Sketchup Design

[Ryan Wilson]

I purchased a jointer last weekend and finally feel I have enough tools in the shop to actually build something useful :-)

I have a bunch of rough cut Ash and was planning to make a night-stand. After reading the forum I see several people have suggested to make Sketchup model first.

When making these mock-ups do you model just the overall shape or all the pieces to see how they would fit together?

I downloaded the app yesterday and began playing around. I created components for each piece in the table (probably overkill but it was a great learning experience)

Here is my design. Please provide feedback.

[Ryan Wilson]

Sorry here is a zip of the model also

[Jim Becker]

Welcome to SMC!

Good basic design, Ryan. I do think you need to think a little more about the height of your aprons and drawer. They are a bit too much for the proportion of the piece to my eyes. Making it a little more delicate in that respect will feel more comfortable. You might also reduce the weight of the stringers under the shelf or even eliminate them.

[Ryan Wilson]

Jim thanks for the feedback. While doing the model I did kind of like it better without the bottom shelf but though to include as thats what I had pictured in my mind.

I've read some about the fibonacci design approach. Is there any other good source someone just starting out could look at to understand furniture design?