Would appreciate recommendations for online or in person sketch up course. I’d prefer an instructor I can ask questions as using the book I can’t match current software with book making the whole process frustrating.
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Aside from the content on this site, lookup Rob Cameron on Youtube. He has a tutorial series that will get you going.
This is not an online course per se, but a good basic SketchUp starting point for woodworkers. If you follow it you will get the free copy installed and learn the very basic primitives to get started.
YouTube Chris Salomone: "Modeling a Complete Project in Sketchup for Beginners Pt.1 - Sketchup for Woodworkers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVb8ZBAOD0I&t=596s
YouTube Chris Salomone: "Modeling a Complete Project in Sketchup for Beginners Pt.2 - Sketchup for Woodworkers"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqcEyXs0v4c
I too have struggled with finding the 5% to 10% of SketchUp needed for woodworkers so I'm looking forward to other responses.
Also do a search in Fine Woodworking online, I seem to recall either an article or video on the topic.
Thank you for posting this topic!
I do a fair bit of banging on the table and cursing at the screen when it comes to using, or trying to use, SketchUp. So, I, too, am happy someone has brought this up, and I'll be following along, trying to (Sketch)Up my game.
Not a course recommendation but I will pass on when I learned how to properly use Groups and Components life with SketchUp became much less stressful and efficient. Learn what they are how to use them and when to use one versus the other and life will become easier.
Very good lesson to pass on.
Yesterday I did an online session with a new SketchUp user who was having difficulty with his model. One he saw how using components made the whole job easier he was excited to get on with it.
Appears there’s no definite top choice. I’ve seen course online from $45 to $700.
I can do focused live online SketchUp training if you're interested in that.
I've been an authorized SketchUp trainer for more than a decade and regularly do training for woodworkers and others.
I have worked with ACAD for many years. There is huge difference between the Operator Interface and functionality of ACAD and SketchUp.
You are better off doing it the old fashion way with pencil and paper than wasting your time with SketchUp.
Use a roll of Grid Paper or a roll of Underlayment Paper.
The user interface is different between ACAD and SketchUp but that's no reason to tell someone they'd be better off with paper and pencil.
Ouch. I still use a pencil and graph paper,but only because I haven't wanted to dedicate the time to properly learn a software program. I'd like to use software -- it's a new challenge, and would open new avenues. If I do, it will definitely be SketchUp.
Anytime you need to learn a new interface in a software package there is a learning curve and some challenges, even more so when you are intimately familiar with another similar type of software because you wish it would work like the software you know so well. To make a statement that a new user would be better off with pencil and paper is just wrong and close minded. For someone not familiar with and having access to expensive and difficult to learn software like AutoCad, Sketchup presents an excellent design package and take it from someone old enough to have been woodworking when the only option was pencil and paper, and is leaps and bounds better.
And also: there's no reason for a beginner to abandon pencil and paper if noodling around with design ideas. Once the newbie comes up with an appealing design, there are whole boatloads of benefits to using SketchUp to map it out, rather than stick to pencil and paper.
When I come up with a design, I start with an overall concept view, then break the concept into assemblies (i.e., desktop, desk carcase, drawers, etc.) and then break the assemblies into individual components. By the time I get to component level, I'm doing drawings that show me how I'll mill the lumber and cut the joints. It's a breeze with SU.
If you don't have any drafting experience all of the available CAD systems are challenging. Once you get the idea of how to create 3D objects you will use pencil and paper in combination with CAD. The big drawback to most of the CAD programs are the ability to get direct printouts scaled for standard paper (8 1/2 x 11). The nice thing about CAD is the ability to scale easily and squeeze out unknown dimensions and angles as a result of the design. What's the angle between these two points is easily answered as a result of creating the model. The nice part about using a 3D cad like Sketchup is the ability to model & manage a large project in pieces and parts. You can hide details that get in the way until you need them. Building a custom chest of drawers and making sure everything fits before you cut any wood can save a lot of grief and money. GO for it. A year from now you'll be answering questions for other newbies. Sketchup 2017 is still available for free and offers everything you'll need to complete simple or complex projects. Here it is from Sketchup.
https://support.sketchup.com/s/article/Where-is-the-free-download-for-SketchUp-2017-Make
There are online Tutorials available from Sketchup for applying all of the tools within the program.
Good Luck to you and let us know how you do.
Here is more information regarding learning. This tutorial is from Sketchup.
https://www.sketchup.com/book/sketchup-design-guide-woodworkers
Give it a try.
I have no idea what book you're referring to since you don't mention a title. There many many video tutorials available free via YouTube. I can't imagine ANY question one might ask that isn't answered fully and completely in the above multitude - and I've seen literally hundreds of them. The basic set offered by Sketchup is more than enough to get one started. All the rest easily sourced with emphasis on...easily.
Taunton has a book called Sketchup for woodworkers. I have it out in the shop still, I think. I recall it was published ~2015. Then there was a download of lessons I got, but it also had no relation to the software available today.
"Then there was a download of lessons I got, but it also had no relation to the software available today."
Actually it still does relate to the current versions. The user interface between the desktop and web versions is different but the process of creating 3D models is still the same as it was then.
Good news! Taunton and FWW will be doing an online SketchUp course this year, in the spring. Stay tuned for more info about timing, etc.
I’m very interested in that announcement. Please have them start with students seeing the same user interface as the instructor. It’s very discouraging when the tools and menus in the instructor presentation have to be sought out on your pc.
That's a good idea. How would you suggest it be done? There are different versions of SketchUp out there. The user interface is different between the desktop client versions and web versions and the desktop client versions look different between Mac and PC. It would be interesting to see what you propose.
Starting with the free 2017 version and letting new users later decide if they want to learn and pay for the other versions, might be the first step. What do you think, Dave?
That's an OK start however when I'm teaching SketchUp I am using the current pro version. Short of one toolbar (that I don't normally have displayed anyway) and a few tools that have been added since SU2017 Make was released, the UI can look the same. There might be some tools displayed but if they aren't used, they can be ignored.
I think it's much like a woodworking class or video. It's unlikely that your shop will look like the shop of Mr. Pekovich, for example. It doesn't matter what hand planes or chisels are hanging on the wall in the background in his shop. They shouldn't prevent you from learning the lesson he's teaching.
That's just my thinking, though.
Thought this might be good a question worthy to include in this thread instead of starting a new item: I am contemplating the course that has been announced as well. My question is: to run Sketch-up version for basic furniture type plans, would a bare bones latest edition Macbook configuration with 8GB of memory be adequate? Or, does sketch-up require extensive memory requiring beyond 8GB?
Yeah, sure is. I use a Mac and got hung up on the alt key. Also, it takes some getting use to accessing ‘trays’ on the Mac. It’s even harder using a laptop. Can’t imagine using SketchUp on a tablet not that that is available.
Watch the bottom left of the screen when you select different tools. The modifier keys will be shown.
You can use SketchUp for Web on a tablet and there's SketchUp for iPad.
How often will you use it? If you're just wanting to learn, fine, but if its for one project, I don't know.
I became fairly proficient with it several years ago, but now I draw on a drafting table b/c there's a learning curve every time I try to re-use it?
Something to consider, but it is fun to learn something new if you have the time.
Good point. Like anything, use it or lose it. Same with stuff you do in the shop.
I've thought about learning SketchUp many times, but put it off. Maybe I'll finally take the plunge.
Drop me a line if you want.
You know, Dave. I believe it is worthwhile, and we can't help but learn something, especially those of us who know almost nothing.
My methodology for developing a solid plan for a project? 1) Use pencil and paper for rough sketches that give me a sense of proportion and design look; 2) Open and use Sketchup to lay out the major components and be able to look around the project from multiple perspectives. Double-check that the major components are buildable, adjust as appropriate, and develop a general materials list and rough cut lists to fit components economically within standard-sized available lumbers; 3) Turn back to pencil and paper to envision how the joints will be fabricated and finalize the construction sequence (adjusting cut lists if necessary); 4) Buy the lumber, build, and have fun.
I have professionally used both ACAD and Sketchup. ACAD is expensive, high learning curve (and high relearning curve if not used regularly), and overkill, in my opinion. For me, Sketchup is the right balance for hands-on project planning without letting the computer overwhelm the joy of creative project designing and building.
Hi there. i am newbie here. Have a nice day everyone)
You too!
Odd way to revive a thread that is over a year old.
I really don't understand why anyone uses sketch up when they could use fusion 360 which is a million times better in basically every way.
Why is SketchUp so common in woodworking? Was it just picked long enough by someone and now it's just them teaching the next, teaching the next etc?
SketchUp was available long before F360 and it is very accessible and intuitive. Many users find SketchUp much easier to use than programs like F360. Different strokes ...
"fusion 360 which is a million times better in basically every way."
I would challenge you to defend that statement with examples of your own work. Be specific about how it is a million times better. Here are a few examples from SketchUp. https://flic.kr/s/aHsjpUPdd6 Show us your work.
It's better not in output, that is up to the designer/user. A pencil can make doodles or masterpieces. Most of my fusion work is for 3D printing, but I've taught classes for make campus (make magazine/ makerfaire), so I'm not inexperienced. You can google my work. It's on the normal 3d printing file hosts/YouTube/my website/various maker communities.
But I'm not talking about the product. Talking about the workflow benefits.
Such as the ability to actually set parameters and constraints. Meaning you only have to update one number to change your material thickness to a different value, for example. Or the width or height of your object and it will automatically recalculate the whole object appropriately. It's much much easier to iterate, refine, and repurpose designs.
The ease of use argument is fair enough.
I use both. I really do think that SketchUp is better from a one-off build perspective and easier to use for the mind of a woodworker. Make a box, put the size in, done.
These days I use Fusion more than SketchUp, but if I need to model something quickly to just see it or figure something out quickly, I still use SketchUp.
That makes sense I think!
Every single part of every model represented in my link is 3D printable if it is sized to fit the available print volume. This is easy enough in SketchUp.
I printed this the other day from a SketchUp model. Screw threads are a perfect fit and the pad on top spins freely.
https://flic.kr/p/2ovBpPL
https://flic.kr/p/2ovDu4H
The work flow is different between the two applications. You like F360, others like SketchUp. As I wrote, different strokes.
I'm not convinced I'm explaining correctly. It's not about 3D printing (though you did get lucky on your models because it often produces non manifold objects). It's that the workflow is much more forgiving in fusion.
But I agree. Whatever gets in you way the least. It's just weird to me that it's SO popular.
Dave, I love your flickr page on 3d printing! The steam engines are remarkable. I make parts on a Prusa mini, but I'm planning on acquiring a Mk 2.
Cheers!
I'm a hobbyist, not a cabinetmaker. I've used SketchUp since the good old days when it was a Google feature. There is a learning curve, no doubt. Still, I've subscribed to SketchUp Pro since 2019 and use it regularly for (in Ben Strano's words) "one-off" designs, i.e., individual woodworking and home improvement projects.
I usually don't start a project until I've penciled a design. I've not used Fusion 360, but I guess beauty (or its opposite) lies in the eyes of the beholder. I found that SU is very easy to work with, once I understood the power of components. And I love the force multiplier provided by its companion program, LayOut, from which I've been able to produce working plans for myself, my contractors in home improvement projects, and the like.
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