How do I keep my BASE POINT centered?

I received this question via MSN Messenger from a fellow BLOGer and thought I should post this for others also. If you have a dynamic block where you want your Base Point to ALWAYS be centered with your block, take a look at the attached block.

Example: Say you have a table and you have a stretch parameter on one side of your table. You stretch the block to increase the length of the table. And now you cant get the Base Point to stay centered. Well if you insert a BASE POINT parameter in the MIDPOINT of the table. Then associate a Stretch or Move action with the .50 distance multiplier set. Your BASE POINT will stay centered in your block. Its a nice little way to manage your BASE POINTS for Dynamic blocks.

Check out this block attached to see an example:Download BasePointMid.dwg

Comments

[Alex Dring]

I am trying to make a structual span indicator dynamic block. It pretty much is a single line with two arrows, one on either end. In the middle of the line is a circle. So far i can create the stretch for both ends and the rotation is working too. My problem is the circle doensnt stay with the line. What am i missing or do i have to make is all a pline?

[Rico]

You can also stretch each side of the object using a stretch action with a .5 multiplier for each side. That way the core centre of the block remains unmoved as the stretch occurs.

If you chain the actions and remove 1 grip from teh linear parameter, you can also stretch both sides using only one grip. Both sides will stretch equally.