sketchup for woodworkers

[myxpykalix]

I don't know if i want to learn a whole new program but several guys do use it and this guy has several tutorials that look pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPHcnIJhcT0
http://sketchupforwoodworkers.com/

[andyb]

Jack,
Here is another one.
http://woodworkingwithsketchup.com

Andy B.

[CNYDWW]

I've used it professionally for years both in my own shop and working for other companies.

[myxpykalix]

Ok now Randy, you're teasing me with your picture of the Bar!:D

The tutorials i've watched seem fairly striaghtforward and it seems like more then anything you need to learn what the tools are.

[steve_g]

Jack...
I’ve taught SketchUp to 6th and 7th graders with good success! Actually I just get them started and they teach themselves... But when I show them the warehouse, all creativity stops.

SG

[myxpykalix]

Steve,
If you've taught 6th graders, and I can't seem to grasp it...not sure what that means:confused::rolleyes::eek:

[steve_g]

Jack...
I think how quickly you grasp a new program depends a lot on your previous experiences. For me... Auto cad, no problem... SolidWorks, no problem... Vectric products, no problems... Rhino. ????? I just can’t get it going!

SG

[Brian Harnett]

As a solid works user I have difficulty working with it, though I have not really played with it much as far as I can see it does not do parametric modeling.

If it does I would invest some more time on it.

[CNYDWW]

I've played with solidworks here and there but I've got sketchup down so well it's hard for me to shell out the cash for it. I'm so used to defining parameters as i go rather then drawing and defining dimensions after the fact. When going from sketchup to cnc, any parts that have defined curves I draw in Draftsight first then import the part into sketchup. This way i don't have large segmented arcs and exploded curves. With skethcup, if you're looking to have the end result exported to CNC, you have to do a little more work. Also, for other non cnc cut parts that you would want to export into a cut list or spreadsheet, sketchup has a report feature in the pro version that works well if and only if you draw the parts a certain way. For example: Drawing parts made from lengths of 1x4 dimensional lumber. You need to draw the parts with the length on the red axis, create a group and then place the part in the proper position. If done this way, the report will show you Length x Width x Height as " 56" x 3.5" x .75". If you draw it with the length on the green axis the report will show " 3.5" x 56" x .75". Also, textures are defined by the axis in which the part is drawn. In that bar drawing, There are actually two different textures. One with vertical grain and another with horizontal. Reason being is, I had trimmed and grouped the parts that are vertical on their current axis. This will rotate the material accordingly.

Jack, If you want to spend some one on one time, I can show you a few things with sketchup over teamviewer sometime.

[myxpykalix]

Randy
Thanks for that generous offer. Right now i have 2 fingers in a cast of sorts from breaking it in a fall.(I call it my turtleshell).
My physical therapist nicknamed me Michaelangelo because i'm a "Old Age Mutant Ninja Turtle" when i wear it.

It's kind of hard to "hunt and peck" with my ringfinger.:eek:

[sam_harbold]

Randy I have been using the free version of Sketchup for quite a while. Just recently I read that if you explode and flatten your parts then export them using 3d dxf which is available in the pro version the arcs and circles will be exported as true arcs and circles. I am assuming you are running the pro version and if so was wondering if you can confirm this. If this is the case and with Vcarve Pro and Aspire adding support for Sketchup in there next release it will be worth it to me to upgrade to Sketchup Pro.

[CNYDWW]

Randy I have been using the free version of Sketchup for quite a while. Just recently I read that if you explode and flatten your parts then export them using 3d dxf which is available in the pro version the arcs and circles will be exported as true arcs and circles. I am assuming you are running the pro version and if so was wondering if you can confirm this. If this is the case and with Vcarve Pro and Aspire adding support for Sketchup in there next release it will be worth it to me to upgrade to Sketchup Pro.

I'm unsure of the 2013 version of sketchup as far as the exporting arcs. I've got version 8. Sketchup draws in segmented arcs always. The currently it exports the segments. You can however import arcs and sketchup will maintain them. You can also change the number of sides for a circle or segments for an arc as well as divide an entity such as a line arc or circle up to 100 points in the length.

Regards
Randy

[jTr]

Sam,
Like Randy, I've been using Sketchup for many years. I have the Pro version and still get segments. However, on occasion, a segmented arc has proved useful. In all other instances, I can easily "fit curves to selected vectors" and end up with smooth arcs as I process dxf's into part files with VCarve-Pro.

The only thing you'll gain from upgrading to Sketchup Pro is the Layout and Style builder companion programs for architect grade layouts and presentations. I've not learned them yet, but I don't mind having paid the money, as Sketchup is a core part of my business.

Due to the nature of my work, which involves a very wide variety of furniture and cabinetry, I have settled into these facts:

- I need a blank slate style program to draft with - a kitchen cab software package is too limited in creativity for me, and no matter how many hours I spend with tutorials, the parts editing always frustrates me terribly, as I'm spoiled by Sketchup's unrivaled intuitive performance.

- Though it takes a few more steps to nest and plot plys for cutting, I find it acceptable in lieu of learning a separate program and all it's quirks.

- I can generate professional grade proofs to share with clients.

- Cut List Plus, (Cut List fx) works well with Sketchup. By downloading a plugin, I can select all the parts I've drawn and export a parts list to import into CutList, which allows me to quickly get organized and generate shop forms for producing non-CNC parts. This rounds out the production organization nicely, and Cutlist fx is a great value.

Most of my training was through Fine Woodworking's Sketchup blog, which continues to this day. Several tutorial dvd's have been released as well that are presented similarly to the Vectric tutorials.

I've been tempted to try a software brand that utilizes sketchup for cad/cam parts editing. Problem is, I like to buy tools, not rent them. Most software producers are now going to monthly "rentals" - I have a hard time with this concept, as it seems they want to be business partners with you by establishing a never-ending payment stream.
(Wouldn't we all love it if we could receive monthly payments for every project we've completed long as they're serving their purpose? Woo-Hoo!!)

I'm doing my best to keep costs in line, and so far, the Sketchup/CutList route is working well for me. (and of course, the shopbot!)

I'll conclude by thanking Randy for spelling out the details of transferring dxf's from Sketchup into VCarvePro (Partworks) when I got my 'bot two years ago. Thanks for helping me make this all work!

Jeff

[adrianm]

Going to get easier...

http://forum.vectric.com/viewtopic.php?p=130897#p130897

[CNYDWW]

Glad to help Jeff. Also, thanks for the tip on the plugin. Even I didn't know it was out there.

Regards
Randy

[paul60]

Sketchup furniture plans

http://www.srww.com/sketchup-furniture-plans.htm