Anyone use Sketchup from Goggle

[Flatheadyoungin]

ok, i see what you are saying....

i'm used to cad where you have trim and radius commands.....i have to change how i think to do this...sketchup, to me, is more like drafting by pencil....at least in your thoughts....

 

[alltoys]

Alltoys - looks like you got into some out-of-parallel lines between the store and shop? sections of your building. SU is quite sensitive to having the lines drawn parallel and perpendicular. Luckily when you're drawing the cursor drags a line that shows up in red or green to let you know you're right.
I have the pro version, have used it for years for presentations for additions, etc., and cabinetwork in my building business. It is not cadd, more like what it's named - sketch. I don't think the free version is much limited, though the pro version lets you use keyboard shortcuts between different tools as opposed to clicking on a toolbar so it's faster to use.
Sketchup is not the best at things like putting windows into walls that have thickness in the drawing, you just have to get used to how it works. I tried (and own) several cadd programs and like SU better. I guess it's the way I think - in 3D. You can concentrate on your design, not the wow! features of a cadd program.
Also last year I sent a Sketchup drawing to an outfit that drew house plans from my drawing, suitable for permitting. That cost about 50 cents a square foot, cheaper than I could do it. Very little error back and forth.
Jim

Out of parallel lines yes, indeed. This was my first undertaking with this program. Nothing like jumping into the pool before getting your feet wet. I had many booboos tried to fix them but messed up other lines that were connected. I did get the general shape to show people what I wanted and that was my goal. Me and the eraser tool are best freinds, mouse pointer finds its way up to the eraser tool automatically.

Being able to use keyboard strokes would be an asset going back to the pallet for every change is a pain. How much is Pro version? When I dable more into this program I will have to go with the Pro Version.

When you sent your plans away for your building did you ask them for electrical drawings as well? Plumbing too?

I can get plans from the Building people but they don't get into the electrical power or plumbing or placement of internal walls.

Also in SU how do you put in a second floor? In my living area I want to put in a second floor but I haven't figured that out yet.

 

[alltoys]

Just giving this a try sending a jpeg of my shop.

 

[wwalkersd]

Alltoys, maybe it's just me, but it looks to me like your walls are leaning out.

Did you check out the tutorial videos at the "New to Google SketchUp" page? One of them shows you how to make sure things line up. Of course, so far, I've only watched a few tutorials and haven't actually used the program, so what do I know?

 

[alltoys]

Its the way I have it orientated in SU the building is 150 feet long x 50 feet wide. Also when I sent it to export there was 3 separate places to send it to. One was 3d, next was 2d ( this is the one I sent it to ) the other I am don't remember right now. Anyway once it is in the program the walls are straight it looks the way it should.

 

[jimmysisson]

One of the mind-bending things about SU is the way perspective tricks you. Because each line you draw assumes a color, if it's on the actual x, y, or z axis, it's easy to draw your basic object square. When you look at it from different angles, though, perspective often makes it look way off vertical or perpendicular. It's fun once you get used to it - the software is right, and you're wrong!
The best features are how easy it is to move around in the drawing, and how simple it is to draw something complex. This was a classic story of some Boulder CO guys with clever software building it up for 6 versions or so and then getting bought by Google.
Jim

 

[jimmysisson]

Alltoys: I think the pro version may be $500, hefty if you're not using it much. I haven't upgraded in a couple years, as I can't use all the features it has now (v.6)
Second floor, start at one corner, draw vertical line (blue) the thickness of your floor. From the top of that line, draw horizontal parallel to the top of the wall (prob. red or green). Once you're started in a "color" direction, hold down Shift, and the line will lock onto that direction. Then, when you get as far as you want the floor to go, let off the left button. Or, before the last sentance, type the distance you want to go (it'll appear in the little box in the lower right corner). Next from that end draw down to the top of your wall. You've formed a rectangle, which will fill in when it's complete. Then, click on push-pull (with your cursor in the rectangle), hold down the left button and drag your "floor" as far as you want it to go.
You're not drawing structure, just shapes. You can make sizes very precise by typing in distances, but it's not going to show you how to frame the floor or where your girders need to go. To help you envision the building, though, it's quick and simple. Just play with it, you'll get it quick enough.
I didn't ask for electrical or plumbing, (they will do that), though fixtures were drawn where I spotted them.
Jim

 

[JayDavis]

Hey guys, I don't post on here much, but saw this thread. SU is a fun program to work with. It is kinda like the casual Friday of modeling programs. I really recommend the tutorials people put up on youtube.

Here is one of my fav models I made.... even though there is no practical purpose for it. A design on a motorcycle tire. The wheel, I just drew something up as filler so it is clunky.

 

[alltoys]

Alltoys: I think the pro version may be $500, hefty if you're not using it much. I haven't upgraded in a couple years, as I can't use all the features it has now (v.6)
Second floor, start at one corner, draw vertical line (blue) the thickness of your floor. From the top of that line, draw horizontal parallel to the top of the wall (prob. red or green). Once you're started in a "color" direction, hold down Shift, and the line will lock onto that direction. Then, when you get as far as you want the floor to go, let off the left button. Or, before the last sentance, type the distance you want to go (it'll appear in the little box in the lower right corner). Next from that end draw down to the top of your wall. You've formed a rectangle, which will fill in when it's complete. Then, click on push-pull (with your cursor in the rectangle), hold down the left button and drag your "floor" as far as you want it to go.
You're not drawing structure, just shapes. You can make sizes very precise by typing in distances, but it's not going to show you how to frame the floor or where your girders need to go. To help you envision the building, though, it's quick and simple. Just play with it, you'll get it quick enough.
I didn't ask for electrical or plumbing, (they will do that), though fixtures were drawn where I spotted them.
Jim

Thank you Jim much appreciated.

I will try the second floor pulling it across the base structure didn't think of that. How thick are second floors? Are they generally 10 or 12 inchs?

$500 is a bit much but on the other hand it would help immensely for getting my point across to someone. I do have an Autocad program 2004 edition a full cad. I picked up a book called 2005 Autocad for dummies. Read half way through the book and still haven't drawn a line yet, There are a lot of shortcuts described in the text that I have to write down to make it easier sort of a short list. All though since I have found this SU it makes life a lot easier and seeing my project in 3d is great.

Another thing the SU program can do is wavy lines. I am going to attempt an RC track for 1/5 and 1/3 scale offroad cars on SU. This year I am building a Quad drag strip at my place. There is a 1/3 scale 110cc powered RC Truck that can be changed to carry an adult. Great advertising for the track.

I have a few projects so maybe a pro-version would be an asset.

Thanks for your help Jim.

Gary

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

that's some great work! i'm still having trouble with round things

i can see doing a, say, 10 degree section of the tire and then copying it....but i'm having a hard time copying....i spend my time drawing the same thing over and over.....

i saw on one tutorial someone copying and duplicating things but i think that was in the expensive version...

i hate that they make it so out of range for the average person...i could easily give $50 for the real thing.........

Hey guys, I don't post on here much, but saw this thread. SU is a fun program to work with. It is kinda like the casual Friday of modeling programs. I really recommend the tutorials people put up on youtube.

Here is one of my fav models I made.... even though there is no practical purpose for it. A design on a motorcycle tire. The wheel, I just drew something up as filler so it is clunky.