I’ve been learning to use SketchUp (v.7) for about 3 weeks, but I’ve run into a perplexing problem.
When creating a table apron or breadboard table top I have sometimes encountered this error message in the Component Browser: “SketchUp cannot create a recursively defined model or component”. What is this and why?
Here’s my process:
Draw a rectangle 15 1/4″ x 4 1/2″. Use push/pull to set thickness at 3/4″. Use the tape measure to place a guideline 1″ from each end on the face of the rectangle (for 1″ long tenons). Orbit to the other face and repeat.
Use tape measure to place guidelines 1/4″ from each horizontal edge of the 3/4″ thickness (tenon will be 1/4′ thick). Select one of these 1″ x 1/4″ sections with the rectangle tool (or should I use the pencil tool?). Use push/pull to select and cut that section. Repeat 3x.
Voila, I have a 15 1/4″ x 4 1/2″ piece with a 1″ l x 1/4″ thick tenon at each end. So far so good, but here’s where the trouble begins.
Select, context-click and choose “all connected” then context-click “make component”. Name, etc. with Glue to “Any”.
Sometimes I get the error message and sometimes I don’t. So…?
Replies
Giving this a bump -- we have some Sketch-Up wiz-kids here, they'll see it soon, hopefully.
Are you using the Mac or PC version? Or are you running the PC version in Boot Camp on your Mac?
Either way, I have run into a number of unrepeatable errors using Sketchup. Sometimes when I orbit the model it will behave as if there is an object hiding part of it. Sometimes the tools won't work, such as not being able to draw a rectangle.
I save and restart Sketchup or re-boot and that usually sorts everything out.
The word "recursively" in the error message hints that it might have something to do with the three tenons and how they influence the component.
There are some real experts here on Sketchup who might have a better answer.
I'm running SketchUp v.7.1 on a Mac (OS X 10.5.8).
I can't attach an .skp file to this post, but here's what I'm playing with as a test example for my own learning curve. Go to FWW #210, p. 31. I just chose the rear apron and 2 rear legs to play with.
I made the legs 27.25" x 1.5" x 1.5" just for convenience. The mortise joinery is as described with the indicated dimensions and setbacks. That worked fine and I have 2 rear legs as separate components (stored in "Shaker table" on the Desktop). No error messages with either one of these.
The rear apron is dimensioned as indicated in the drawing. So I started with a piece 15.25" x 4.5" x 0.75". I then used guidelines to mark and cut away the apron tenon offsets (3/4" on top and 1/4" on the bottom) leaving a 3.5" segment for the tenon. Again used guidelines to mark out and Push/Pull the faces to end up with a tenon measuring 3.5" wide x 1" long x 0.25" thick. Selected that piece and context-clicked "Make Component". It showed up in the Components Browser along with the 2 legs above. That's when I start getting the "recursive" error message when I drag the apron component from the menu into the model.
Sorry this is long and complicated, but there may be something wrong with my construction process.
I have an idea about why you are getting the error message sometimes but before I stick my foot in my mouth, I would like to see your model. Any chance you'd send it to me?
For what it is worth, you really don't need to be setting a gluing plane for components like the ones you're making.
Dave
Dave Richards,
Thanks for jumping in. My relatively tiny test model on my learning curve is detailed in my post here dated 03/03/10. You'll find it above.
I don't know how to send my tiny model because I can't attach an .skp file. I could print, scan as a .PDF and attach that.
Thanks again.
You can e-mail the SKP file to me at [email protected]
Dave
Look up DaveRichards in the members directory and shoot him a message. He's the resident SU whiz.
jscharver,
As far as I can determine, you're getting an "erroneous" error message. There is nothing wrong in the sequence of steps you are making. I've repeated them a number of times with no errors. (OS X 10.4.11, SU V7 and SU 6 pro).
Possibly you have some other system problem happening that has nothing to do with the operation you're carrying out, but causes this SU error under your circumstances.
I used to see this kind of thing happen in earlier versions and with certain OS updates.
Make sure you have the latest version of SU for your OS. Mine is SketchUp 7 (7.1.6859). It may be different for OS X 10.5.8
A restart of SU may be all you need to do, but that's a sign that something is wrong on your machine. You could try re-installing SU, getting rid of its preferences (it will build new ones on restart and you'll have to re-create all your palette positions, toolbars, etc.
Look in:
user/library/preferences/ [ delete all files starting with com.google]
and:
user/library/application support/google sketchup 7/sketchup/ [delete shortcuts.plist]
Or you may need to run the periodic OS maintenence routines (either through the OS itself or with one of the many utuilities available - I use Cocktail)
Rich
You might find the Design, Click, Build Blog helpful: https://www.finewoodworking.com/blog/design-click-build
You might find this blog entry helpful: https://www.finewoodworking.com/item/22049/building-a-table-top-breadboard
Both Dave Richards and Tim Kellen hangout over at this forum: http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/project-plans/cad-software
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