Sketchup

[pugilato]

The way I learned sketchup is to just do it, and not be afraid to mess it up. I have done many models which i had to start from scratch after learning what not to do. Now this does not happen so much. After screwing many projects up, I watched the series of videos from podcasts posted by the sketchup show or youtube ().

 

[Colin Giersberg]

Check out



He may be young, but he knows Sketchup. Some of it may be simplistic, but hey, if you don't know Sketchup, then simplistic is the way to go. He has multiple videos that explain all of the commands, options, etc. Layers is actually not that hard. First, draw a part, then triple click on it to select the object, then right click and select Make Group. Next, select the object if it is not highlighted, then click on Window ( in the Menu bar at the top), then select Layers. Click on the + button in the pop up window. This adds a new layer (Layer 01, Layer 02, etc.). Under the Entity Info box, click on the Layer box, then select Layer 01. You have now added your first layer. If you wish, you can rename the layer to something of your choice. If you do this, then the next time you add a layer, then Layer 01 will again be added. This is the default setting.

Whichever way you go, start on the first video and progress from there. You will quickly pick up on Sketchup.

Happy drawing.

 

[barnowl]

I just bought one of those from Amazon last Saturday.

 

[epicxt]

I know what you mean. I think the problem is that if you know how to draw with autocad etc, you'll be used to using coordinates, ie everything relates to an origin point, 0,0,0. Sketchup doesn't have that. I think it was designed that way deliberately, for people who don't understand how most cad programs work.

This is a timely thread that popped up for me.  I've recently been working with Sketchup and have been pleased with some of my results with "typical" projects, but I'm in the middle of trying to design some custum odd-angled steel brackets for some exposed glulams and have been frustrated with the lack of a 3-coordinate plotting tool to get my angles dead-on.  I've never worked with CNC equipment or autoCAD, but is there an inexpensive (or free!) program out there that anyone can recommend that will allow the user to design using coordinates instead of resorting to the protractor and measuring tool?

Sorry if this is considered a thread hijack! [laughing]

Edit: Weird.  Just looked at the dating of this thread and it isn't recent at all!  For some reason it popped up in my Tapatalk under unread.  Maybe had something to do with replacing my phone after sending it through the wash and my apps weren't recently backed up...

 

[leer]

epicxt,

I just jumped into this thread, thinking it was new.  There is a free 2D program called DraftSight.  It is the "AutoCAD" offering from SolidWorks.  I used it a little where I work, to try to design some parts for an Epilog Laser Engraver.  I finally went back to CorelDraw, which is (or was) the default program to print to the laser.

I never was an AutoCAD user, so I found it difficult to get proficient with the use of DraftSight.  I had gotten pretty comfortable with CorelDraw, mainly because I had no perconceived ideas on how it should work.  Probably why I adapted to SketchUp pretty quickly to get a simple project created pretty fast.

I am using SketchUp now, and find it pretty straightforward for items like wood, but I can imagine your frustration in designing something with angles.  For my newest project, a planer cart, I did a model for locking casters.  I had a heck of a time trying to model the angular bracket on the caster that supports the wheel.  I made it "close enough", since I was just using it to have a reasonable look when imported into the model for the cart.  I only needed its overall dimensions to be correct since my cart had to be accurate in height to align with my workbench, which will be the outfeed table for it.

 

[jonny round boy]

DraftSight is good - I've very recently used it to do my systainer templates.

Note though that the free version is only 2D. If you need 3D this won't do it.

Jonathan

 

[tiralie]

For all those interested in expanding the capabilities of Sketchup, this is a video (presentation) about using several rendering engines within Sketchup to achieve more photo realistic images.

https://vimeo.com/61305942

Webinar - Rendering in SketchUp with Daniel Tal from Land8.com on Vimeo.

 

[epicxt]

Thanks for Draftsight recommendation, I'll have to check it out when I get the chance. I ended up going to my buddy's place last night and he blasted it out in Solidworks. That's some amazing software!

 

[atlr]

...blasted it out in Solidworks. That's some amazing software!

Sure is difficult to casually find the cost of Solidworks 3D CAD software.

The student edition costs $150 and can be purchased by students and military veterans.https://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/3d-cad/academia.htm

 

[Colin Giersberg]

For anyone that has watched some of the videos from Harwood Podcast, you have probably seen him using a 3d mouse. They are useful in that you do not have to click on a command to rotate or move the object to a new position to continue working. I have one and like it. They are made by  http://www.3dconnexion.com

 

[leer]

I was rereading a few posts here, and completely missed the reference to "3D Warehouse".  (Thanks Richard/RMW!)

I learned a lot about using SketchUp while modeling a DeWalt DW735 planer.  I just looked at a model on 3D Warehouse.  Wow, amazing detail! I do not feel bad about the time I spent, since I'm a new user and some of the tasks to build the model were pretty challenging, and so I learned a lot.

 

[tjacks66]

I am not seeing the military veteran option for Student Edition Solidworks ...

 

[atlr]

https://store.solidworks.com/veteran/default.php

 

[RC]

For anyone that has watched some of the videos from Harwood Podcast, you have probably seen him using a 3d mouse. They are useful in that you do not have to click on a command to rotate or move the object to a new position to continue working. I have one and like it. They are made by  http://www.3dconnexion.com

There is a campaign going on at Sketchucation.com for a 20% off discount of the 3DConnexion devices with voucher code SKETCH20PROMO at their web-shops.

 

[cgmojoco]

For anyone that has watched some of the videos from Harwood Podcast, you have probably seen him using a 3d mouse. They are useful in that you do not have to click on a command to rotate or move the object to a new position to continue working. I have one and like it. They are made by  http://www.3dconnexion.com

There is a campaign going on at Sketchucation.com for a 20% off discount of the 3DConnexion devices with voucher code SKETCH20PROMO at their web-shops.

Thanks this is perfect timing!

 

[RC]

I would probably try the new wireless one myself if I already didn't have the wired one on the table. just can't justify putting another 130€ down to cut the wire =(

 

[Kristian]

The new smart labels in LayOut 2014 are pretty cool btw. Overall there are some nice new features in the new 2014 release.

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[tiralie]

The new smart labels in LayOut 2014 are pretty cool btw. Overall there are some nice new features in the new 2014 release.

Agreed, I saw that last night. Not sure what else they changed but I like what they have done.
Tim

 

[grbmds]

For anyone that has watched some of the videos from Harwood Podcast, you have probably seen him using a 3d mouse. They are useful in that you do not have to click on a command to rotate or move the object to a new position to continue working. I have one and like it. They are made by  http://www.3dconnexion.com

There is a campaign going on at Sketchucation.com for a 20% off discount of the 3DConnexion devices with voucher code SKETCH20PROMO at their web-shops.

Thanks this is perfect timing!

I didn't see the promo on the Sketchuation or 3D Connexion websites. Can you be more specific to help the challenged?

 

[RC]

The campaign was published to the Skechucation newsletter readers - it's not on the website. Just go to www.3dconnexion.com and their shop -> type the code in to your basket at checkout and press update button.