Shopsmith Forums

Anyone using Google's Sketch Up software to design woodworking projects? If so, what do you think? I can't afford CAD software, but I think my clients would like to see 3D models in addition to my usual graph paper drawings...

I have a friend who is a draftsman and he seems to think it is pretty cool, but I haven't had a chance to work with it yet.

poindexter wrote:Anyone using Google's Sketch Up software to design woodworking projects? If so, what do you think? I can't afford CAD software, but I think my clients would like to see 3D models in addition to my usual graph paper drawings...

I have a friend who is a draftsman and he seems to think it is pretty cool, but I haven't had a chance to work with it yet.

I'm a big fan of Google SketchUp. It's very easy to use and learn. There are quite a few how-to videos on YouTube for it.

Here's on example of a rolling stand with drawers done in SketchUp by Matthias Wandel over at Woodgears. The download link is at the bottom of the page. I think it's a great representation of displaying a product for a client.

I have used it to help me design several projects and the three-D has helped me to catch design flaws that I had not forseen in my two-D pencil drawings.

Wow! What great resources! Can't wait to check out the tutorial. Thanks!

Here is my list of sketchup resources-

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... t=sketchup

http://www.finewoodworking.com/blog/design-click-build

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

http://www.popularwoodworking.com/sketchup/

http://forums.sketchucation.com/

http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f29/

http://forums.finewoodworking.com/sketchup

There is enough information there to make you a sketchup superstar, and most if not all of what I linked is also free. Personally, I love the design, click, build blog at fine woodworking. I have learned the most from their videos and discussions- aimed specifically at wood working challenges in sketchup.

Good luck,

Andy

I had traditional plans for the crib that i built, but I decided to make a sketchup version as well. it was a big help. Can't recommend it enough

Thanks everyone! I'm having back surgery in a few days and I hope to learn this software while I recover. You all gave me some great stuff to get started with!

Good luck on your surgery and a fast recovery.

poindexter wrote:Thanks everyone! I'm having back surgery in a few days and I hope to learn this software while I recover. You all gave me some great stuff to get started with!

I hope your surgeon is more 'careful' than Bill Mayo's was!:eek::)

poindexter

I truly believe that the very best Sketchup tutorials are the ones prepared by our very own tom_k/mo. He has been inspirational and invaluable to me and others in learning this great tool for woodworkers. Check out the following links and good luck with you surgery. Toms tutorials are on his sight listed under Sketchup Reference.

http://www.shopsmith.net/forums/showthr ... etchup+101

http://takuhn.homeip.net/plans/