Been playing around with creating "dynamic components", using that new
feature now available in SketchUp7-Pro.
Below is a file that contains two .skp files, one for Base Cabinet FF's, and
one for Wall Cabinet FF's. (Be sure to open any folder if it downloads that
way):
http://e-woodshop.net/files/DC-FaceFrame.zip
If you're a SketchUp7 user, you might want to give these a try and let me
know how they work for you.
(Note: you will want to "import" into an open file. On some systems you also
to may have to "explode" the component itself _once_ after its loaded into
SU to the get the "component" to by dynamic ... but try it first.)
~The Base Cabinet face frame "component" should respond to a user selected
"Cabinet Width" list box, in industry standard 3" increments, or you can
"scale" the component to any desired WIDTH using the "scale tool".
~ The Wall Cabinet "component" should respond to both user selected "Cabinet
Width" and "Cabinet Height" list box, in industry standard 3" increments, or
you can "scale" the component to any desired WIDTH and HEIGHT using the
"scale tool".
Since I always build my face frames first, then assemble the sides, top and
bottom onto them, this is a useful tool for determining cabinet WIDTHS when
designing a kitchen, and to see what will fit where, or resizing and/or
scaling/snapping into unoccupied wall or floor spaces you need to fill with
cabinet.
But either way you build your cabinets, you may find the ability to
dimension, or scale, cabinet face frames handy.
This is now especially true if you want to generate a face frame cutlist
from your model and you also own CutList Plus.
The "Cutlist 4" Sketchup plug-in linked below, is specifically designed to
work with CutList Plus ... damn nifty!
http://www.box.net/shared/m9ryf1l0ni
This is my first try with DC's, so let me know if something doesn't work,
and any comments welcome.
Thanks,
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Morris Dovey" wrote
>
>> Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet. :)
>>
>> I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to abpw.
>> It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a hole
>> in it.
>
> Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the hole
> you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the hole(s),
> then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the parts you
> don't want.
>
> When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to
> get holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job. :)
>
> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/CurvedFaces.jpg
Yup. You can coerce and cajole it into doing much of what you might want,
much of the time. It's great for what it is, but much of the time, sooner or
later it bogs down and I'm fighting it to do what I want rather than what it
wants. That's more a compliment than a detraction or dismissal. Sketchup
*almost* allows me to do useful work. A few more versions and a bit more
development will get it there.
"Jack Stein" wrote\
> I can relate to that. I'm on my 3rd, or possibly 4th attempt to learn SU
> and I think I got it this time. Problem is, it does so much stuff and
> does it very easily, that you get twisted up in it's capabilities. You
> can't learn it all in a week it seems. You need to put in some time and
> work at it a bit, with good tutorials at hand. Just getting the axis to
> work took me a while. One problem I think people have is thinking it is
> limited because it's free. I have have enough under my belt now to know
> this sucker is nothing less than amazing in it's capabilities.
>
> I know it enough now to say it is the best thing for woodworkers to come
> along in a long time, especially the hobbyist or small shop owner that
> doesn't have the time or money to spend on autocad (I don't know zip about
> autocad other than all the architects seem to use it and it costs a
> fortune and the learning curve is supposedly steep.)
>
> For me, I learned how to draw with a pencil well enough to "sketch up"
> anything I wanted to make, quickly. After all, once you learn how to
> build stuff, you don't need anything real fancy, sometimes just a few
> sizes jotted down to get things right. This program makes that about
> obsolete as I can do pretty fancy drawings to perfect scale, with close
> enough colors if I want to see not just how to build something, but
> exactly what it will look like when I'm done. The time it takes to do
> this is warp speed once you learn how to use it.
Well said, Jack!
> I'm still amazed something this good is free. I keep waiting for the
> "hook" to dig into my lip, but seems their is such a thing as a free
> lunch...
LOL .. myself!
I do have the Pro version because I'm building a custom home where much of
the design was done using the free version and the designer could not print
out construction documents that were suitable for bidding/building ... and
if I had to buy it, I wasn't going to buy it for anyone else! :)
The Pro version makes it possible for me to take the designer's models and
output industry standard construction documents, and since I have it, I
figured I'd whip up some dynamic cabinet components and put them up for free
download for those using the free version. Besides, it was a valuable
learning experience for me, and one that upped my facility with program.
> I been thinking of making another work bench for my shop for a long time
> and decided to use this idea to learn SU. I could have built this thing
> several times already for the hours I put in SU, but 99% of the time was
> learning. Now I could do this whole thing from scrath in less than an
> hour, and I'm still VERY new at this. Here is a picture of the bench,
>
> http://jbstein.com/Flick/Bench1.jpg
>
> the SU file is not finished, I'll probably start over just to make sure
> things are really how I want them, but here it is, I enjoy looking at
> others stuff, so I might as well put it up...
>
> http://jbstein.com/Flick/Bench1.skp
Well done ... good to hear from those who've snapped to the value this
program can bring to woodworkers in particular.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Dec 20, 3:02=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> I could of spent $5K easily on another 3D "CAD" program, but I would stil=
l
> be learning the software months from now, instead of making money with it=
.
>
Perfect. It suits your needs. In the end, that's all that matters.
What matters for me, is that, after I do my presentation, and the
customer and I work out the bugs, I can go straight to production...
with the same files.
I already spent the money on the software and became a 3D AutoCAD user
15+ years ago.
I also found AutoCAD horribly awkward and non-intuitive.
I need the ability to model, such as this:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/Robatoy/Corner.jpg
and when I make a presentation drawing for a custom big-dollar
installation, it also has a complete Bill Of Materials, including
slides, knobs and hinges. On a job like this:
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/Robatoy/217Kit.jpg
not having to duplicate over and over when customers make changes is
an invaluable tool for me.
Sometimes you need a chisel, sometimes a Multi Router.
btw..eCabinet software is free also. Incredible value, especially when
one can detach from the CNC cooperative and accomplish all this in
house.
http://www.ecabinetsystems.com/
r
On Dec 19, 5:02=A0pm, Morris Dovey <[email protected]> wrote:
> SonomaProducts.com wrote:
> > Welcome to the world of paramentric design.
>
> > In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
> > revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
> > you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
> > They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
> > features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
> > anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.
>
> > This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
> > second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
> > the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.
>
> > I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
> > seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
> > harder to use. =A0 ;^)
>
> Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet. :)
>
At the risk of sounding a bit snobbish, Sketch-Up is a fun entry-level
product which hopefully will entice the curious into trying real CAD
software. That is especially true when you're trying to make the link
between CAD and CAM.
Having said that, for the price (even for the Pro version) SketchUp
appears to be an excellent value.
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
>
> "Leon" wrote
>
>> I downloaded and uninstalled SU about 2 or 3 times before I finally
>> figured out how to use it. A few on line tutorials really help get the
>> wheels spinning. I have been using AutoCAD LT since 97 and have been
>> using CAD programs in general since 86. I am finding that SU will pretty
>> much do what everything that AutoCAD LT would do with a very few
>> exceptions. The big trick for me is learning/remembering to draw
>> components and assemble the drawing with those components. I tend to
>> want to draw every thing in place and that does not work out real well
>> with SU especially if you want to relocate a particular group of lines.
>
> Other than the obvious advantage/ability to make one change to a
> "component", and have that change reflected in all copies of that
> component, there is an added advantage, reason to do so:
>
> If you build the model from parts (components and groups), like you would
> do a woodworking project, and name them correctly, a cutlist is
> automatically done for you, by name, by the CutList plug-in.
>
> Have you tried the plug-in yet? A must have, since you own CutListPlus!
LOL.. NO! I have not. I've been too busy building fences and ball point
pens. If you are using it, or rather can you show me that function the next
time we get together. ;~)
On Dec 19, 5:21=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
"Any tool is only as good as the craftsman who wields it"
Here here, good addition to my Grandpa's favorite "Its a poor workman
what blames his tools."
On Dec 19, 9:35=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> http://finewoodworking.taunton.com/blog/design-click-build
Nice link, thank you
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
> Welcome to the world of paramentric design.
>
> In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
> revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
> you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
> They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
> features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
> anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.
>
> This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
> second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
> the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.
>
> I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
> seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
> harder to use. ;^)
Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet. :)
I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to
abpw. It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a
hole in it.
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
Swingman wrote:
> "Morris Dovey" wrote
>
>> Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet. :)
>>
>> I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to abpw.
>> It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a hole in
>> it.
>
> Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the hole
> you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the hole(s),
> then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the parts you don't
> want.
>
> When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to get
> holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job. :)
Good stuff - thank you! My knowledge /is/ cursory, and I /did/ take 'em
at their word when they described the "push-pull" tool as being a good
way to make holes.
I don't really mind having to create three extra objects I don't want in
order to make one that I do, but this is like having a stack of
fencepost holes so you can pop 'em into the ground to build a fence...
It all went /really/ weird when I tried to delete the "pipes".
Umm - next up, I'm going to need a threaded hole/cylinder (1/4-20
please) for an Allen setscrew. :)
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
Swingman wrote:
> Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the hole
> you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the hole(s),
> then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the parts you don't
> want.
Tried that (several times) and took screen shots at each stage. Pix on abpw.
> When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to get
> holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job. :)
Obviously I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it isn't a three
minute job yet...
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
Swingman wrote:
> OK, here's your "tutorial":
>
> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Holes-CurvedSurfaces.zip
>
> :)
>
> As I said on apbw, this is just one method to drill holes in curved
> surfaces. There are other ways to do this in SketchUp.
>
> I'm still a newbie!
Not the newest of newbies, it would seem. :)
Thanks!
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
Swingman wrote:
> OK, here's your "tutorial":
>
> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Holes-CurvedSurfaces.zip
Thanks! It worked for me.
I'd still like to see a way to do that common job done more simply.
Now about that threaded hole for the set screw... :)
--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
"Han" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Jack Stein <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>>
> Thanks, Jack! I need to find the time to learn SU ...
I downloaded and uninstalled SU about 2 or 3 times before I finally figured
out how to use it. A few on line tutorials really help get the wheels
spinning. I have been using AutoCAD LT since 97 and have been using CAD
programs in general since 86. I am finding that SU will pretty much do what
everything that AutoCAD LT would do with a very few exceptions. The big
trick for me is learning/remembering to draw components and assemble the
drawing with those components. I tend to want to draw every thing in place
and that does not work out real well with SU especially if you want to
relocate a particular group of lines.
Welcome to the world of paramentric design.
In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.
This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.
I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
harder to use. ;^)
On Dec 19, 9:23=A0am, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Been playing around with creating "dynamic components", using that new
> feature now available in SketchUp7-Pro.
>
> Below is a file that contains two .skp files, one for Base Cabinet FF's, =
and
> one for Wall Cabinet FF's. (Be sure to open any folder if it downloads th=
at
> way):
>
> http://e-woodshop.net/files/DC-FaceFrame.zip
>
> If you're a SketchUp7 user, you might want to give these a try and let me
> know how they work for you.
>
> (Note: you will want to "import" into an open file. On some systems you a=
lso
> to may have to "explode" the component itself _once_ after its loaded int=
o
> SU to the get the "component" to by dynamic ... but try it first.)
>
> ~The Base Cabinet face frame "component" should respond to a user selecte=
d
> "Cabinet Width" list box, in industry standard 3" increments, or you can
> "scale" the component to any desired WIDTH using the "scale tool".
>
> ~ The Wall Cabinet "component" should respond to both user selected "Cabi=
net
> Width" and "Cabinet Height" list box, in industry standard 3" increments,=
or
> you can "scale" the component to any desired WIDTH and HEIGHT using the
> "scale tool".
>
> Since I always build my face frames first, then assemble the sides, top a=
nd
> bottom onto them, this is a useful tool for determining cabinet WIDTHS wh=
en
> designing a kitchen, and to see what will fit where, or resizing and/or
> scaling/snapping into unoccupied wall or floor spaces you need to fill wi=
th
> cabinet.
>
> But either way you build your cabinets, you may find the ability to
> dimension, or scale, cabinet face frames handy.
>
> This is now especially true if you want to generate a face frame cutlist
> from your model and you also own CutList Plus.
>
> The "Cutlist 4" Sketchup plug-in linked below, is specifically designed t=
o
> work with CutList Plus ... damn nifty!
>
> http://www.box.net/shared/m9ryf1l0ni
>
> This is my first try with DC's, so let me know if something doesn't work,
> and any comments welcome.
>
> Thanks,
>
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 10/22/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Dec 20, 7:38=A0pm, Morris Dovey <[email protected]> wrote:
> Swingman wrote:
> > OK, here's your "tutorial":
>
> >http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Holes-CurvedSurfaces.zip
>
> Thanks! It worked for me.
>
> I'd still like to see a way to do that common job done more simply.
>
> Now about that threaded hole for the set screw... :)
>
> --
> Morris Dovey
> DeSoto Solar
> DeSoto, Iowa USAhttp://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/
Extrude along helix. Piece of cake.
On Dec 19, 8:21=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" wrote
>
> > At the risk of sounding a bit snobbish, Sketch-Up is a fun entry-level
> > product which hopefully will entice the curious into trying real CAD
> > software.
>
> Don't look now, Rob, but your lack familiarity with the program is showin=
g
> ... SketchUp has always been upfront about NOT being "CAD software". =A0:=
)
I am the first to agree that I have yet to delve into all of the host
of features that SketchUp offers.
I , frankly, haven't had the need. So your assesment of my lack of
familiarity is sound. Somewhat.
And yet, my grandmother's wisdom haunts me: "I don't know how to lay
eggs, but I sure know when one shouldn't be eaten."
I am still somewhat curious how someone, like yourself, who has shown
a solid working knowledge of other software has bolted onto the
SketchUp product.
This is not a critique, but a question. You were a TurboCAD user at
one time, were'nt you? Why the change?
I have never been one to stay with a system/software 'just because'.
If that were true, wtf am I married 3 times? I am willing to change
and learn. I just don't see SketchUp as a path to growth, unlike
TurboCAD which ate least teaches CAD-style conventions.
Am I way off here?
>
<snip>
>
> =A0Any tool is only as good as the craftsman who wields it ... it is alwa=
ys a
> mistake to sell something short on the basis of cursory knowledge.
I agree, but why change a horse in the middle of a stream? There must
be real advantage to adopting SketchUp over Turbo. If there is, I
don't see it.
And when it comes to wielding tools in the CAD and 3D modelling world,
I hold my own quite well. SketchUp leaves me wanting more. Like NURBs.
Like extrusions along rails. Like sweeps along bezier paths. Skinning
and a full set of Bolean functions and a full set of rendering tools.
And after all that, a true export ability that all programs can
understand and parse. And don't get me started on infinite lighting
sources and radiosity. Textures in all their photo-realistic glory.
SketchUp has never made claims to fit my bill. They don't. But if
you're going to learn conventions, they should be cross-platform, and
adhere to some standard which is transportable.
Honestly, dude... nothing personal.
r
"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Han" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> Jack Stein <[email protected]> wrote in
>> news:[email protected]:
>>>
>> Thanks, Jack! I need to find the time to learn SU ...
>
>
> I downloaded and uninstalled SU about 2 or 3 times before I finally
> figured out how to use it. A few on line tutorials really help get the
> wheels spinning. I have been using AutoCAD LT since 97 and have been
> using CAD programs in general since 86. I am finding that SU will pretty
> much do what everything that AutoCAD LT would do with a very few
> exceptions. The big trick for me is learning/remembering to draw
> components and assemble the drawing with those components. I tend to want
> to draw every thing in place and that does not work out real well with SU
> especially if you want to relocate a particular group of lines.
It helps greatly to group things into components, and
sub-sub-sub-....-sub-components. (It's conveniently mapped to the 'G' key by
default.) You don't have to always break things down to individual boards or
sticks, but maybe start that way and find some level of granularity that's
comfortable. For example, drawers or paneled doors might be comfortable as a
single part, or you might prefer to work with a grouping of simple sticks.
Keep some "cutters" around to cope the ends of sticks, etc. I tend to work
in place also. Other 3D CAD systems formalize the relationships as parts and
sub-assemblies. You should do the same. Keep the outliner and components
windows open even if you have to sacrifice some screen space to do so.
"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:22305ca8-b5d7-44e3-85a8-8235fe7a19b1@m16g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
> On Dec 20, 3:02 pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>
>> I could of spent $5K easily on another 3D "CAD" program, but I would
>> still
>> be learning the software months from now, instead of making money with
>> it.
>>
> Perfect. It suits your needs. In the end, that's all that matters.
> What matters for me, is that, after I do my presentation, and the
> customer and I work out the bugs, I can go straight to production...
> with the same files.
Likewise ... the Pro version is in hand. :)
> I already spent the money on the software and became a 3D AutoCAD user
> 15+ years ago.
> I also found AutoCAD horribly awkward and non-intuitive.
> I need the ability to model, such as this:
> http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/Robatoy/Corner.jpg
I have to use compatible software because most of the architects I deal with
use nothing but.
AutoSketch does that nicely/cheaply for me as I can edit/print .dwg files
when necessary, which happens quite a bit.
> and when I make a presentation drawing for a custom big-dollar
> installation, it also has a complete Bill Of Materials, including
> slides, knobs and hinges. On a job like this:
> http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/Robatoy/217Kit.jpg
> not having to duplicate over and over when customers make changes is
> an invaluable tool for me.
Believe it or not, SU Pro does the same thing, including keeping track of
colors on a wall by wall basis. Using dynamic components you can just let
the customer choose/change the hardware, color, etc, from a drop down list,
and all from the free version freely available to them. AAMOF, SU is
extensible enough using Ruby, that most of the large, high dollar graphic
folks have plug-in's readily available for high end rendering, etc.
There are also a world of architects involved in with program now, sort of
surprised me, knowing what I know about architects. :)
> Sometimes you need a chisel, sometimes a Multi Router.
>
> btw..eCabinet software is free also. Incredible value, especially when
> one can detach from the CNC cooperative and accomplish all this in
> house.
> http://www.ecabinetsystems.com/
Hope it's better now ... at one time it was the worst malware I ever loaded
on a computer ... it was basically a virus when I belonged to their
"network" some five or six years back. Was glad to get it off the office
computers.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Morris Dovey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> SonomaProducts.com wrote:
>> Welcome to the world of paramentric design.
>>
>> In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
>> revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
>> you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
>> They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
>> features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
>> anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.
>>
>> This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
>> second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
>> the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.
>>
>> I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
>> seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
>> harder to use. ;^)
>
> Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet. :)
And methinks the operator may have a ways to go to understand how to operate
the program. :)
> I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to abpw.
> It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a hole in
> it.
Like I said on apbw, this is elementary ... send me the file and I'll be
glad to show you how to do it. :)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Jack Stein" wrote
> I first did it to something I made, and then to your base cabinet. I
> exploded the thing first but not sure yet exactly what "explode" does, or
> if I had to do it first or not. This worked pretty good, and I was
> impressed that after resizing the drawer I was working on, the dimensions
> I had made also changed to show the correct size.
>
>> However, try this before doing that: Single click the model to select
>> it; then on the toolbar go to Window/Component Options and click.
>>
>> This should bring up the "Component Options" window, and, if a list box
>> should appear with dimensions on it, you're fine and don't need to do
>> anything else, except to select whatever dimension you want, click Apply,
>> and the model will resize to your chosen dimension.
>
> I got the list box, but no dimensions.
That probably because you "exploded" the model (broke the base cabinet
itself into its sub-components). It is the base cabinet itself, as a single
component, that is "dynamic" and responds to changes in the list box. If you
"explode" past that level, it won't work.
If you double click on "DC-BaseCabinet.skp", and it is opened by SketchUp,
you should not have to explode it.
Remember, "dynamic components" only work in SketchUp7.
Let me know if you are still having trouble.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"MikeWhy" wrote
> It's good, and it's fast for the initial rough out. There's still room for
> the middleweight systems. Mostly, it's the lack of "history" and
> committing to details too soon. I can't easily go back a few steps and
> adjust a smidge and then roll it forward again. Other times, it's the
> inferencing that guesses wrong and won't be corrected. Overall, though,
> it's a remarkably useful tool as it is, a huge step toward empowering the
> normal person to sketch up and document his world. For that alone, I'm
> very sure history will speak well of Google's achievements in these years.
Google is just standing on the shoulders of giants ... they bought out the
company that created it.
> So, what's your revenue stream with CAD? Are you just better able to
> communicate ideas? Save time by thinking through the details? How is SU
> making you $$?
Just a current example that's being worked on, with a bit of history behind
it following ... caution, it's a 1.3mb download:
http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
The cabinets for this kitchen will be started in another week to ten days.
The client lives in Austin, 170 miles from my shop, and I live in Houston.
I've seen her only once in the two months since the design started, and most
of that time was waiting on sinks and appliances to be purchased so the
cabinets could be designed around them and fit into the space.
With the exception of the downdraft venting system for the stove top, which
she has yet to be purchase (thus the real stove top model just sitting on
top of the island counter top), the other appliances and sink are the actual
products themselves from models taken off manufacturer's website and
imported into SketchUp ... IOW, what she actually sees _is_ what she's
getting, with her appliances in place.
Currently I'm waiting to finish the double oven cabinet and island cabinet
design, but other than that, she has made her door and drawer front choices,
where she wanted the appliances, where she wanted shelves, where she wanted
the pantry, everything ... decisions all made by viewing the SketchUp model
as I make her changes and put it online for her to download.
SketchUp is free ... she runs a Mac, no problem.
Mid design, she decided she wanted a kitchen "hutch", told me what she
wanted, moved the location twice .. no problem, and where you see the
"hutch" is the final spot. (maybe). :)
A side note with regard to the "kitchen hutch", I've already have a
commission to build another, but stand alone, based solely on a relative
having seen the one in the SketchUp kitchen model!
This kitchen is not one of my bigger kitchens, but will retail in excess of
$60K, easily ... it is the direct the product of long distance collaboration
using SketchUp, while many other projects are ongoing, much of the design
done in the evening while SWMBO watches TV and I sit in an easy chair with
my laptop, using a FREE program that more than gets the job done for what I
need it for! :)
I could of spent $5K easily on another 3D "CAD" program, but I would still
be learning the software months from now, instead of making money with it.
You asked ... :)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Morris Dovey" wrote\
> Good stuff - thank you! My knowledge /is/ cursory, and I /did/ take 'em at
> their word when they described the "push-pull" tool as being a good way to
> make holes.
>
> I don't really mind having to create three extra objects I don't want in
> order to make one that I do,
That's because you do it in woodworking all the time. :)
Besides, the only additional object necessary was the cylinder, which took
less that five seconds to draw ... think of it as a jig. :)
What folks, in their initial exposure to the program, can't seem to grasp is
that Sketchup is not a CAD program in the traditional sense, and it indeed
requires a different mindset to those stuck in the CAD gear. Sadly, and as
you see in this thread, it's all to to easy to dismiss the program based on
ignorance and misconceptions about "CAD" ... and probably also, because the
first things you learn to do when playing around with it do look
"cartoonish". :)
There is one guiding principle behind SketchUp's concept that makes it an
absolute PERFECT (astounding actually) fit with woodworking endeavors:
~ Sketchup deals with the manipulation of "surfaces" and "edges".
~ Woodworking deals with the manipulation of "surfaces" and "edges"*
A woodworker couldn't ask for more ...
Once this is grasped by an open mind, the program morphs into an astounding
tool for the woodworker interested in designing his own projects, from
simple tables, to complex joinery, constructing them, and, for the
professional woodworker, presenting them to clients ... all with a lot less
effort, and less lost shop time, than with most similar programs.
Simply speaking, build a SketchUp model precisely like you would a
woodworking project, by starting with the individual components, then join
the individual parts into the whole. Once you're done, you have both a model
(plan), for your own use or for presentation, and, most importantly, you
have solved most of the construction problems and gained an intimate
knowledge of what you need to do to build the model when you hit the shop.
The price is right, the program is much more intuitive than most CAD
software, doesn't require all that much time to become reasonably
proficient, and at that point the payback becomes way out of proportion to
the effort expended.
AAMOF, there are few tools more advantageous to a smart, serious woodworker!
It appears that more and more of same are beginning to realize that. :)
Great time to be alive ... this digital age!
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"MikeWhy" wrote
> wants. That's more a compliment than a detraction or dismissal. Sketchup
> *almost* allows me to do useful work. A few more versions and a bit more
> development will get it there.
That's too bad ... In a nutshell, I've made woodworking pay a lot more since
wielding SU than any other software design program to date. I can't wait for
"a few more versions and a bit more development" to make even more $.
:)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Robatoy" wrote
> I need the ability to model, such as this:
> http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/Robatoy/Corner.jpg
If you really "need" it, ruby scripts, and free software like Kerkythea, are
available as plug-ins to Sketchup at much less total cost (often free) than
most in situ software.
You mean like these:
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=14993
http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=15103
and before and after:
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5012/ariston1jf4.jpg
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/5959/ariston2hs3.jpg
This discussion has been centered around SketchUp and its application for
woodworkers. Most woodworkers would rarely need more than the above ... and
it's certainly freely available if they do.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> "Morris Dovey" wrote
>> Swingman wrote:
>>
>>> Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of
>>> the hole you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want
>>> the hole(s), then use the "intersect with model" function, then
>>> erase the parts you don't want.
>>
>> Tried that (several times) and took screen shots at each stage. Pix
>> on abpw.
>>
>>> When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than
>>> to get holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job. :)
>>
>> Obviously I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it isn't a three
>> minute job yet...
>
> Draw your cylinder; make it into a "component"; poke it through your
> curved surface; "interface with model"; "explode" the cylinder; erase
> the parts of the cylinder you don't want (three parts, plus the
> ends);, lastly, erase the remnants (a circle on either side) of the
> cylinder on the face of the curved surface.
>
> It takes less time to do than tell ... if you're really interested,
> and I can find the time today, I'll make you an animated "tutorial" of
> the steps above ... using the "scenes" function, a tutorial is easy to
> do in SketchUp.
>
I'm looking forward to that. I have tried a couple of times to use
Sketchup, but I'm too atherosclerosed to understand what I am supposed to
do.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in news:UbKdnQ_
[email protected]:
> Sorry damn spell checker did not like that URL:
>
> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
>
Firefox says page not found on this too. Any better instructions how to
download?
I'm intrigued by the description ...
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
-MIKE- <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> Han wrote:
>> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in news:UbKdnQ_
>> [email protected]:
>>
>>> Sorry damn spell checker did not like that URL:
>>>
>>> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
>>>
>> Firefox says page not found on this too. Any better instructions how
>> to download?
>>
>> I'm intrigued by the description ...
>>
>
> Put < > around the link. The space between wall and adjusted is the
> problem.
>
> <http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip>
>
Thanks, Mike! I had to paste the space and following into the browser,
then I could download the file.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
>
>
> "Han" <[email protected]> wrote
>> "Swingman"
>>
>>
>>> Sorry damn spell checker did not like that URL:
>>>
>>> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
>>>
>> Firefox says page not found on this too. Any better instructions how
>> to download?
>
> It is the space in the file name that causing the problem, but it
> needs to be there. Just cut and paste everything from "h" to "p" in
> zip into your address bar. I'm using fire fox also and it works.
>
I am salivating so baaadly that I have to go see the dentist. Oh, no,
that's because my tooth fell out again ...
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
Jack Stein <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:
> Han wrote:
>
>> I'm looking forward to that. I have tried a couple of times to use
>> Sketchup, but I'm too atherosclerosed to understand what I am
>> supposed to do.
>
> I can relate to that. I'm on my 3rd, or possibly 4th attempt to learn
> SU and I think I got it this time. Problem is, it does so much stuff
> and does it very easily, that you get twisted up in it's capabilities.
> You can't learn it all in a week it seems. You need to put in some
> time and work at it a bit, with good tutorials at hand. Just getting
> the axis to work took me a while. One problem I think people have is
> thinking it is limited because it's free. I have have enough under my
> belt now to know this sucker is nothing less than amazing in it's
> capabilities.
>
> I know it enough now to say it is the best thing for woodworkers to
> come along in a long time, especially the hobbyist or small shop owner
> that doesn't have the time or money to spend on autocad (I don't know
> zip about autocad other than all the architects seem to use it and it
> costs a fortune and the learning curve is supposedly steep.)
>
> For me, I learned how to draw with a pencil well enough to "sketch up"
> anything I wanted to make, quickly. After all, once you learn how to
> build stuff, you don't need anything real fancy, sometimes just a few
> sizes jotted down to get things right. This program makes that about
> obsolete as I can do pretty fancy drawings to perfect scale, with
> close enough colors if I want to see not just how to build something,
> but exactly what it will look like when I'm done. The time it takes
> to do this is warp speed once you learn how to use it.
>
> I'm still amazed something this good is free. I keep waiting for the
> "hook" to dig into my lip, but seems their is such a thing as a free
> lunch...
>
> I been thinking of making another work bench for my shop for a long
> time and decided to use this idea to learn SU. I could have built
> this thing several times already for the hours I put in SU, but 99% of
> the time was learning. Now I could do this whole thing from scrath in
> less than an hour, and I'm still VERY new at this. Here is a picture
> of the bench,
>
> http://jbstein.com/Flick/Bench1.jpg
>
> the SU file is not finished, I'll probably start over just to make
> sure things are really how I want them, but here it is, I enjoy
> looking at others stuff, so I might as well put it up...
>
> http://jbstein.com/Flick/Bench1.skp
>
Thanks, Jack! I need to find the time to learn SU ...
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
"Morris Dovey" wrote
> Swingman wrote:
>
>> Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the
>> hole you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the
>> hole(s), then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the
>> parts you don't want.
>
> Tried that (several times) and took screen shots at each stage. Pix on
> abpw.
>
>> When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to
>> get holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job. :)
>
> Obviously I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it isn't a three minute
> job yet...
Draw your cylinder; make it into a "component"; poke it through your curved
surface; "interface with model"; "explode" the cylinder; erase the parts of
the cylinder you don't want (three parts, plus the ends);, lastly, erase the
remnants (a circle on either side) of the cylinder on the face of the curved
surface.
It takes less time to do than tell ... if you're really interested, and I
can find the time today, I'll make you an animated "tutorial" of the steps
above ... using the "scenes" function, a tutorial is easy to do in SketchUp.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Morris Dovey" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Swingman wrote:
>
>> Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the
>> hole you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the
>> hole(s), then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the
>> parts you don't want.
>
> Tried that (several times) and took screen shots at each stage. Pix on
> abpw.
>
>> When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to
>> get holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job. :)
>
> Obviously I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it isn't a three minute
> job yet...
OK, here's your "tutorial":
http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Holes-CurvedSurfaces.zip
:)
As I said on apbw, this is just one method to drill holes in curved
surfaces. There are other ways to do this in SketchUp.
I'm still a newbie!
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Dec 20, 6:15 pm, -MIKE- <[email protected]> wrote:
> >http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11475451
>
> > -Kevin
>
> Gorgeous.
Thanks Mike!
-Kevin
On Dec 20, 3:06 pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Sorry damn spell checker did not like that URL:
>
> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
It's the space in the filename that is causing the problem, just cut
and paste the whole thing into your browser.
I use sketchup primarily just to visualize the big picture. The
things I know I'm going to have to fight with it to do what I want, as
much from my own lack of experience and not using it often enough to
keep fresh with it, I just leave out. That way I can get a quick idea
in literally a few minutes, spin the sucker around from different
perspectives, throw on some dimensions and I have something I can
refer back to in the shop. I don't need to have every detail laid out
perfectly to get what I need from it.
This one I did fight with to get the model closer to a finished
product, because I was really out in uncharted waters. But I didn't
model any of the internal structure. And I did make changes that I
didn't bother reflecting in the model because it would have been a
PITA, but the point is the model got me to where I could get started
on something I was having a hard time visualizing.
http://www.krtwood.com/images/preview/p03.jpg
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11475451
-Kevin
"Robatoy" wrote
> On Dec 19, 8:21 pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
>> "Robatoy" wrote
>>
>> > At the risk of sounding a bit snobbish, Sketch-Up is a fun entry-level
>> > product which hopefully will entice the curious into trying real CAD
>> > software.
>>
>> Don't look now, Rob, but your lack familiarity with the program is
>> showing
>> ... SketchUp has always been upfront about NOT being "CAD software". :)
>
> I am the first to agree that I have yet to delve into all of the host
> of features that SketchUp offers.
> I , frankly, haven't had the need. So your assesment of my lack of
> familiarity is sound. Somewhat.
> And yet, my grandmother's wisdom haunts me: "I don't know how to lay
> eggs, but I sure know when one shouldn't be eaten."
> I am still somewhat curious how someone, like yourself, who has shown
> a solid working knowledge of other software has bolted onto the
> SketchUp product.
> This is not a critique, but a question. You were a TurboCAD user at
> one time, were'nt you? Why the change?
> I have never been one to stay with a system/software 'just because'.
> If that were true, wtf am I married 3 times? I am willing to change
> and learn. I just don't see SketchUp as a path to growth, unlike
> TurboCAD which ate least teaches CAD-style conventions.
>
> Am I way off here?
>>
> <snip>
>>
>> Any tool is only as good as the craftsman who wields it ... it is always
>> a
>> mistake to sell something short on the basis of cursory knowledge.
>
> I agree, but why change a horse in the middle of a stream? There must
> be real advantage to adopting SketchUp over Turbo. If there is, I
> don't see it.
> And when it comes to wielding tools in the CAD and 3D modelling world,
> I hold my own quite well. SketchUp leaves me wanting more. Like NURBs.
> Like extrusions along rails. Like sweeps along bezier paths. Skinning
> and a full set of Bolean functions and a full set of rendering tools.
> And after all that, a true export ability that all programs can
> understand and parse. And don't get me started on infinite lighting
> sources and radiosity. Textures in all their photo-realistic glory.
>
> SketchUp has never made claims to fit my bill. They don't. But if
> you're going to learn conventions, they should be cross-platform, and
> adhere to some standard which is transportable.
>
> Honestly, dude... nothing personal.
Tsk, tsk ... a FREE fucking woodworking "TOOL", for gawd's sakes ... nuff
said!
http://finewoodworking.taunton.com/blog/design-click-build
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
On Dec 20, 6:41=A0pm, "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Hope it's better now ... at one time it was the worst malware I ever load=
ed
> on a computer ... it was basically a virus when I belonged to their
> "network" some five or six years back. Was glad to get it off the office
> computers.
>
Seems to be better. I have only done a few jobs through that
community, the fit and finish has been 'adequate'.
The software that turns my crank these days is Vectric's Aspire.
> --www.e-woodshop.net
> Last update: 10/22/08
> KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Jack Stein" wrote
> and it seemed easy enough by just selecting and moving part of the design.
> I haven't tried it yet, but on your base cabinet, which I grabbed, I
> attempted to select part of it but it didn't select as shown in the
> video... I spent 30 seconds on it though, will try again with the
> tutorial in hand.
On the scaling issue: On normal models you will see scaling handles on all
three of the x,y,z axis. On a dynamic component the creator can constrain
the model to respond only to the axis he wants you to see, and he can hide
the rest.
Since a base cabinet is almost always 34 1/2" high (z axis), and 24" deep (y
axis), there is no need to use the scaling handles for these two axis'.
On these particular models, you may have to "orbit" the model slightly to
that you can clearly see one of the side panels in order to see the x axis
(width) scaling handle ... there should be on either side. On the wall
cabinet you should see two scaling handles, one for height (z) and one for
width (x).
> I'm still not too clear on whether the professional version has
> capabilities a hobbyist would need?
Other than the ability to create "dynamic components", there is no
functional difference between the Free and the Pro versions. Both versions
can _use_ dynamic components, but they can only be _created_ in the Pro
version.
The Pro version also has many more importing, exporting, and printing
options, in addition to a presentation program/function called "Layout" that
acts like programs similar to PageMaker, which allows you to create
presentation documents, plans, etc from models.
IOW, there is nothing I can draw with the Pro version that you can't draw
with the Free.
> I'm not too clear on what dynamic components are? I haven't figured out
> yet how to resize things to scale yet, but I watched a video on Fine
> Woodworking (thanks for that link) and it seemed easy enough by just
> selecting and moving part of the design. I haven't tried it yet, but on
> your base cabinet, which I grabbed, I attempted to select part of it but
> it didn't select as shown in the video... I spent 30 seconds on it
> though, will try again with the tutorial in hand.
There is apparently a bug in SU7 on some systems that, when downloading and
then opening a dynamic component, you may have to "explode" the component
_one_ time to get it to work.
However, try this before doing that: Single click the model to select it;
then on the toolbar go to Window/Component Options and click.
This should bring up the "Component Options" window, and, if a list box
should appear with dimensions on it, you're fine and don't need to do
anything else, except to select whatever dimension you want, click Apply,
and the model will resize to your chosen dimension.
If you see the sentence "There are no options to choose on this component",
then context/right click on the model and chose "explode", then go back and
try the above again. That should fix it.
>I'm hoping that is not something only in the pro version..
It's not ... dynamic components can be _used_ by the free version of
SketchUP7 with no problem.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Morris Dovey" wrote
> Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet. :)
>
> I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to abpw.
> It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a hole in
> it.
Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the hole
you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the hole(s),
then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the parts you don't
want.
When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to get
holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job. :)
http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/CurvedFaces.jpg
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
Han wrote:
> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in news:UbKdnQ_
> [email protected]:
>
>> Sorry damn spell checker did not like that URL:
>>
>> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
>>
> Firefox says page not found on this too. Any better instructions how to
> download?
>
> I'm intrigued by the description ...
>
Put < > around the link. The space between wall and adjusted is the
problem.
<http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip>
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
-MIKE- wrote:
> Han wrote:
>> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in news:UbKdnQ_
>> [email protected]:
>>
>>> Sorry damn spell checker did not like that URL:
>>>
>>> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
>>>
>> Firefox says page not found on this too. Any better instructions how
>> to download?
>>
>> I'm intrigued by the description ...
>>
>
> Put < > around the link. The space between wall and adjusted is the
> problem.
>
> <http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip>
>
Even that is getting screwed up... some browsers will delete spaces in urls.
You might want to put an underscore "_" in place of a space, in the
original link.
You must change it on your server, too, however.
Like this:
http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall_adjusted12-08.zip
For now, it works if you cut-n-paste.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
>
> http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11475451
>
>
> -Kevin
Gorgeous.
--
-MIKE-
"Playing is not something I do at night, it's my function in life"
--Elvin Jones (1927-2004)
--
http://mikedrums.com
[email protected]
---remove "DOT" ^^^^ to reply
Han wrote:
> I'm looking forward to that. I have tried a couple of times to use
> Sketchup, but I'm too atherosclerosed to understand what I am supposed to
> do.
I can relate to that. I'm on my 3rd, or possibly 4th attempt to learn
SU and I think I got it this time. Problem is, it does so much stuff
and does it very easily, that you get twisted up in it's capabilities.
You can't learn it all in a week it seems. You need to put in some time
and work at it a bit, with good tutorials at hand. Just getting the
axis to work took me a while. One problem I think people have is
thinking it is limited because it's free. I have have enough under my
belt now to know this sucker is nothing less than amazing in it's
capabilities.
I know it enough now to say it is the best thing for woodworkers to come
along in a long time, especially the hobbyist or small shop owner that
doesn't have the time or money to spend on autocad (I don't know zip
about autocad other than all the architects seem to use it and it costs
a fortune and the learning curve is supposedly steep.)
For me, I learned how to draw with a pencil well enough to "sketch up"
anything I wanted to make, quickly. After all, once you learn how to
build stuff, you don't need anything real fancy, sometimes just a few
sizes jotted down to get things right. This program makes that about
obsolete as I can do pretty fancy drawings to perfect scale, with close
enough colors if I want to see not just how to build something, but
exactly what it will look like when I'm done. The time it takes to do
this is warp speed once you learn how to use it.
I'm still amazed something this good is free. I keep waiting for the
"hook" to dig into my lip, but seems their is such a thing as a free
lunch...
I been thinking of making another work bench for my shop for a long time
and decided to use this idea to learn SU. I could have built this thing
several times already for the hours I put in SU, but 99% of the time was
learning. Now I could do this whole thing from scrath in less than an
hour, and I'm still VERY new at this. Here is a picture of the bench,
http://jbstein.com/Flick/Bench1.jpg
the SU file is not finished, I'll probably start over just to make sure
things are really how I want them, but here it is, I enjoy looking at
others stuff, so I might as well put it up...
http://jbstein.com/Flick/Bench1.skp
--
Jack
Using FREE News Server: http://Motzarella.org
http://jbstein.com
Swingman wrote:
> I do have the Pro version because I'm building a custom home where much of
> the design was done using the free version and the designer could not print
> out construction documents that were suitable for bidding/building ... and
> if I had to buy it, I wasn't going to buy it for anyone else! :)
Yes, I think it's kind of neat that everything seems to be included in
the free version except stuff that would be used by a professional to
share files with other programs. I'm still not too clear on whether the
professional version has capabilities a hobbyist would need?
> The Pro version makes it possible for me to take the designer's models and
> output industry standard construction documents, and since I have it, I
> figured I'd whip up some dynamic cabinet components and put them up for free
> download for those using the free version.
I'm not too clear on what dynamic components are? I haven't figured out
yet how to resize things to scale yet, but I watched a video on Fine
Woodworking (thanks for that link) and it seemed easy enough by just
selecting and moving part of the design. I haven't tried it yet, but on
your base cabinet, which I grabbed, I attempted to select part of it but
it didn't select as shown in the video... I spent 30 seconds on it
though, will try again with the tutorial in hand. I'm hoping that is
not something only in the pro version..
Besides, it was a valuable
> learning experience for me, and one that upped my facility with program.
You seem to have picked it up rather quickly. Either you are really
really smart, or you put more time in it than comes across in your
posts. Anyway, you are largely responsible for me not hastily tossing
it aside, and I'll bet a number of others will hang in there thanks to
your discussions on the subject. Keep up the good work.
>> http://jbstein.com/Flick/Bench1.skp
>
> Well done ... good to hear from those who've snapped to the value this
> program can bring to woodworkers in particular.
Again, you deserve lots of credit for keeping this in focus, at least
for me. One of the problems I have is all the tutorials I used to learn
on were buildings and stuff, instead of drawers, benches, cabinets and
what not.
--
Jack
Using FREE News Server: http://Motzarella.org
http://jbstein.com
Swingman wrote:
>> I'm not too clear on what dynamic components are? I haven't figured out
>> yet how to resize things to scale yet, but I watched a video on Fine
>> Woodworking (thanks for that link) and it seemed easy enough by just
>> selecting and moving part of the design. I haven't tried it yet, but on
>> your base cabinet, which I grabbed, I attempted to select part of it but
>> it didn't select as shown in the video... I spent 30 seconds on it
>> though, will try again with the tutorial in hand.
>
> There is apparently a bug in SU7 on some systems that, when downloading and
> then opening a dynamic component, you may have to "explode" the component
> _one_ time to get it to work.
OK, I spent a bit more time on the Tutorial on FW and managed to get it
to work. Here is the link:
http://finewoodworking.taunton.com/item/2538/modifying-a-dovetailed-drawer
I first did it to something I made, and then to your base cabinet. I
exploded the thing first but not sure yet exactly what "explode" does,
or if I had to do it first or not. This worked pretty good, and I was
impressed that after resizing the drawer I was working on, the
dimensions I had made also changed to show the correct size.
> However, try this before doing that: Single click the model to select it;
> then on the toolbar go to Window/Component Options and click.
>
> This should bring up the "Component Options" window, and, if a list box
> should appear with dimensions on it, you're fine and don't need to do
> anything else, except to select whatever dimension you want, click Apply,
> and the model will resize to your chosen dimension.
I got the list box, but no dimensions.
> If you see the sentence "There are no options to choose on this component",
> then context/right click on the model and chose "explode", then go back and
> try the above again. That should fix it.
I'm probably doing something wrong. Sometimes little subtilities bite
you in the ass on this thing.
The scale tool I have all sorts of trouble with. I haven't spent much
time with it though. I kind of like the FW tutorial I listed above.
Once I figured out the correct steps to use, it worked well. I can make
your basic case any size I want and I'm sure once I figure out how to
get the scale tool to work, It'll be even easier. This thing is awesome
in it's power.
Those of you that tried several times, hang in there, it is worth the
effort. It is NOT something most can learn in a few days. It does SO
much stuff it can be overwhelming, particularly when you try to force
feed the learning process. Thats what I do and frankly, I'm not smart
enough to conceptualize all this stuff in an instant, it takes time, and
for me, I get frustrated and quit for a while. So, while it is VERY easy
to use, learning how it all works is a bit of a curve because it does so
much.
--
Jack
Using FREE News Server: http://Motzarella.org
http://jbstein.com
Swingman wrote:
> Been playing around with creating "dynamic components", using that new
> feature now available in SketchUp7-Pro.
>
> Below is a file that contains two .skp files, one for Base Cabinet FF's, and
> one for Wall Cabinet FF's. (Be sure to open any folder if it downloads that
> way):
> This is my first try with DC's, so let me know if something doesn't work,
> and any comments welcome.
I right clicked on the face frame and at the bottom of the pop up window
was "dynamic components". Clicking on that brings up "component
options". This all worked as expected. I was opening the components
window, and clicking on "view options"... I'm sure you explained this
before, but my attention span is decreasing day by day... Anyway,
worked great. I had clicked on dynamic components and component options
a number of times when perusing SU but every time it said, no options
available or some such. Now I see what it is.
--
Jack
Using FREE News Server: http://Motzarella.org
http://jbstein.com
"SonomaProducts.com" wrote
> Welcome to the world of paramentric design.
>
> In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
> revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
> you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
> They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
> features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
> anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.
>
> This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
> second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
> the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.
>
> I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
> seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
> harder to use. ;^)
Well said ...
Having somehow missed out on the designer gene, 3D software, along with
e-books, has been one of my two biggest dreams for years.
Things I've designed in the past looked great in 2D software, and on the
shop bench, but put them on the floor, or a wall, and view them from
different perspectives, and I've often been disappointed in many respects.
For the first time ever I've been able to get my ideas down in 3D and view
them from those perspectives which my lousy design skills can't foresee, at
a reasonable cost, and without spending money and time on a steep learning
curve.
I'm also making money using the program, a good deal of money, and it amazes
me how little effort it took to garner that type of reward. :)
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "MikeWhy" wrote
>
>> wants. That's more a compliment than a detraction or dismissal. Sketchup
>> *almost* allows me to do useful work. A few more versions and a bit more
>> development will get it there.
>
>
> That's too bad ... In a nutshell, I've made woodworking pay a lot more
> since wielding SU than any other software design program to date. I can't
> wait for "a few more versions and a bit more development" to make even
> more $.
It's good, and it's fast for the initial rough out. There's still room for
the middleweight systems. Mostly, it's the lack of "history" and committing
to details too soon. I can't easily go back a few steps and adjust a smidge
and then roll it forward again. Other times, it's the inferencing that
guesses wrong and won't be corrected. Overall, though, it's a remarkably
useful tool as it is, a huge step toward empowering the normal person to
sketch up and document his world. For that alone, I'm very sure history will
speak well of Google's achievements in these years.
So, what's your revenue stream with CAD? Are you just better able to
communicate ideas? Save time by thinking through the details? How is SU
making you $$?
Morris Dovey wrote:
> SonomaProducts.com wrote:
>> Welcome to the world of paramentric design.
>>
>> In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
>> revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
>> you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
>> They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
>> features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
>> anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.
>>
>> This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
>> second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
>> the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.
>>
>> I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
>> seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
>> harder to use. ;^)
>
> Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet. :)
>
> I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to
> abpw. It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a
> hole in it.
>
Ah, that explains it. I saw the posting and was wondering how you got
those pipes drawn in the center there. I'll have to try that with VariCAD,
I don't think that would be an issue.
--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough
"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "MikeWhy" wrote
>
>> It's good, and it's fast for the initial rough out. There's still room
>> for the middleweight systems. Mostly, it's the lack of "history" and
>> committing to details too soon. I can't easily go back a few steps and
>> adjust a smidge and then roll it forward again. Other times, it's the
>> inferencing that guesses wrong and won't be corrected. Overall, though,
>> it's a remarkably useful tool as it is, a huge step toward empowering the
>> normal person to sketch up and document his world. For that alone, I'm
>> very sure history will speak well of Google's achievements in these
>> years.
>
> Google is just standing on the shoulders of giants ... they bought out the
> company that created it.
To buy it and own it is one thing. To give it away freely with only the hope
that you'll use it, that's something else.
>
>> So, what's your revenue stream with CAD? Are you just better able to
>> communicate ideas? Save time by thinking through the details? How is SU
>> making you $$?
>
> Just a current example that's being worked on, with a bit of history
> behind it following ... caution, it's a 1.3mb download:
>
> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
Angle brackets <http....> helps with word wrap and embedded spaces.
1.3 mb was nothing compared to the 33 mb update to sketchup 7. Wouldn't open
in 6.
...
> I could of spent $5K easily on another 3D "CAD" program, but I would still
> be learning the software months from now, instead of making money with it.
Maybe, but I think maybe not. Solidworks and Inventor are not much different
for the types of things I would try to use Sketchup. What's important is
that the tool doesn't get in the way. None are perfect; they all get in the
way, just in different ways and places.
Sketchup had the benefit of letting your customer participate in the design.
(Gawd. Talk about dual edge swords.)
>
> You asked ... :)
Yup. Thanks.
"Han" <[email protected]> wrote
> "Swingman"
>
>
>> Sorry damn spell checker did not like that URL:
>>
>> http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Kitchen-wall adjusted12-08.zip
>>
> Firefox says page not found on this too. Any better instructions how to
> download?
It is the space in the file name that causing the problem, but it needs to
be there. Just cut and paste everything from "h" to "p" in zip into your
address bar. I'm using fire fox also and it works.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Robatoy" wrote
> At the risk of sounding a bit snobbish, Sketch-Up is a fun entry-level
> product which hopefully will entice the curious into trying real CAD
> software.
Don't look now, Rob, but your lack familiarity with the program is showing
... SketchUp has always been upfront about NOT being "CAD software". :)
>That is especially true when you're trying to make the link
> between CAD and CAM.
> Having said that, for the price (even for the Pro version) SketchUp
> appears to be an excellent value.
All the Pro version does is add advanced printing, exporting, importing, and
presentation capabilities. Other than the ability to create dynamic
components, and the above mentioned, there is no functional difference
between the free and Pro versions.
Any tool is only as good as the craftsman who wields it ... it is always a
mistake to sell something short on the basis of cursory knowledge.
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)
"Leon" wrote
> I downloaded and uninstalled SU about 2 or 3 times before I finally
> figured out how to use it. A few on line tutorials really help get the
> wheels spinning. I have been using AutoCAD LT since 97 and have been
> using CAD programs in general since 86. I am finding that SU will pretty
> much do what everything that AutoCAD LT would do with a very few
> exceptions. The big trick for me is learning/remembering to draw
> components and assemble the drawing with those components. I tend to want
> to draw every thing in place and that does not work out real well with SU
> especially if you want to relocate a particular group of lines.
Other than the obvious advantage/ability to make one change to a
"component", and have that change reflected in all copies of that component,
there is an added advantage, reason to do so:
If you build the model from parts (components and groups), like you would do
a woodworking project, and name them correctly, a cutlist is automatically
done for you, by name, by the CutList plug-in.
Have you tried the plug-in yet? A must have, since you own CutListPlus!
--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)