Vistii for Sketchup

[jTr]

Was hoping this was an automated way to convert Sketchup models to dxf's, but look out folks, they're portraying professionals like us as a slow, expensive middle man in need of elimination:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qEAWnp1NrY&feature=youtu.be

No, I do not see this as an imminent threat, but we all need to be aware:

You're success with these machines is directly related to your skills at designing/drafting, so pick a good format, stick with it and run hard and fast.

Jeff

[Mayo]

Sketchup to G-code conversion

www.sketchucam.com

And it's FREE!


I'm not affiliated with them but have been following their work for some time on their Phlatforum.

[crash5050]

I have a phlatprinter and are good friends with the Carew's. They are a great bunch of folks to work with. The forum over there is excellent also, lots of good instruction, and if you are into RC like I am it is a foam cutter's dream.

Sketchucam is a great way to output just regular ole G-Code.

[jTr]

Thanks for the info - was not aware of this,and would love to try it -
How do you get the shopbot to run G-code - simply open and run a .cnc file?

jeff

[twelchPTM]

no matter what you choose as your profession there is always some yahoo that insists that the customer could do the work on there own. the thing that noone realizes is that the person showing you how "easy" it is has had lots and lots of practice. As a contractor I would alway tell the customer the truth, yes you could do it but you, can't do as fast or as efficiently as me and if you want to try it my rates for corrective work are higher!
When you design a part or a carving you always keep the funtionality of you machine in mind but when a 3rd party designer comes into play weather it is the customer or a 3rd party the design will almost always have to be tweaked to fit your equipment. Keep this in mind when your customer says "here i already made the design"
its like the arcitect who design a house balanced on a post, it looks good on paper but its impossible to build in full scale.

[feinddj]

Ah, that argument takes me back. I was setting tile in a doorway when a man asked if I could work on his house doing the same stuff. He told me that he could do it himself but didn't have the time.
Upon further discussion, he didn't have the tools, time or experience but was still sure that he could do it.

We are all capable of doing many things. Most people are able to do what ever they set their mind to doing. There are many things that I can do but I don't like doing some of them so I pay people to do them for me. There will always be people who will pay others to do a job for them because its faster, easier, cheaper or less hassle.

David