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Our Project Plans/CAD Software forum has received well over 7,000 posts over the course of its lifetime and while we have absolutely no intention of ever getting rid of it, I've introduced a new forum folder simply titled "SketchUp" into the mix.
One of my jobs here at FWW.com is to make information easier to find, and "Project Plans/CAD Software" is not exactly the best title for a forum that primarily centers itself around the use of SketchUp. We didn't want to simply re-title the existing forum, since that might throw a lot of people off and cause some confusion, so, the simple solution was to start a new forum.
Consider our SketchUp forum as yet another virtual place to gather, discuss, learn, and brag about SketchUp tips, tricks and techniques.
I myself will most certainly be lurking in there, as I've resolved to get a handle on the software this year. I'm tired of dragging around pencils, erasers, rulers, and paper. I'd much rather sit down at the computer with a cold beer and have software create all those beautiful images of the furniture I intend to build.
Cheers and as always, thanks for reading!
-Ed
Ed Pirnik
Senior Web Producer
Fine Woodworking
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I'm glad to see the addition (post #155096, reply #1 of 8)
I'm glad to see the addition of this section. I'm just learning to use SketchUp and will check the listings often.
Jim
Jim - I'm right there with (post #155096, reply #6 of 8)
Jim - I'm right there with ya, as I myself am making an effort to learn the program as well.
Thanks!
-Ed
Ed Pirnik
Senior Web Producer
Fine Woodworking
Learning (post #155096, reply #3 of 8)
Learning SketchUp
I’ve been struggling trying to learn SketchUp on and off for a few years. I’ll spare you the details and the rant and explain what has helped me.
100 years ago, Popular Mechanics published a series of Handbooks on industrial subjects, including a series of three books titled: Mission Furniture - HOW TO MAKE IT by H.H. Windsor. The plans may be downloaded free as eBooks from The Project Gutenberg web site: www.gutenberg.org (search for H.H. Windsor or ebook# 23770). I believe the plans have also been republished by DoverPublications ( http://store.doverpublications.com/04862... ).
The plans are for mission/Arts and crafts style furniture and are minimal and somewhat crude by today standards. They also have many errors and omissions - ideal for learning SketchUp! Keep in mind, the plans are 100 years old - no cordless or corded tools allowed.
My goal was to draw 30 of the projects using SketchUp and post them to a collection at Google 3D Warehouse. I set a goal and would force myself to meet it. How hard could it be? I'm working on it.
After countless hours I have about 14 models posted to date in my collection at 3D Warehouse: "Mission Furniture for Woodworkers" using the ID "larinUP". Check it out.
If you have not visited 3D Warehouse load SketchUp, go to > files > 3D Warehouse and it will load in SketchUp or go to: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/ .
So, you want to learn SketchUp? I challenge you to go to my collection, pick a model and download the plan from The Project Gutenberg site, and see if you can do a better drawing. Complete joinery is a must - pretty don't count. Post your completed drawings in this forum and we'll see what we can learn.
Post questions and comments here or send me a PM.
Good luck,
Larry
ps -I'll try to post a sample here-
Larry, Nice model. May I (post #155096, reply #2 of 8)
Larry,
Nice model. May I play? I tapered all the legs the same, added the chamfers on the top of the back posts as well as on the ends of the through tenons. I ommitted the plate to reduce the file size.
Jim,
I'll also be looking in and if you want a hand, I'd be happy to help.
Hi Dave, Jump in, I (post #155096, reply #4 of 8)
Hi Dave,
Jump in, I was expecting you.
Larry
Ed Pirnik wrote: "I myself (post #155096, reply #5 of 8)
Ed Pirnik wrote: "I myself will most certainly be lurking in there, as I've resolved to get a handle on the software this year."
Um, Ed, this is August of "this year." How are you doing so far?
Larry
I've essentially been playing (post #155096, reply #7 of 8)
I've essentially been playing with the software for the past couple of months - nothing serious - just trying to familiarize myself with the various tools. I do get frustrated from time-to-time but that's just a result of ignorance and has nothing to do with the program being poorly designed or anything. What I really need to do is sit down for a good two or three hourse and watch a bunch of the official video tutorials. Of course, that requires time - something I don't have a lot of these days. LOL
Best,
Ed
Ed Pirnik
Senior Web Producer
Fine Woodworking
Ed, I sent you an e-mail (post #155096, reply #8 of 8)
Ed, I sent you an e-mail about doing something to help you get to grips with SketchUp. Hopefully it got through.
dave