Sketchup drawings, cut lists, sheet layout

[Lee Schierer]

Newer versions of Sheetlayout will import ascii files. It does grain orientation. Sheetlayout I've used the program for a number of years and like the sheet goods and lineal stock optimization features it provides.

[Ken Higginbotham]

I suppose it all boils down to personal preference....

I'm new to SU myself but think that components and groups have specific uses. If you want to duplicate a pc and then if you want to change all of them at once later, use a component. However, if you want to duplicate a pc and then later want to modify just one then use a group. This is just one primary example of when to choose group over component...

[Ken Higginbotham]

Actually.... it's better to make every single piece a group.... then the group that makes a component should be made in to a component.

Groups can be moved outside of the component box and worked on individually..... components remain in tact....

I was struggling with all of it.... but, this, very easy to follow set of tutorials made it all come together for me.... well worth the little bit of time you need to invest http://sketchupforwoodworkers.com/tutorials

Here's another good set of beginner videos:

Link

[Mark Versprille]

Actually.... it's better to make every single piece a group.... then the group that makes a component should be made in to a component.

Groups can be moved outside of the component box and worked on individually..... components remain in tact....

I was struggling with all of it.... but, this, very easy to follow set of tutorials made it all come together for me.... well worth the little bit of time you need to invest http://sketchupforwoodworkers.com/tutorials

Thank you for the tutorial link. Boy did I need it!!