Best of Sketch-up woodworking plug-ins & tutorials - DISCUSS & CONTRIBUTE

On Thu, 9 Dec 2010 09:29:52 -0600, "Leon" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>>>> How does it compare to Killen's e-book?
>>>
>>>
>>>I looked at video samples of both part 1 and 2 by Bob Lang. The video is
>>>ok, but IMHO if you miss a point you have to go through the video to hunt
>>>for it again. I much prefer Killen's book. I find the videos very useful
>>>for a single serving but not much of a time saver if you need to refresh
>>>your memory.
>>
>> Are the videos you refer to the same as supplied with the text on CD?
>> I think he may have two products out now.
>
>
>The videos are samples from the first book and the second book.
>
>
>> I like reading text to prep for the video which ties all the knowledge
>> together.
>
>
>I was under the impression that Lang's books were strictly video. I thought
>they were PDF books but the samples and associated information lead me to
>think other wise. I am probably wrong but I would not want just the video,
>text and video would be the best of both worlds.

Agreed. Here's the link again, shortened and full: http://fwd4.me/sTf
http://www.woodworkersbookshop.com/product/woodworkers-guide-to-google-sketchup/index.php
* 49 Click and Play Videos in the Text
* Table of Contents Links
* Bookmarks for Easy Navigation
* 184 Pages of Step by Step Instruction
* 391 Detailed Screen Shots
This is a comprehensive reference, designed to teach woodworkers how
to use the popular, free 3D design tool, Google SketchUp. From the
basics of setting up the program to the fine points of making detailed
models of your next project, Woodworkers Guide to SketchUp provides
the answers in an easy to use, easy to search digital publication.
Robert W. Lang has years of experience as a professional woodworker
and designer and shares the secrets of designing furniture and
cabinets efficiently on your computer.

This Woodworking eBook is a new approach to learning. Place the disc
in your computer's drive and launch Adobe Reader. It looks like a
book, with clear step-by step instructions and hundreds of
illustrations, and you can print a hard copy for off screen reading
and reference.

Read on your monitor and follow along in SketchUp. Video tutorials are
embedded within the pages. Just click on the image and a short video
plays to show you exactly what to do. Built in bookmarks and search
functions find the information you want instantly.

This digital publication comes to you on a single disc in Adobe PDF
format. Requires Adobe Reader, and can be read on both Macs and PCs.

--
Invest in America: Buy a CONgresscritter today!

On Dec 7, 3:32=A0pm, "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "blueman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
>
>
>
>
> > Sketch-up for woodworking has gotten quite a bit of press lately both
> > here and elsewhere. However, much of this info is scattered across
> > multiple sources and threads.
>
> > As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
> > thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
> > plug-ins and tutorials.
>
> > PLUG-INS:
> > To start off, Cutlist 4.1.1 seems like a must-have though I have yet to
> > play with it. It is discussed here for example:
> >http://lumberjocks.com/daltxguy/blog/5143
>
> > I would be interested in other useful plug-ins including ones that:
> > 1. Introduce added functionality, tools, shortcust helpful for
> > woodworkers and designers
> > 2. Provide templates for commonly uses parts and shapes
>
> A handy plug in that works for taking irregular shapes from the drawing t=
o
> the shop is "Slicer" =A0It will take any object and slice it ant multiple
> intervals for transfering sizes to wood.
>
> "Dimension angle" does what you would expect.
> =A0"Drop" will move an object to a desired height, helps to get every thi=
ng on
> the same plane.
> "Get Dimensions" is handy if you manually transfer drawing components int=
o
> Cutlist Plus. =A0It will tell you the h/w/l of a selected object or compi=
nent.
> "Purge All" is handy to get rid of unused materials etc in a drawing so t=
hat
> it file will not be so big.
>
> Cutlist 4.1* is a great tool that will also import directly into Cutlist
> Plus. =A0You have to pay for CutList plus but is =A0extremly versitile an=
d after
> the parts are optimized you can further move parts around your board or
> sheets or to other sheets or boards.

But it's not CAD!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
g,d&r

On Dec 16, 9:29=A0pm, "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Jack Stein" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:[email protected]...
>
> > On 12/15/2010 9:12 AM, Leon wrote:
> >> "blueman"<[email protected]> =A0wrote in message
>
> >>> Cool trick!
> >>> Now it would be even more helpful if that trick also worked for setti=
ng
> >>> the plane in the rectangle tool -- it is a PITA sometimes to have rot=
ate
> >>> the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction.=
..
>
> >> If you figure that one out let me know =A0LOL..
>
> > As I said in a previous message if you set the view to front, back, top=
or
> > side it is simple to draw a rectangle to the correct orientation. Thats
> > why the first thing beginners should do is set up the tool bar with the
> > Views on it as I described.
>
> Yes it is simple to do it that way however when I was formally taught
> drafting we did =A0front, top, side, and iosmetric views. =A0Basically we
> learned to draw 3D. =A0With Sketchup I very very seldom use a flat view t=
o
> draw, it all starts and progresses as a 3D drawing. =A0So going to a flat=
view
> just complicates the process to draw a retangle with the rectangle tool,
> much fewer steps to simply draw 2 lines and inference for the complimenta=
ry
> lines to draw the rectangle. =A0I do use the views tool bar but for other
> purposes.
>
>
>
> >> I always draw the lines to form a rectangle and push/pull to form a 3D
> >> object. =A0I do use the rectangle tool when I am able to snap to given
> >> points,
> >> say to close the top of a box for instance.
>
> > I never draw lines to draw a rectangle, that's what the rectangle tool =
is
> > for. You can quickly type in the size of the rectangle to perfection so
> > the line tool is just the wrong tool to draw rectangles, even if it see=
ms
> > to work, it is inefficient.
>
> And oddly switching from ISO/3D to flat and back again to draw a rectangl=
e
> seems way too complicated to me. =A0;~) =A0To each his own. =A0Keep in mi=
nd that
> once you have a few lines or rectangles laid out in 3D the rectangle tool
> works as expected when you use inferance points with out having to input =
any
> data at all.
>
>
>
> > Still, the orientation is plain simple if you start out in the correct
> > view, regardless if using the Line or Rectangle tool.
>
> > If you are drawing a cabinet, and starting with a side, use side view, =
if
> > starting with the base or top, use top view, face frame, use front view=
.
> > The plane of the rectangle tool will be set, no problem.
>
> Agreed, if you start with the traditional flat front, top of side view. =
=A0For
> me those days are long past.
>
> > --
> > Jack
> > You Can't Fix Stupid, but You Can Vote it Out!
> >http://jbstein.com

Joe Zeh, AKA Chiefwoodworker, has built a wonderful series of
tutorials on his web site. You'll have to Google for it (old age has
stopped creeping in and started leaping), but it's well worth the
minimal effort. He not only gives examples, he builds the examples as
he goes...and Joe is one helluva good woodworker.

On Dec 7, 10:41=A0pm, "Leon" <[email protected]> wrote:
> "Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> news:55f636d8-b447-40ef-8c9e-aad154a885f0@c39g2000yqi.googlegroups.com...
> But it's not CAD!
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> .
> g,d&r
>
> But some of us are smart enough to use it anyway. =A0;~)

HEY!!!!

"Robatoy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:55f636d8-b447-40ef-8c9e-aad154a885f0@c39g2000yqi.googlegroups.com...
But it's not CAD!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
g,d&r

But some of us are smart enough to use it anyway. ;~)

On 12/7/2010 9:51 PM, Bill wrote:
> Leon wrote:
>> "Swingman"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:
>>>
>>>> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
>>>> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
>>>> plug-ins and tutorials.
>>>
>>> Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to
>>> Sketchup:
>>>
>>> http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html
>>>
>>
>> You and I have been using Sketchup for a while now but reading this
>> book I
>> finally learned how to lock a line direction with the arrow keys. Stupid
>> simple but I couldn't figger it out. ;~)
>>
>
> That's exactly the kind of "tidbit" I was referring to in my previous
> post. You could watch a video 5x and not get it.

Actually, I learned that one, and many others, a few years back from:

http://www.go-2-school.com/media/browse/sketchup_show

They have the best tutorial videos of all and their free series on
iTunes is where I picked most of what I learned early on about using
Sketchup in residential construction projects, and for presentation and
construction documents/drawings ... out of dire necessity. ;)

I've never bought their videos but I imagine that someone who wanted to
quickly become proficient would find them hard to beat.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)

"Leon" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Jack Stein" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On 12/7/2010 2:55 PM, blueman wrote:
> Snip
>
>
>
>> Next, go to Window, and select Model Info. Select Units and pick
>> fractional and something less precise. I use 1/16th, but probably should
>> use 1/8th.
>
> Actually I would not suggest as coarse an 1/8" as you often have to split
> that distance
>


A little further on that comment,, when zoomed in and trying to snap to a
point to start or end a line, a coarse snap setting can make it difficult to
get the line to actually snap/attach to another point to begin or end a
line. I don't like having to deal with a jumpy cursor when zoomed in on a
detail especially when trying to attach to a buried line only visible in
X-Ray mode.

"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>>> How does it compare to Killen's e-book?
>>
>>
>>I looked at video samples of both part 1 and 2 by Bob Lang. The video is
>>ok, but IMHO if you miss a point you have to go through the video to hunt
>>for it again. I much prefer Killen's book. I find the videos very useful
>>for a single serving but not much of a time saver if you need to refresh
>>your memory.
>
> Are the videos you refer to the same as supplied with the text on CD?
> I think he may have two products out now.


The videos are samples from the first book and the second book.


> I like reading text to prep for the video which ties all the knowledge
> together.


I was under the impression that Lang's books were strictly video. I thought
they were PDF books but the samples and associated information lead me to
think other wise. I am probably wrong but I would not want just the video,
text and video would be the best of both worlds.

"Jack Stein" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 12/15/2010 9:12 AM, Leon wrote:
>> "blueman"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>
>>> Cool trick!
>>> Now it would be even more helpful if that trick also worked for setting
>>> the plane in the rectangle tool -- it is a PITA sometimes to have rotate
>>> the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction...
>
>> If you figure that one out let me know LOL..
>
> As I said in a previous message if you set the view to front, back, top or
> side it is simple to draw a rectangle to the correct orientation. Thats
> why the first thing beginners should do is set up the tool bar with the
> Views on it as I described.

Yes it is simple to do it that way however when I was formally taught
drafting we did front, top, side, and iosmetric views. Basically we
learned to draw 3D. With Sketchup I very very seldom use a flat view to
draw, it all starts and progresses as a 3D drawing. So going to a flat view
just complicates the process to draw a retangle with the rectangle tool,
much fewer steps to simply draw 2 lines and inference for the complimentary
lines to draw the rectangle. I do use the views tool bar but for other
purposes.



>
>> I always draw the lines to form a rectangle and push/pull to form a 3D
>> object. I do use the rectangle tool when I am able to snap to given
>> points,
>> say to close the top of a box for instance.
>
> I never draw lines to draw a rectangle, that's what the rectangle tool is
> for. You can quickly type in the size of the rectangle to perfection so
> the line tool is just the wrong tool to draw rectangles, even if it seems
> to work, it is inefficient.

And oddly switching from ISO/3D to flat and back again to draw a rectangle
seems way too complicated to me. ;~) To each his own. Keep in mind that
once you have a few lines or rectangles laid out in 3D the rectangle tool
works as expected when you use inferance points with out having to input any
data at all.




>
> Still, the orientation is plain simple if you start out in the correct
> view, regardless if using the Line or Rectangle tool.
>
> If you are drawing a cabinet, and starting with a side, use side view, if
> starting with the base or top, use top view, face frame, use front view.
> The plane of the rectangle tool will be set, no problem.

Agreed, if you start with the traditional flat front, top of side view. For
me those days are long past.




> --
> Jack
> You Can't Fix Stupid, but You Can Vote it Out!
> http://jbstein.com

"blueman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Sketch-up for woodworking has gotten quite a bit of press lately both
> here and elsewhere. However, much of this info is scattered across
> multiple sources and threads.
>
> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
> plug-ins and tutorials.
>
> PLUG-INS:
> To start off, Cutlist 4.1.1 seems like a must-have though I have yet to
> play with it. It is discussed here for example:
> http://lumberjocks.com/daltxguy/blog/5143
>
> I would be interested in other useful plug-ins including ones that:
> 1. Introduce added functionality, tools, shortcust helpful for
> woodworkers and designers
> 2. Provide templates for commonly uses parts and shapes

A handy plug in that works for taking irregular shapes from the drawing to
the shop is "Slicer" It will take any object and slice it ant multiple
intervals for transfering sizes to wood.

"Dimension angle" does what you would expect.
"Drop" will move an object to a desired height, helps to get every thing on
the same plane.
"Get Dimensions" is handy if you manually transfer drawing components into
Cutlist Plus. It will tell you the h/w/l of a selected object or compinent.
"Purge All" is handy to get rid of unused materials etc in a drawing so that
it file will not be so big.

Cutlist 4.1* is a great tool that will also import directly into Cutlist
Plus. You have to pay for CutList plus but is extremly versitile and after
the parts are optimized you can further move parts around your board or
sheets or to other sheets or boards.

"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:45:06 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Swingman wrote:
>>> Actually, I learned that one, and many others, a few years back from:
>>>
>>> http://www.go-2-school.com/media/browse/sketchup_show
>>>
>>> They have the best tutorial videos of all and their free series on
>>> iTunes is where I picked most of what I learned early on about using
>>> Sketchup in residential construction projects, and for presentation and
>>> construction documents/drawings ... out of dire necessity. ;)
>>>
>>> I've never bought their videos but I imagine that someone who wanted to
>>> quickly become proficient would find them hard to beat.
>>>
>>
>>Wow, Looks like a nice collection. I'm saving the link. Thanks! -Bill
>
> Has anyone here yet purchased the e-book from Bob Lang?
> 118 pages, 49 videos, $40 (ouch, but is it worth it, given all the
> videos?) http://fwd4.me/s9M _Woodworker's Guide to Google Sketchup_
>
> How does it compare to Killen's e-book?


I looked at video samples of both part 1 and 2 by Bob Lang. The video is
ok, but IMHO if you miss a point you have to go through the video to hunt
for it again. I much prefer Killen's book. I find the videos very useful
for a single serving but not much of a time saver if you need to refresh
your memory.

"Bill" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>>
>
> I'm been using the online help effectively to answer the "refresh" my
> memory" type of questions. I would find it very frustrating to search
> through videos to refresh my memory from. (Good) books have indexes.
>
> Bill


Screw the index.. LOL. I use the Search function in the PDF reader.

HeY Charley!

Where have you been hiding?

And thanks for the info on Joe Zek.



.

"blueman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "Leon" <[email protected]> writes:
>
>> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:
>>>
>>>> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
>>>> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
>>>> plug-ins and tutorials.
>>>
>>> Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to
>>> Sketchup:
>>>
>>> http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html
>>
>> You and I have been using Sketchup for a while now but reading this book
>> I
>> finally learned how to lock a line direction with the arrow keys. Stupid
>> simple but I couldn't figger it out. ;~)
>
> Cool trick!
> Now it would be even more helpful if that trick also worked for setting
> the plane in the rectangle tool -- it is a PITA sometimes to have rotate
> the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction...

If you figure that one out let me know LOL..

I always draw the lines to form a rectangle and push/pull to form a 3D
object. I do use the rectangle tool when I am able to snap to given points,
say to close the top of a box for instance.

On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:07:33 -0800, Larry Jaques
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:45:06 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>Swingman wrote:
>>> Actually, I learned that one, and many others, a few years back from:
>>>
>>> http://www.go-2-school.com/media/browse/sketchup_show
>>>
>>> They have the best tutorial videos of all and their free series on
>>> iTunes is where I picked most of what I learned early on about using
>>> Sketchup in residential construction projects, and for presentation and
>>> construction documents/drawings ... out of dire necessity. ;)
>>>
>>> I've never bought their videos but I imagine that someone who wanted to
>>> quickly become proficient would find them hard to beat.
>>>
>>
>>Wow, Looks like a nice collection. I'm saving the link. Thanks! -Bill
>
>Has anyone here yet purchased the e-book from Bob Lang?
>118 pages, 49 videos, $40 (ouch, but is it worth it, given all the
>videos?) http://fwd4.me/s9M _Woodworker's Guide to Google Sketchup_
>
>How does it compare to Killen's e-book?

I have it. I can say that for myself, I found it quite introductory
and did not learn much that I hadn't already found out by working with
the software.

I haven't tried Killen's e-book.

"Jack Stein" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 12/7/2010 2:55 PM, blueman wrote:
Snip



> Next, go to Window, and select Model Info. Select Units and pick
> fractional and something less precise. I use 1/16th, but probably should
> use 1/8th.

Actually I would not suggest as coarse an 1/8" as you often have to split
that distance




> This makes it easier to use the mouse to size things. I spend a lot of
> time trying to get lengths to a half inch or 1/4" before giving up and
> typing the numbers in. I still do, but this helps.

For years I waited for AutoCAD LT and Auto Sketch to add Dirrect Distance
Entry, DDS. Much much faster if you simply click to start a line and drag
the mouse in the dirrection you want to go. Type in the distance you want
and enter, done deal. Watching for a snap distance can be tedious.


>
> My next tip is hot keys. You must learn some always used hot keys for
> woodworkers. These are imperative:
>
> Spacebar: Select
> R: Rectangle
> M: Move
> P: Push

I also suggest adding L to start a line. G to form a component. D for
dimension, Alt D to dimension an angle. T for Tape measure. Some of these
are "MY" shortcuts. Any time I can type in a letter instead of going to an
icon for a command I save time. These short cuts can be changed and or
added very easily.

AND I set my center scroll wheel click to invoke the Orbit command.

On 12/18/2010 12:26 PM, Charlie Self wrote:

> Joe Zeh, AKA Chiefwoodworker, has built a wonderful series of
> tutorials on his web site. You'll have to Google for it (old age has
> stopped creeping in and started leaping), but it's well worth the
> minimal effort. He not only gives examples, he builds the examples as
> he goes...and Joe is one helluva good woodworker.

His reworked (for adding invisible/visible) layers plugin is one of my
most used ruby scripts:

http://www.srww.com/blog/?p=122

We worth using when learning to master the use of scenes and layers for
developing full sets of plans.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)

blueman wrote:
> Sketch-up for woodworking has gotten quite a bit of press lately both
> here and elsewhere. However, much of this info is scattered across
> multiple sources and threads.
>
> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
> plug-ins and tutorials.

I'm someone who's mostly learned what SketchUp is about, starting with
the video tutorials, and then moving on to books. Leon and Swingman
helped me get up and running here. IMO, the sooner you get to the books
the better. There are some rules which I think are too subtle to pick
up from the video tutorials, but which make a big difference. The videos
go by so fast, I think I could watch them over and over and miss the
little tidbits I'm talking about. YMMV.

Bill

>
> PLUG-INS:
> To start off, Cutlist 4.1.1 seems like a must-have though I have yet to
> play with it. It is discussed here for example:
> http://lumberjocks.com/daltxguy/blog/5143
>
> I would be interested in other useful plug-ins including ones that:
> 1. Introduce added functionality, tools, shortcust helpful for
> woodworkers and designers
> 2. Provide templates for commonly uses parts and shapes
>
> TUTORIALS:
> Regarding tutorials, I found the whole series of Sketchup For
> Woodworkers by Rob Cameron to be very helpful for beginners.
>
> Fine HomeBuilding recommends intro tutorials by Adrian Chopra - and
> there seems to be some free content on YouTube
>
> I would be interested also in more advanced tutorials highlighting
> different tips, techniques, and shortcuts along with more advanced usage
> that might be non-obvious.

>> I would be interested also in more advanced tutorials highlighting
>> different tips, techniques, and shortcuts along with more advanced usage
>> that might be non-obvious.

How about in learning to program in Ruby and in using Google's SketchUp
API? It's accessible if you are familiar with object-oriented
programming. How's that for "advanced usage that may be non-obvious?"
:) You might see the book, "Automatic SketchUp", by Scarpino for a
glimpse into this perspective. The first 3 or 4 Chapters are available
online at no cost.

Bill

Swingman wrote:
> On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:
>
>> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
>> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
>> plug-ins and tutorials.
>
> Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to
> Sketchup:
>
> http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html
>
>
> As you become more proficient and something arises that you just can't
> figure out how to do, it is probably covered in "Google Sketchup
> Cookbook" ... an excellent _reference_ book, although NOT a tutorial:
>
> http://www.amazon.com/Google-Sketchup-Cookbook-Practical-Techniques/dp/0596155115
>

I read it from cover to cover (I guess I didn't know any better?). I
thought the reading was WAY BETTER than "The Missing Manual". I think it
should be one's 2nd SketchUp book, definitely not the first (and it
indicates that it's not for absolute beginners on the back cover). It
would be even better if it contained a few exercises...a big opportunity
there overlooked, IMO. However, in our domain (ww) we don't have to
think long to come up with a project. Maybe the book would seem more
like a tutorial if one started reading at the beginning instead of
consulting it as a reference? : )

Bill




>
> As far as mindset being all important in shortening a learning curve,
> the two most important concepts/keys to becoming proficient with
> Sketchup as a woodworker:
>
> 1. Understanding that conceptually, just as in woodworking, Sketchup
> deals with "surfaces and edges".
>
> 2. Extending that concept further by grasping the vital importance of
> using Sketchup's "components" and "groups" features as the basis for
> your woodworking models.
>
> (IOW, just as legs, aprons, and top are the basic "components" of a
> table, these same _individual_ "components" (or copies of same) should
> also be the basis for any 3D Sketchup model of your table).
>
> In addition, those woodworkers wishing to use SU to present their
> designs and ideas to others (particularly when desiring to make a formal
> set of woodworking plans) will do well to spend the time it takes to
> learn to use Sketchup's "layers" and "scenes" features.
>
> FWIW - Printout of the contents of my "plugins" directory:
>
> 2D#.rb
> 3DxSketchUp.rb
> A4_smartpushpull.rb
> applyTo.rb
> arcs.rb
> bezier.rb
> bomb.rb
> cabinet.rb
> clinetool
> clinetool.rb
> cutlist.rb
> deBabelizer.rb
> dim_angle.rb
> engineeringtoolbox.rb
> examples.rb
> ExtrudeAlongPath.rb
> HouseBuilder_extension.rb
> joisttool.rb
> layers.rb
> ldd.rbs
> LibFredo6.rb
> line2wall.rb
> makefaces.rb
> massmaterialimporter.rb
> midpoint.rb
> Mirror.rb
> multiwalltool_2.rb
> ocean_extension.rb
> parametric.rb
> progressbar.rb
> PurgeAll.rb
> setcomponents.rb
> sketchup.rb
> skin22.rb
> smustard-app-observer.rb
> stair_maker.rb
> startup.rb
> swivelButtonPlugin.rb
> utilities.rb
> weld.rb
> windows.rb
> woodwrk.rb
> ZLoader__RoundCorner.rb
>

Leon wrote:
> "Swingman"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:
>>
>>> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
>>> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
>>> plug-ins and tutorials.
>>
>> Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to
>> Sketchup:
>>
>> http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html
>
> You and I have been using Sketchup for a while now but reading this book I
> finally learned how to lock a line direction with the arrow keys. Stupid
> simple but I couldn't figger it out. ;~)
>

That's exactly the kind of "tidbit" I was referring to in my previous
post. You could watch a video 5x and not get it.

Bill

Swingman wrote:
> On 12/7/2010 9:51 PM, Bill wrote:
>> Leon wrote:
>>> "Swingman"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>> news:[email protected]...
>>>> On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
>>>>> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
>>>>> plug-ins and tutorials.
>>>>
>>>> Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to
>>>> Sketchup:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>> You and I have been using Sketchup for a while now but reading this
>>> book I
>>> finally learned how to lock a line direction with the arrow keys. Stupid
>>> simple but I couldn't figger it out. ;~)
>>>
>>
>> That's exactly the kind of "tidbit" I was referring to in my previous
>> post. You could watch a video 5x and not get it.
>
> Actually, I learned that one, and many others, a few years back from:
>
> http://www.go-2-school.com/media/browse/sketchup_show
>
> They have the best tutorial videos of all and their free series on
> iTunes is where I picked most of what I learned early on about using
> Sketchup in residential construction projects, and for presentation and
> construction documents/drawings ... out of dire necessity. ;)
>
> I've never bought their videos but I imagine that someone who wanted to
> quickly become proficient would find them hard to beat.
>

Wow, Looks like a nice collection. I'm saving the link. Thanks! -Bill

Leon wrote:
> "Larry Jaques"<[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:45:06 -0500, Bill<[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>> Swingman wrote:
>>>> Actually, I learned that one, and many others, a few years back from:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.go-2-school.com/media/browse/sketchup_show
>>>>
>>>> They have the best tutorial videos of all and their free series on
>>>> iTunes is where I picked most of what I learned early on about using
>>>> Sketchup in residential construction projects, and for presentation and
>>>> construction documents/drawings ... out of dire necessity. ;)
>>>>
>>>> I've never bought their videos but I imagine that someone who wanted to
>>>> quickly become proficient would find them hard to beat.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Wow, Looks like a nice collection. I'm saving the link. Thanks! -Bill
>>
>> Has anyone here yet purchased the e-book from Bob Lang?
>> 118 pages, 49 videos, $40 (ouch, but is it worth it, given all the
>> videos?) http://fwd4.me/s9M _Woodworker's Guide to Google Sketchup_
>>
>> How does it compare to Killen's e-book?
>
>
> I looked at video samples of both part 1 and 2 by Bob Lang. The video is
> ok, but IMHO if you miss a point you have to go through the video to hunt
> for it again. I much prefer Killen's book. I find the videos very useful
> for a single serving but not much of a time saver if you need to refresh
> your memory.
>

I'm been using the online help effectively to answer the "refresh" my
memory" type of questions. I would find it very frustrating to search
through videos to refresh my memory from. (Good) books have indexes.

Bill

On 12/7/2010 2:55 PM, blueman wrote:

> I would be interested also in more advanced tutorials highlighting
> different tips, techniques, and shortcuts along with more advanced
> usage that might be non-obvious.

I recall going through lots of tutorials before I figured out the most
basic of stuff, like how to set up the program for a wood worker. I
found this stuff not particularly intuitive and have no clue what
tutorials taught me this, some I figured out on my own, some I found in
tutorials, and most likely in my haste to learn, I may have skipped some
of this in the tutorials.

For beginners, I'll give some tips that help before going to a tutorial
that I learned over time:

First, you need a decent screen layout. Click on VIEWS, TOOLBARS and

Deselect:
Getting Started, its cluttered and redundant.
Select
Large Tool Set
Layers
Standard
Views

The last one, "Views" is important. It puts all the basic views, ISO,
front, back, top, sides on the tool bar. I found it really helpful
drawing stuff from a flat on view rather than an iso view when first
starting out, but even now, rather than fool with drawing to axes, a
flat front, top or side view is simple. Along with the View Extents on
the Large Tool set, you can always quickly get things back into
perspective when things get out of hand.

Next, go to Window, and select Model Info. Select Units and pick
fractional and something less precise. I use 1/16th, but probably
should use 1/8th.

This makes it easier to use the mouse to size things. I spend a lot of
time trying to get lengths to a half inch or 1/4" before giving up and
typing the numbers in. I still do, but this helps.

My next tip is hot keys. You must learn some always used hot keys for
woodworkers. These are imperative:

Spacebar: Select
R: Rectangle
M: Move
P: Push

R is how most all woodworking projects get started, because most wood is
a rectangle. I was using Line a lot at first... nope, wrong way to draw
a 2x6.

Pick a view, like front, and r and draw any size rectangle reasonably
close to size, enter it then type in the actual size, say 30,5.5 and you
will get a perfect 30" x 6" board. Next, hit P and make the thickness
to anything, then type in the real thickness, .75 or 1 1/2 or whatever.
Actually, I changed the P for push to V and made P paint. You do this in
Window, preferences, shortcuts. I use V a lot and I find P less
convenient, so I changed that shortcut.

Now, for my suggestion for a tutorial, I like this one by Gary Katz:

http://garykatz.blip.tv/file/2375765/

If you look at his desktop, you should see pretty much what I described
above.

This tutorial is for a simple book case but it is a great tutorial for
woodworkers and should be done following along step by step with SU.
Once you can do everything he does w/o the tutorial, you are well on
your way and can develop your own style to do the same things your way,
as there are many.

Two more tutorial pages I have bookmarked:

http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html
http://www.aidanchopra.com/tableofcontents


--
Jack
I cut it twice and it's still too short...
http://jbstein.com

On 12/11/2010 6:56 PM, Leon wrote:
> "Jack Stein"<[email protected]> wrote in message

>> This makes it easier to use the mouse to size things. I spend a lot of
>> time trying to get lengths to a half inch or 1/4" before giving up and
>> typing the numbers in. I still do, but this helps.
>
> For years I waited for AutoCAD LT and Auto Sketch to add Dirrect Distance
> Entry, DDS. Much much faster if you simply click to start a line and drag
> the mouse in the dirrection you want to go. Type in the distance you want
> and enter, done deal. Watching for a snap distance can be tedious.

I agree, but my mind somehow looks at it as a challenge when I try to do
the snap distance thing. I use the mouse, and overshoot by 1/64, under
shoot by 1/4, over shoot by 1/8th and have to force my self to type in
the number, as my brain wants to beat the snapper into submission. I
always start out using rectangles and and typing in the distances but
sooner or later along the way, when I'm not paying attention my mind
slips into the game mode...

>> My next tip is hot keys. You must learn some always used hot keys for
>> woodworkers. These are imperative:
>>
>> Spacebar: Select
>> R: Rectangle
>> M: Move
>> P: Push
>
> I also suggest adding L to start a line. G to form a component. D for
> dimension, Alt D to dimension an angle. T for Tape measure. Some of these
> are "MY" shortcuts. Any time I can type in a letter instead of going to an
> icon for a command I save time. These short cuts can be changed and or
> added very easily.

For sure. I left out the L line thing because when I first was learning
I used the line tool to start everything. That was a waste of time and
now I use it infrequently compared to the 3 I listed. I should have
added G for for component. Others I use a lot is Alt and double click
the scroll wheel which centers the drawing wherever your cursor is and
shift and hold down the scroll wheel to get the pan tool.

Anyway, once you start using the shortcuts, you quickly learn all the
most used, and edit some to suit your personal Preferences.

> AND I set my center scroll wheel click to invoke the Orbit command.

I think the default if you hold it down, is the orbit tool, and with
shift is the pan tool.

--
Jack
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is
research.
http://jbstein.com

On 12/15/2010 9:12 AM, Leon wrote:
> "blueman"<[email protected]> wrote in message

>> Cool trick!
>> Now it would be even more helpful if that trick also worked for setting
>> the plane in the rectangle tool -- it is a PITA sometimes to have rotate
>> the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction...

> If you figure that one out let me know LOL..

As I said in a previous message if you set the view to front, back, top
or side it is simple to draw a rectangle to the correct orientation.
Thats why the first thing beginners should do is set up the tool bar
with the Views on it as I described.

> I always draw the lines to form a rectangle and push/pull to form a 3D
> object. I do use the rectangle tool when I am able to snap to given points,
> say to close the top of a box for instance.

I never draw lines to draw a rectangle, that's what the rectangle tool
is for. You can quickly type in the size of the rectangle to perfection
so the line tool is just the wrong tool to draw rectangles, even if it
seems to work, it is inefficient.

Still, the orientation is plain simple if you start out in the correct
view, regardless if using the Line or Rectangle tool.

If you are drawing a cabinet, and starting with a side, use side view,
if starting with the base or top, use top view, face frame, use front
view. The plane of the rectangle tool will be set, no problem.

--
Jack
You Can't Fix Stupid, but You Can Vote it Out!
http://jbstein.com

On 12/15/2010 6:29 PM, blueman wrote:
> Jack Stein<[email protected]> writes:
>
>> On 12/15/2010 9:12 AM, Leon wrote:
>>> "blueman"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>>
>>>> Cool trick!
>>>> Now it would be even more helpful if that trick also worked for setting
>>>> the plane in the rectangle tool -- it is a PITA sometimes to have rotate
>>>> the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction...
>>
>>> If you figure that one out let me know LOL..
>>
>> As I said in a previous message if you set the view to front, back,
>> top or side it is simple to draw a rectangle to the correct
>> orientation. Thats why the first thing beginners should do is set up
>> the tool bar with the Views on it as I described.
>>
>
> Yes I am well aware of that - still would be nice if the arrow trick
> worked for rectangles to set the plane the same way that it sets the
> direction for lines...

Sorry, I guess I got confused when you said you sometimes have to rotate
the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction.
I've not had a problem with orientation once I learned to set the view
to the orientation I wanted. The rectangle tool always draws straight
lines along an axis w/o the arrow trick, which might be why the arrow
trick doesn't work with it?

--
Jack
To write with a broken pencil is pointless.
http://jbstein.com

On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:45:06 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:

>Swingman wrote:
>> Actually, I learned that one, and many others, a few years back from:
>>
>> http://www.go-2-school.com/media/browse/sketchup_show
>>
>> They have the best tutorial videos of all and their free series on
>> iTunes is where I picked most of what I learned early on about using
>> Sketchup in residential construction projects, and for presentation and
>> construction documents/drawings ... out of dire necessity. ;)
>>
>> I've never bought their videos but I imagine that someone who wanted to
>> quickly become proficient would find them hard to beat.
>>
>
>Wow, Looks like a nice collection. I'm saving the link. Thanks! -Bill

Has anyone here yet purchased the e-book from Bob Lang?
118 pages, 49 videos, $40 (ouch, but is it worth it, given all the
videos?) http://fwd4.me/s9M _Woodworker's Guide to Google Sketchup_

How does it compare to Killen's e-book?

--
You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.
--Jack London

"Leon" <[email protected]> writes:

> "Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:
>>
>>> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
>>> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
>>> plug-ins and tutorials.
>>
>> Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to
>> Sketchup:
>>
>> http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html
>
> You and I have been using Sketchup for a while now but reading this book I
> finally learned how to lock a line direction with the arrow keys. Stupid
> simple but I couldn't figger it out. ;~)

Cool trick!
Now it would be even more helpful if that trick also worked for setting
the plane in the rectangle tool -- it is a PITA sometimes to have rotate
the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction...

Jack Stein <[email protected]> writes:

> On 12/15/2010 9:12 AM, Leon wrote:
>> "blueman"<[email protected]> wrote in message
>
>>> Cool trick!
>>> Now it would be even more helpful if that trick also worked for setting
>>> the plane in the rectangle tool -- it is a PITA sometimes to have rotate
>>> the canvas to get an orientation that favors your intended direction...
>
>> If you figure that one out let me know LOL..
>
> As I said in a previous message if you set the view to front, back,
> top or side it is simple to draw a rectangle to the correct
> orientation. Thats why the first thing beginners should do is set up
> the tool bar with the Views on it as I described.
>

Yes I am well aware of that - still would be nice if the arrow trick
worked for rectangles to set the plane the same way that it sets the
direction for lines...

On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:

> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
> plug-ins and tutorials.

Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to Sketchup:

http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html

As you become more proficient and something arises that you just can't
figure out how to do, it is probably covered in "Google Sketchup
Cookbook" ... an excellent _reference_ book, although NOT a tutorial:

http://www.amazon.com/Google-Sketchup-Cookbook-Practical-Techniques/dp/0596155115

As far as mindset being all important in shortening a learning curve,
the two most important concepts/keys to becoming proficient with
Sketchup as a woodworker:

1. Understanding that conceptually, just as in woodworking, Sketchup
deals with "surfaces and edges".

2. Extending that concept further by grasping the vital importance of
using Sketchup's "components" and "groups" features as the basis for
your woodworking models.

(IOW, just as legs, aprons, and top are the basic "components" of a
table, these same _individual_ "components" (or copies of same) should
also be the basis for any 3D Sketchup model of your table).

In addition, those woodworkers wishing to use SU to present their
designs and ideas to others (particularly when desiring to make a formal
set of woodworking plans) will do well to spend the time it takes to
learn to use Sketchup's "layers" and "scenes" features.

FWIW - Printout of the contents of my "plugins" directory:

2D#.rb
3DxSketchUp.rb
A4_smartpushpull.rb
applyTo.rb
arcs.rb
bezier.rb
bomb.rb
cabinet.rb
clinetool
clinetool.rb
cutlist.rb
deBabelizer.rb
dim_angle.rb
engineeringtoolbox.rb
examples.rb
ExtrudeAlongPath.rb
HouseBuilder_extension.rb
joisttool.rb
layers.rb
ldd.rbs
LibFredo6.rb
line2wall.rb
makefaces.rb
massmaterialimporter.rb
midpoint.rb
Mirror.rb
multiwalltool_2.rb
ocean_extension.rb
parametric.rb
progressbar.rb
PurgeAll.rb
setcomponents.rb
sketchup.rb
skin22.rb
smustard-app-observer.rb
stair_maker.rb
startup.rb
swivelButtonPlugin.rb
utilities.rb
weld.rb
windows.rb
woodwrk.rb
ZLoader__RoundCorner.rb

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlC@ (the obvious)

"Swingman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On 12/7/2010 1:55 PM, blueman wrote:
>
>> As a newbie to Sketch-up, I thought it might be helpful to start a
>> thread where we could all collect and discuss our favorite Sketch-up
>> plug-ins and tutorials.
>
> Tim Killen's pdf book is an excellent intro for woodworkers new to
> Sketchup:
>
> http://www.tauntonstore.com/sketchup-guide-for-woodworkers-tim-killen-ebook-077846.html

You and I have been using Sketchup for a while now but reading this book I
finally learned how to lock a line direction with the arrow keys. Stupid
simple but I couldn't figger it out. ;~)

On Sat, 18 Dec 2010 10:26:22 -0800 (PST), Charlie Self
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Joe Zeh, AKA Chiefwoodworker, has built a wonderful series of
>tutorials on his web site. You'll have to Google for it (old age has
>stopped creeping in and started leaping), but it's well worth the
>minimal effort. He not only gives examples, he builds the examples as
>he goes...and Joe is one helluva good woodworker.

Found it! http://www.srww.com/google-sketchup.htm

Hey, Charlie! What's new? Long time no hear.

--
The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings.
-- Okakura Kakuzo

On Wed, 8 Dec 2010 15:31:11 -0600, "Leon" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>
>"Larry Jaques" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> On Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:45:06 -0500, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>Swingman wrote:
>>>> Actually, I learned that one, and many others, a few years back from:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.go-2-school.com/media/browse/sketchup_show
>>>>
>>>> They have the best tutorial videos of all and their free series on
>>>> iTunes is where I picked most of what I learned early on about using
>>>> Sketchup in residential construction projects, and for presentation and
>>>> construction documents/drawings ... out of dire necessity. ;)
>>>>
>>>> I've never bought their videos but I imagine that someone who wanted to
>>>> quickly become proficient would find them hard to beat.
>>>>
>>>
>>>Wow, Looks like a nice collection. I'm saving the link. Thanks! -Bill
>>
>> Has anyone here yet purchased the e-book from Bob Lang?
>> 118 pages, 49 videos, $40 (ouch, but is it worth it, given all the
>> videos?) http://fwd4.me/s9M _Woodworker's Guide to Google Sketchup_
>>
>> How does it compare to Killen's e-book?
>
>
>I looked at video samples of both part 1 and 2 by Bob Lang. The video is
>ok, but IMHO if you miss a point you have to go through the video to hunt
>for it again. I much prefer Killen's book. I find the videos very useful
>for a single serving but not much of a time saver if you need to refresh
>your memory.

Are the videos you refer to the same as supplied with the text on CD?
I think he may have two products out now.

I like reading text to prep for the video which ties all the knowledge
together.

--
Invest in America: Buy a CONgresscritter today!