Thread: Google SketchUp free 3D CAD questions

i think mingus means a fillet, or radiused edge that goes all around box face edge, bit like passing a round over router bit around top face of box. where the two intersect on a corner is not easy for cad software.

i can't get the push pull to do it, may have to design the fillet as a separate object and intersect with all edges

to late to try now

cya

Originally Posted by Groggy

To work in millimeters:

• Open your project
• Click on Window in the Menu Bar up top (a small window appears).
• Click on Units in the left pane.
• Select Format -> Decimal
• Select -> Millimeters in the combo box next to it.

Note: I also selected Precision -> 0.00 (because I am an optimist)

Groggy, you have confused me. When I click on Windows I get a drop-down box but nothing with Units. To change units of measure, I went to Windows>Preferences> a dialogue box entitled Systems Preferences opens, select Templates>Millimeters.

However, my problem is one of scale. If I draw a rectangle 300,300 it's so small that it's difficult to work with. How does one change the scale other than cheating by calling 300, 3000?

Originally Posted by DPB

Groggy, you have confused me. When I click on Windows I get a drop-down box but nothing with Units. To change units of measure, I went to Windows>Preferences> a dialogue box entitled Systems Preferences opens, select Templates>Millimeters.

However, my problem is one of scale. If I draw a rectangle 300,300 it's so small that it's difficult to work with. How does one change the scale other than cheating by calling 300, 3000?

I've updated my post, it should have read Windows->Model Info.

I use the wheel on my mouse to zoom in and out, not sure what the other issue is.

cheers.

Originally Posted by DPB

However, my problem is one of scale. If I draw a rectangle 300,300 it's so small that it's difficult to work with. How does one change the scale other than cheating by calling 300, 3000?

If you push the "Zoom extents" (see image below) button the image resizes so that it fits in the view pane. Or scroll in with the wheel button on your mouse, if you don't have a wheel mouse it's time you got one.

Cheers


Dave

PS I just realised that that symbol is in Sketchup 5 and it may not be the same in your version, there will be something that looks like it though.....

Since a lot of guys are playing with this software at the moment, why not be productive while playing.

May I suggest that your first drawing be a scale replica of a tool you have eg DeWalt thicknesser, jointer, TSC10 etc. Once it is done, post the file here or on Googles page for other members to use. That way we should be able to fairly quickly build representations of our workshops and try new layout ideas reasonably easily.

Originally Posted by tonysa

i think mingus means a fillet, or radiused edge that goes all around box face edge, bit like passing a round over router bit around top face of box. where the two intersect on a corner is not easy for cad software.

i can't get the push pull to do it, may have to design the fillet as a separate object and intersect with all edges

to late to try now

Ummm... do you mean the organic bit in the corner where the router bit arcs away from the mitre on the inside of a frame? (The outside is simple.) No, I haven't seen any simple way to do that. In other SW I'd use the same profile I used the push/pull tool on and do a rotational extrude on the inner corner, but this is another function SketchUp doesn't seem to have.

Perhaps the "follow-me" tool may manage it with some coaxing, but I don't have high hopes. Still, can't complain for the price.

Good idea Groggy. Heres one I did a year or so ago of my Carbatec BAS-350

I'd post the sketchup file but it's 186kb and too big to post, were else can I send it?

Cheers


Dave

Thanks Groggy, Skew and DPB

Groggy, your solution only seems to work for that particular model, what DPB suggests will set the default to mm so you don't have to change every time you start a new model.

Skew, thats exacly what i mean, 4 peices like that could be assembled to form a frame.

Tonsya, i am after a fillet all the way aound a table top, but i don't think sketch up is capable of it, i'll have to make do with Skew's method.

thanks all,

Mingus

Originally Posted by mingus

Tonsya, i am after a fillet all the way aound a table top, but i don't think sketch up is capable of it, i'll have to make do with Skew's method.

I must be missing something, isn't that what Dave did with his MP3 Player?
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...1&d=1146298863

P

Nice idea Dave, modelling your own tools. Before you do so have a look at www.yda-online.com/shopmodels.htm, many tools!!

Mingus, mayby this works fore you, aply the profile on the frame styles before you assemble, then "cut" the miters like Skew showed. Create a component and make the frame.

See attachments


Kayu

Yep saw those Kayu, those are the ones you can get from the Sketchup web site as well, it's also worth looking in the new Sketchup warehouse http://www.sketchup.com/index.php?title=1468 there is a nice model of a Delta contrators saw on there.

I'll probalby post my stuff on there too......

Good to see this program really taking off with Googles help, I've been extolling it's virtues for several years now.

Dave

I must be thick. All I can draw is squares with 10,000 weird pointy bits sticking out. I also have absolutely no experience with CAD. Seems there are some concepts I must get my head around.
I don't even draw plans for the things I make. :eek: Its all done in my head.:confused:

Originally Posted by Shedhand

I don't even draw plans for the things I make. :eek: Its all done in my head.:confused:

Come on... you must draw plans! It's all part of the process. Sit there for hours, dreaming up wonderous designs, sketching 'em on paper and then laboriously transferring 'em into a detailed isometric drawing.

Then head for the shed to start the build, begin prepping the stock and, with the wood making the decisions as per usual, end up with something not even remotely resembling the original design. But if any-one says they like it, you can offer to sell 'em the plans...

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Come on... you must draw plans! It's all part of the process. Sit there for hours, dreaming up wonderous designs, sketching 'em on paper and then laboriously transferring 'em into a detailed isometric drawing.

Then head for the shed to start the build, begin prepping the stock and, with the wood making the decisions as per usual, end up with something not even remotely resembling the original design. But if any-one says they like it, you can offer to sell 'em the plans...

The upside of not using plans is that I always end up with lots of useful length off-cuts. It must be a left-brain thing. :confused: I don't have the ability to transfer whats in my head to a plan on paper. Same with music. If I hear a new song I like I can have it down (that is, play it on my guitar) within a few minutes but could I put it to a manuscript? A big fat NO!