Almost done with Sketchup T-Loc models, it's been a pain...

[Brice Burrell]

I've been working on a Sketchup model of the T-Loc Systainers on and off for the last week or so.  I know my way around Sketchup but I don't consider myself an expert, not even close to it.  I generally do fairly simply models, case work mostly, that pretty anyone can do in there sleep.  This T-Loc model has been challenging and frankly anyone that knows Sketchup can see it looks ok but the model is a mess.  Partly due to the complexity of the model.  However, most of the problem is in my lack of experience.  I learned a lot and now I know I need to plan more and be way more organized on more complex models. 

I'd like to hear anyone's experiences with more complex models and Sketchup in general.

I'll be uploading the T-Loc models when done, although I'm not sure when that will be since I'm starting a big job on Monday so I don't when I'll get to finish.

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[semenza]

I think it looks good , Brice.  Certainly totally useable. With all those ribs and such to deal with .....

Seth

 

[erock]

Brice,
  You're missing the label.  [poke]  How do I know what tool is in the t-loc?  [tongue]

Seriously, that's impressive.  I'm sure a lot of work went into this.  It looks just like a T-loc.

I've never used sketchup,  but have thought about messing around with it.

Why did you make up the T-locs?

Eric

 

[Brice Burrell]

Brice,
  You're missing the label.  [poke]  How do I know what tool is in the t-loc?   [tongue]

Seriously, that's impressive.   I'm sure a lot of work went into this.   It looks just like a T-loc.

I've never used sketchup,  but have thought about messing around with it.

Why did you make up the T-locs?

Eric

Eric, it's funny you in particular should ask about why I made this.  I was planning one making a couple of LR32 videos with the recent down time I had but you beat me to that.  I've been waiting form someone to make a T-Loc model but no one seemed to want to do, so I stepped up.  Really, there is no real reason other than I think it's fun and I know they will probably be a popular download in the 3d warehouse. 

 

[Brice Burrell]

I think it looks good , Brice.  Certainly totally useable. With all those ribs and such to deal with .....

Seth

Seth, while the model I've done so far, sys 2, isn't perfectly accurate it is very close.  I'd say somewhere around 95% accurate.  My goal is to allow people to get a realist idea of what the interior dimensions so they will have a good sense of what will fit inside each size T-Loc.  Plus I'm planning on making up some aids for making custom plywood T-Loc inserts.   

 

[tiralie]

Yes, I think they look good. Not sure where your problems were/are maybe you can explain.
This is a drawing I had a lot of technical issues with but mostly because I was trying to make this island fit the footprint of an exiting one and so of the design choices were less than ideal. I used photo match to fit this to the existing space .
I can't find the original, but this is rendered as a sketch vs. a technical drawing.
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Tim

 

[Brice Burrell]

Nice island Tim (and I liked the walk in closet also).  I understand the time involved in making this drawing/models...then the client wants changes. [blink]

Your island is a good example of a more complex model but the follow me tool took care of a lot of the hard work.  My problems are all the more organic shapes of the T-Loc compared to the classic Systainer.  There was a lot of follow me, auto fold and intersect with model work to the complex shapes of the feet, recesses, reinforcing ribs and latch.  If you've worked with the follow me, auto fold and intersect with model features much you know there can be extra hidden geometry that can be extremely frustrating and time consuming to resolve.  That's where the trouble was for me.  Also, making a complex model that you are designing from is hard enough but trying to make one reasonably accurate is a real challenge.      

 

[Brice Burrell]

Brice,
  You're missing the label.  [poke]  How do I know what tool is in the t-loc?   [tongue]

Seriously, that's impressive.   I'm sure a lot of work went into this.   It looks just like a T-loc.

I've never used sketchup,  but have thought about messing around with it.

Why did you make up the T-locs?

Eric

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that I modeled the clear plastic label cover.  You could modify that to make a custom tool label.  As for time invest in modeling, I don't, a lot so far, and there is more to come.  I wouldn't be surprised if I'm over 20 hours at this point.  I have a lot of trouble I wasn't anticipating with hidden geometry.

Sketchup is a great tool and I highly recommend you give it a try.     

 

[tiralie]

Also, making a complex model that you are designing from is hard enough but trying to make one reasonably accurate is a real challenge.      

Agreed. Sketchucation site has some amazing examples of organic shapes folks have created. I have it on my list to learn to use the Sandbox feature in Sketchup.
Tim

 

[fritter63]

I feel for ya Brice... having dealt with the interior of those T-Locs while make tight fitting Kaizen inserts......

 

[panelchat]

looks great to me!
at a close look, systainers turn out to be very complicated pieces of injection molding, lots of weird details and draft angles going on.
the exact geometry is impressive, not your typical plastic box.

 

[jonny round boy]

Nice one, Brice! You beat me to it.

I do own a couple of Tlocs now, and I've started modelling them myself but haven't got very far yet.

 

[Frank Pellow]

They certainly look good to me Brice.

I admire the many folks here who persist with Sketchup and become good with it.  I have started several times and I even purchased a Sketchup for Dummies book and went through the first half of the book doing the exercises.  But, something else always comes up and I don't stick with it long enough to become good.  :-[  Maybe some day  ???

 

[Brice Burrell]

Nice one, Brice! You beat me to it.

I do own a couple of Tlocs now, and I've started modelling them myself but haven't got very far yet.

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Now you tell you've started.  If I'd known that I would have (impatiently) waited, I would have nagged you the whole time until you finished. [tongue]

 

[Brice Burrell]

I think I've completed the models, T-Loc 1-5.  I'll be uploading them to the 3d warehouse, probably all in one file, sometime later tonight.  I'll post the link here.

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[tiralie]

I think I've completed the models, T-Loc 1-5.  I'll be uploading them to the 3d warehouse, probably all in one file, sometime later tonight.  I'll post the link here.

Look really good.
Tim

 

[nclemmons]

Really nice job Brice...  I uploaded the original Systainers to 3D Warehouse years ago.  Glad to have these available too.

I know these take a LOT of time.  Thanks!

neil

 

[Brice Burrell]

Really nice job Brice...  I uploaded the original Systainers to 3D Warehouse years ago.  Glad to have these available too.

I know these take a LOT of time.  Thanks!

neil

I didn't know it was you that did the classic Systainers.

 

[festooltim]

Looks impressive.

 

[Timtool]

Wow, you have really done every little detail, youre crazy lol.
This will be extremely helpful to the community! Thanks Brice.