Help learning Sketch-Up

[wow]

JonnyRoundBoy's post today reminded me of this.

I have made several 'false starts' trying to learn SketchUp. Since I seem to have some time on my hands, does anyone have a suggestion for a good tutorial?

I tried the default sketch-up ones - I think 1 through 5 - and found them lacking. I don't mind paying for them if they are GOOD!

Ideas and suggestions, please?

 

[rljatl]

I just got this on sale from Rockler.  Really helps.  Easy to use.  Take notes as you watch it.

SketchUp Guide for Woodworkers, DVD-ROM

 

[ElCabong]

I am just learning myself and found it to be confusing and gave up several times until I found a Tutorial on YouTube called "Sketchup for Woodworkers" by Rob Cameron. He has a series of videos dedicated to woodworking and now I'm hooked. His videos are VERY easy to understand as he goes step-by-step using all the tools and shortcuts. It also makes it much easier to learn if you have an iPad or other handheld device or extra laptop to sit side-by-side next to your PC so you can watch the tutorial and just follow along and mimic what he is doing.  Actually another member already mentioned this site on the Forum

http://sketchupforwoodworkers.com/

 

[Stoli]

Great site to get you started and thinking the "sketchup" way is Jay's Custom Creations.

To get really detailed, and add layers and scenes, check out Joe Zeh aka Chief  I watched what I think are these videos when they were free on his site.

 

[wow]

I am just learning myself and found it to be confusing and gave up several times until I found a Tutorial on YouTube called "Sketchup for Woodworkers" by Rob Cameron. He has a series of videos dedicated to woodworking and now I'm hooked. His videos are VERY easy to understand as he goes step-by-step using all the tools and shortcuts. It also makes it much easier to learn if you have an iPad or other handheld device or extra laptop to sit side-by-side next to your PC so you can watch the tutorial and just follow along and mimic what he is doing.  Actually another member already mentioned this site on the Forum

http://sketchupforwoodworkers.com/

Thanks for that suggestion. I just finished the first three of Ron's videos and have already gained more practical knowledge than the full week of time I put into learning it earlier! In fact. I might be able to use it to create simple projects right now - something I have not been able to do to date!!

 

[Dane]

Fine Woodworking magazine has a whole series of tutorials.  Worth paying for a month of online access.

 

[thender]

For you sketchup users...  Are you Mac or Windows people?

I'm migrating from a mouse-driven Windows desktop to a touchpad-equipped MacBook laptop.  I know that Sketchup is available for the Mac, but it seems like most of the tutorials I've seen are intended for PC users.

Can any Mac users out there recommend a Mac-friendly sketchup tutorial source?

-Tom in SoCal

 

[Stoli]

I use a Mac and don't think there is a real difference.

 

[wow]

The ones mentioned above that I liked are all done on the Mac. Other than using Option vs. Alt and Command vs. Control I didn't notice any difference.

I also used only the trackpad on my MacBook Pro for now. If you do that, be sure you know the multi-finger gestures as that will save you a lot of time.

 

[thender]

Thanks WoW -- great info.  I have a two-hour commuter train ride every day so I'm hoping to put that to use learning Sketchup....

 

[jonny round boy]

In my experience, trying to use a 3D program like SketchUp with a trackpad is a pain in the behind. It's far, far easier with a mouse.

Supposedly even better than a regular mouse is a SpaceMouse, but I've never used one. They look very good though.

 

[peter halle]

Sketchup on a Mac isn't really any different than on a Windows machine.  I second that a mouse is better than a trackpad.  A mouse is even better than a graphics tablet.

Peter

 

[tdragomir]

I use sketchup on a Mac and follow along on tutorials just fine. The only pc thing I have though is a Microsoft 3 button mouse just for sketchup. Give yourself a break and just get one.

 

[wow]

Look what I did! Basic outline of my shop with some of the interior details created. It's only taken me all day, but I couldn't even do it before now...

[attachimg=1]

 

[Wooden Skye]

Wayne

Looks good, what is the structure inside the shop?  What is the shop's size?

The first time I did something in sketch up, it was a cabinet, and it took me close to a day as well.  I probably need a refresher course if I want to do my miter saw station in something other than paper and pencil.

 

[wow]

Wayne

Looks good, what is the structure inside the shop?  What is the shop's size?

The first time I did something in sketch up, it was a cabinet, and it took me close to a day as well.  I probably need a refresher course if I want to do my miter saw station in something other than paper and pencil.

That structure is the 'wood shop' inside my shop. It's 20' x 20' on it's own. The plan is that I will eventually use SketchUp to help me lay out the tools in the woodshop area.

The rest of the shop looks artificially large in comparison on that view. Here's a side view with a vehicle I imported from the 3D Warehouse that shows a little better scale:

[attachimg=1]

 

[Wooden Skye]

Cool.  I would take 20 x 20 at this point in time. 

Keep practicing, I got better when I used everyday, even if for something simple.  Then I took a couple months off and now will need to start over.

 

[tjbnwi]

Something to shoot for;



Tom

 

[wow]

I'm a long ways away from that, but here's what I've accomplished so far on my shop drawing. This was done in about 12 hours compared to earlier aborted attempts  after spending at least a week (40-50 hours) with other tutorials:

[attachimg=1]

I need to send that guy some money - or at least a thank you!

 

[festooltim]

That looks good. At least you have some room in your shop to keep your Hummer in their nice and warm. HA! HA!