I must confess not having made a SketchUp animation. So using the Maloof lowback chair (shown in previous blog entry), I created a series of scenes in my SketchUp file. The scenes were in a sequence of construction steps in the shop starting with the seat blank and moving through the fabrication of each part and their installation into the assembly. I set various parameters in SketchUp, for example pixel height and width, transition time, scene delay, and other technical export options compatible with YouTube.
By clicking on View in the Menu Bar, you can select Animation from the menu. Here you will find several options including “play”. I used this to test my animation, then re-worked the scenes and the text to suit. I found that very large text is needed – I ended up with 26 point text.
When satisfied with the animation, I clicked on File/Export/Animation to create an .avi file. I then loaded this into YouTube.
I did not make a great number of scenes, so the animation is rudimentary without much detail. If you spent enough time on preparation, you could probably provide a very detailed simulation of the shop work to build a piece of furniture. Audio would help, but that step will have to be later for me.
Here is the embedded video via YouTube.
I did use my recent SketchUp design and full-size templates to build the chair. Here it is in rough shaped condition in silver maple.
Comments
boy, that really brings it all together - a script!
Charles in San Francisco
Do the Maloof chairs every start loosening up after 20 years or so? I never have liked them all that much and no matter how much glue surface and screws you use, at the end of the legs there is a lot of leverage on that joint, even just sliding the chair around on the floor. I would think they would start falling apart sooner or later.....(unless he used epoxy).
Geppetto425: good question, I don't have 20 year's experience with these chairs. I am less concerned about the leg joints - they are quite robust and I'm using 4 1/2-in. Long #10 screws. I worry more about the arm joint which only has flat surface and a large screw. The leg joints do have a tenon albeit very short. I suspect I will have less problem over time with the Maloof vs. the Windsors, which rely on socket joints without screws.
I would not think using epoxy glue would provide any additional insurance, unless the joint is not tight.
Perhaps others with more experience will chime in.
Tim
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in