Unpopular opinion: I tried skipping the 3D model for a simple duct run and it backfired big time.

I figured a 2D plan view with a few sections would be fine for a 20-foot straight run, but the shop called me three times for clarifications on clearances. Has anyone else had a 'simple' job blow up because you cut a corner?

4 comments

4 Comments

wood.uma4d ago

Tbh I used to be firmly in the "just a plan and some notes is enough" camp for straight runs. But then I had a 15-footer with a single offset that turned into three trips to the site because the hangers kept conflicting with some sprinkler heads I didn't catch in the section view. Now I'll at least throw together a quick 3D sketch, even for simple stuff, it saves me the headache of explaining radius clearances on the phone again.

simonk982mo ago

Disagree on this one honestly. Sometimes a 2D plan with good notes is totally fine if you know the space. The shop calls for clarifications are just part of the process, not a sign you messed up. I get what @hannahcraig is saying about napkin diagrams, but that feels more like a communication issue than a modeling one. For a straight run, extra modeling time can be a bigger waste than a few phone calls.

angelam802mo ago

My 'simple' duct run needed its own FAQ.

hannahcraig2mo ago

My simple duct run turned into a full blown engineering project. The number of times I had to explain it to my partner could fill a small manual. At one point I was drawing diagrams on a napkin.