Google Sketch Up

[friartuck]

I just found my new play thing online. I love to doodle and sketch all kinds of project that I build and this will help me be less productive when I'm at the computer. It looks awesome!

[Knotty]

Sketch Up is a great program but I just can't figure it out. How are you all doing models for basically 2D materials like cloth? Do you just create a 3D item that's extremely thin?

[bindibadgi]

You can make surfaces which have no thickness. If you make up a perimeter that encloses a plane surface, then SketchUp will automatically make the whole area a surface. That's been my experience anyway, but I'm using a Mac, so YMMV.

I've designed quite a few things on SU, and it's been ultra helpful. I made a couple of bee hives, and was able to make up a cutting plan so that I could do an entire hive out of one standard sheet of ply. The cuts had to be made in order though.

[MrClockWork]

Sketch Up is a great program but I just can't figure it out. How are you all doing models for basically 2D materials like cloth? Do you just create a 3D item that's extremely thin?

MY understanding is that is you do not use the "push/pull" tool then you will continue to have a 2D object. As others have said I have really enjoyed being able to sketch something out and use the measure tool to see what some particular dimensions are.

[Redoleary]

Sketch Up is a great program but I just can't figure it out. How are you all doing models for basically 2D materials like cloth? Do you just create a 3D item that's extremely thin?

If I were going to draw, say a flat tarp, I would pick a top down view so you're looking at it like it was lying in the floor, then on the upper drop down menu click camera and pick "parallel projection" it takes away the funny skew you get when you use the default choice of perspective. You can toggle back and forth so when you're done you could go back to perspective, but for me its easier to draw in parallel.

When I was debating the merits of two possible hot tent designs that were hammock friendly, I just copied the one and modified it rather than start over etc.

[hppyfngy]

Sketch Up is a great program but I just can't figure it out. How are you all doing models for basically 2D materials like cloth? Do you just create a 3D item that's extremely thin?

Sketchup is a very powerful tool. I've used it for many household projects including designing buildings from the ground up.

Also use it a lot for 2D design. I came across a 100x100 grid template somewhere that's really handy. The grid is in 1' increments.



If anybody wants the template, pm me with your email address and I'll send it to you.

[Yukon]

I use Microstation for many projects. It's not a program you can pick up overnight though, as it is a major CADD program. I use it at work every day so it's second nature to me. The 3D capability is unreal!

[G...Hawk]

Love SketchUp.

Used for 3D design : discussions with client, stoneyard, stone fabricator and assistants.

Also, Fun just to play with. Self challenge.





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[Aurust]

I've been using Sketchup to plan my DIY underquilt. I've found it very helpful in being able to visualize the differential size, darts, and seam allowances. I can keep track of every thing visually instead of trying to figure it out in numbers alone.
Heres what I have so far:


Knotty: If you want to create a 2D picture similar to a blueprint (this is what I did so I can have the cutting and marking dimensions) you can change the camera to do this. This is what I do:
1. Click on Camera>Standard Views> Top - this puts you directly above so you can only see two planes
2. Click on Camera> Parallel Projection - use this instead of perspective to get straight lines across your entire drawing no matter where you move it.

Thats it, after that its easy to draw in 2D

[Knotty]

Knotty: If you want to create a 2D picture similar to a blueprint (this is what I did so I can have the cutting and marking dimensions) you can change the camera to do this. This is what I do:
1. Click on Camera>Standard Views> Top - this puts you directly above so you can only see two planes
2. Click on Camera> Parallel Projection - use this instead of perspective to get straight lines across your entire drawing no matter where you move it.

Thats it, after that its easy to draw in 2D

Good info. Thanks!