this because 3rd party tools are too expensive, lack features, or are too hard to implement and maintain?  As a software developer I can tell you it's much cheaper to buy a 3rd party tool rather than developing your own.

Any comments on this?

[M-dub]

I'll agree with you there... However, cost may not be the driving factor.  I used to spend a lot of time making slide libraries, tablet menus, custom toolbars ( which reminds me of those damned smiley faces, mocking you when the paths weren't set right    :pissed: ).  The list goes on...

At the time, the extra work seemed worth it because of the custom tailoring we could do to suit us, but ever since we started using Blockwerx, it works quite well for us and I would venture to say that we'll be using it as long as Byron keeps the program up to date.

[dgorsman]

There appears to be a definate bias towards people developing their own tools.  Is this because 3rd party tools are too expensive, lack features, or are too hard to implement and maintain?  As a software developer I can tell you it's much cheaper to buy a 3rd party tool rather than developing your own.

Any comments on this?

Cost is debateable, but there are other considerations such as working with newer versions of AutoCAD or new clients with differing requirements.  There is no guarantee that the 3rd party developer will be around to support their work later, either (been burned by that one).  Ultimately the better choice here was to do it in-house.

[Matt__W]

At the time, the extra work seemed worth it because of the custom tailoring we could do to suit us, but ever since we started using Blockwerx, it works quite well for us and I would venture to say that we'll be using it as long as Byron keeps the program up to date.

And therein, lies the problem.

[M-dub]

...And I fully understand that potential (otherwise, I wouldn't have mentioned it).  If it becomes a problem, we will slide back into the home-grown schtuff...
Likely after a search for another third party application has been exhausted.

[Matt__W]

That's why I rolled my own (if you know what I mean).

[Maverick®]

That's why I rolled my own (if you know what I mean).

*Looks @ Avatar*  Yes, yes I do.

[M-dub]

That's why I rolled my own (if you know what I mean).

*Looks @ Avatar*  Yes, yes I do.

At any rate, I'm going to ride Blockwerx until it's no longer supported and go from there.

[deegeecees]

I'm a control freak, so I'd rather have the ability to manipulate the blocks I insert on my own terms, rather than have to rely on 3rd party software and it's limitations.

[gmyroup]

What kind of limitations are you refering to?