SketchUp drawing book for woodworkers???

[Mark Duginske]

I’m working on the idea of a book on the SketchUp drawing program.
From what I can see it is the one of the most useful drawing programs for woodworkers. For my latest book THE NEW COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE BAND SAW I used the program. There are a couple of books but I do not find them user friendly and I think there is a need for a better book, especially if it is oriented toward the needs of a woodworker.

There are two versions, one is free and the professional program cost $500. For the free version do a google search for “free SketcUp program” or go to http://www.sketchup.com/. to see the pro version.

I use my pro version on a Mac but it is also available for a PC.
I’m curious as to how many woodworkers at SMC us SketchUp
and if there are suggestions for a book.

Thanks,
Mark Duginske

[jim gossage]

looks like a cool program. i'm downloading it as i browse the forum!

[Dan Lee]

Mark
Dave Richards in the SMC Design forum created some excellent WWing SU tutorials. I can now use it regularly for project designs.
Dan

[Ted Shrader]

Mark -

I use SketchUp. Have been through the last three versions of it. It is very useful for designing pieces to get proportions/features right. I also use it to show the customer the end product for approval.

Actual construction details are not from SketchUp. I just use the overall dimensions and work from there for the individual components. That might change with a little bit more education on the finer points.

Dave Richards has built some great tutorials and posted them here at Sawmill Creek. The users here have access to them. Those woodworkers that are not members here (yet) would benefit from a book. Dave has even been kind enough to spend a couple evenings on the phone with me walking me through the finer points of texturizing, etc. Dave would be a great source (and potential co-author) should you decide to take on the project.

Regards,
Ted

[Dennis Peacock]

Dave Richards is The Dude when it comes to SU. I like using the free version to help me get furniture designed, sizes laid out, and get proper dimension before any cutting starts.

[Steven DeMars]

I currently work in Auto CAD as an industrial designer. I would ask that whatever you put together for a book that it not be a tutorial only.
A reference as to "how to" perform functions without having to try to apply the tutorial to your own project would be nice. It is nice to be able to say "use the copy function" without trying to find a "lesson" that incorporated the copy function it.

I have never used Sketch-up since I work in Auto CAD now . . . .but would love to try it without a huge learning curve that would be necessary with tutorials only . . . .

[Art Mulder]

I’m working on the idea of a book on the SketchUp drawing program.
...
I’m curious as to how many woodworkers at SMC us SketchUp
and if there are suggestions for a book.

Mark,
I first grabbed Google Sketchup (Free) last spring for my mac, and I've used it off and on since. I keep getting a bit better - but being a hobbiest I only get so much time using it.

It was all the Sketchup people here at SMC using the program that got me interested, so I grabbed it pretty much as soon as the free version was available for the mac. So I think if you did a survey, you would find a LOT of people who use it here, and over on Familywoodworking.org.

I also hang out on two canadian woodworking forums, and it does not seem to be much used on those yet.

But is a book useful? I really don't know. I know that there are lots of online tutorials available that I could try following, if I had the time. So I don't know how much I could be already learning if I spent the time and effort.

If you did write a book, then obviously it'd be the woodworking stuff that we'd want focus on. How to make profiles for trim quickly and easily. and so on...

One thing that I find is that I do NOT usually completely duplicate the project in sketchup -- so far I don't bother with the hiddent joinery. I use it to get proportions, and get an idea of the look and design... but then I make adjustments in the shop when I actually build the piece.

best,
...art

[Jim Becker]

Mark there are quite a few SketchUp! users here at SMC...spend some time in the Design Forum and you'll see a lot of neat things, in particular from Dave Richards. Todd Burch, who has written quite a few of the outstanding Ruby Scripts is also an SMC member.

[Art Mann]

Steven,

I have used both Autocad and Sketchup quite a bit. The learning curve for Sketchup is much, much shorter than for Autocad. OTOH, I think you will get frustrated by it's limitations.

Mark D.,

I would pay for a text on Sketchup that focuses only on woodworking applications. An accompanying CD with examples and a library of common objects would be even better. I say go for it and annouce it at the Creek when you are done!

Art

[Dave Richards]

What limitations are those Art?

[tim rowledge]

Mark, I wouldn't suggest a *book* on using SketchUp at all; I'd suggest a *website*. Paper doesn't help much with interactive stuff.

A well written website - preferably done in collaboration with @Last and linked into their built-in help/info system - would be of significant value. Obviously you could include exemplar skp files, movies of how to do things, all that. Someone with SU expertise and writing skills could do a number of specialised (sub)websites for various user communities.

I'd suggest using the software I'm working on (www.sophieproject.org) as a way of making a good electronic book but it just isn't ready (enough) yet.

[Bob Wingard]

I'd buy a book, tutorial cd/dvd, workbook, whatever to flatten out the learning curve to any such undertaking !! !! !!

[Brad Kimbrell]

Mark,

I would welcome a book with examples. The guys are correct in that Dave Richards has done some great work on the subject.

I learn most technical tools by diving in and trying examples. If you could expand on the skills that Dave has transferred via his examples I would purchase your book immediately.

BTW, I love your BS fence and book!

[Jeffrey Makiel]

I would have to agree with Art's assessment about SketchUp's limitations becoming frustrating. This frustration comes after investing lots of time to learn other high end software which are so much more powerful.

However, on the other hand, AutoCAD is eye poppingly expensive and not targeted for the casual or hobbyist user. Other industry softwares like Catia, Pro Engineer, Solidworks and Inventor are even more expensive that it's almost cheaper to buy a car. SketchUp is free. Can't beat that.

The learning curve for AutoCAD, and other softwares, is also a huge investment. However, if one's professional woodworking career doesn't pan out , knowing AutoCAD may come in handy if you need to seek new employment in the architectural/engineering world.

-Jeff

[Mark Duginske]

Thanks Jim B. and Dennis P. for the suggestion. I have been in contact
with Dave Richards and we will explore this idea. He and I are neighbors
(Wisconsin and Minnesota). After using SketchUp for a while I now consider it a "foundation" tool like the jointer. Now, I draw it first. And then work on making the project.

To the other participants, thanks for the feedback. Woodworking is a lot of fun, but tools are important, I now consider SketchUp important like an accurate square and very sharp block plane.

I learned woodworking from my dad, who learned from his father who learned from my great grand father. Times have changed, and the task now is to help people learn in a new, more efficient way, and groups like SMC are part of the equation.

Best Regards,
Mark Duginske