Today, I found out what all the fuss is about.
I was supposed to be picking ice wine last night, which would have kept me busy for the next 3-4 days in the press house. When the weather disagreed with that plan, I found myself with nothing specific to do today.
Not having any CAD software, I resolved to download Sketchup and see if I could do anything with it. . . and spent about nine hours learning and noodling around.
I don’t have any experience with any CAD software. I’d tried my hand at trial versions of this or that, but I found the experience to be agonizing. What’s interesting about Sketchup is that, far from being frustrating, it’s weirdly addictive. I couldn’t get through the video tutorials, because five seconds of video would give me enough new ideas to draw (play) for half an hour.
I drew a chair, then a table, then a cabinet, then a basic kitchen. Then I added textures to the kitchen, then I added crown moulding to the upper cabinets. Then I made a profile I could lathe into cabinet knobs, and so on and so on and so on!
From the archives, I get the impression that other programs – like Chief Architect – are better for designing houses. But that’s not really what I do. At the moment, Sketchup is looking like the best thing since sliced bread.
I feel like a kid who’s found a very, very cool sandbox.
Edited 1/3/2008 11:56 pm ET by Biff_Loman
Replies
want to give me the link to either the thread or site
It takes studs to build a house
Google made Sketchup. Simply google 'Sketchup,' and you can't miss, young man!
Thanks old man :)'
It takes studs to build a house
Downloaded, it does look really cool. can't wait till 2marrow.
ps I was jokig about the old man
It takes studs to build a house
I'm almost twice your age, young 'un. But no, that doesn't make me old. It just makes you very young.
I will be remodeling our kitchen and was wondering how to play with the design. Can I scetch up the existing kitchen and then tweak it? How about structual stuff like headers and such? Thanks!
>Can I scetch up the existing kitchen and then tweak it?<
Your imagination is pretty much the limit but really depends on your ability to learn the software. Take the tutorials and surf their help forums.
Structural load calcs for your headers need to be done elesewhere. SU is a modeling program where you can create a model of anything, but no telling if it will stand on it's own in real life. You will be able to recreate your current situation and then move the components around to get a 3d feel and 'see' the flow of the space.
thanks!
I'm interested in Sketchup primarily for kitchen design, at this point. I've drawn a bunch of them now, with varying degrees of refinement.Yesterday, I was watching the video tutorials (there are quite a few online), reading the manual, and using the 'instructor' mode. These are all valuable resources. If you get really stuck, there are online forums as well.I'd strongly recommend giving it a shot. But I think you have to watch at least one video before trying anything.
Did you find the Quick reference card froj the Help Menu? Helps figure keyboard shortcuts for tool selection which speeds things up a bit.
thanks!
Kitchen design? Here's one for which the last shipment of stuff arrives Monday or Tuesday. This design was the seventh iteration for the owner, and the first three were in an adjoining room.
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This is a little late for ya but:
http://www.yda-online.com/shopmodels.htm
Icewine huh? Where are you at?
I also have been bitten,, but am awaiting a precious part to get my regular computer up and running. I have a garage to recon,, and a mudroom of my own house which I plan on sketchuping,,, it is a fine fine sandbox yes!
I got turned on to it via the timberframer I help sometimes,, he does all his work on it,,so fast!
keep me posted!
d
Niagara region, Ontario. My Dad has a small farm, which is one of two completely unrelated businesses that he has.
Edited 1/4/2008 12:28 am ET by Biff_Loman
Bump!
This program is turning into an obsession for me.
I hope you have discovered the 3D warehouse! An entire world of content out there.
Many building products manufacturers have modeled extensive parts of their product lines and put it out there so you can download things like this into your models. This one is from Kohler.
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Marvin and Andersen have their windows and patio doors, and there are scads more.
When you have something to show us, come back!
Some SU wizards do some amazing stuff. This guy is in full 3D, and done to scale. You can download him and place him in that torture chamber you are modeling. Find him, and check out the detail in his johdpur pants and jackboots! And the cigar and aviators!
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Life'll be a little easier when you learn how to use/make components which are repeating elements in your model. fer instance in the table you made the legs were the same weren't they? Make one and copy it to the other locations. (there's more than 1 way to copy things in SU).
Check out Gary Katz's tutorial about halfway down this page:
http://www.garymkatz.com/recent_articles.html