Morris inspired chair

Looks good. One of these is on my “someday” list. Right with you on not buying furniture… but still needing something to show the little lady. ;)

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

How long have you been using Sketchup Bob? You certainly seem like an expert at it. All I can say is “wow.”

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

Hey Bob. You must definitely start the Blog Series about using Sketchup. Great work.

-- Martin, http://lumberjocks.com | My Facebook: http://profile.to/msojka

Yes, someone needs to blog the Sketchup application. It would be nice to see how to use it, get those measurements on there, add in the mortise joints, etc. It looks like Bob might be the one to do it.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

I have many years of CAD experience and I’ve been using Sketchup for two years professionally. It just happened to coincide with me getting more serious about my woodworking. I do everything in Sketchup…I have my whole house and landscape modelled, all woodworking projects begin there. my wife wanted to tile the backsplash in the kitchen…planned it all in Sketchup and she was able to feel confident that she was getting what she wanted.
For any of you that are selling your woodworking, it is a great way to show clients, and get a sale.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

Hey Bob,
Would you say that Sketchup has similarities to other CAD programs? I’ve never used Sketchup, but I do use AutoCad 8 hours a day at work. How easy was the transition?

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

Can you do what you just did with the free version. I just downloaded Sketchup 6.

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

Mr Morris would be proud.

What are you using for Lumber? And what finish. Dusty has posted what he calls his 12 step finish, that he uses on all of his Arts and Craft furniture.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Hello All,

JP - Autocad experience helps but not a lot. Sketchups interface is so simple in comparison to CAD software. I’ve never enjoyed doing 3D models in most of the applications I’ve tried. Sketchup actually makes it fun. Some of the ways that Sketchup works are actually frustrating to an experienced CAD user. The learning curve is somewhat steep at 1st. But once you get over the hump it is simple to use. I’ve compared it to a marathon where the 1st mile is uphill. But once you get over the hump someone hands you a bike and a Mai Tai….all downhill and time to party.

Dick – The free version has all the capabilities that the average (or not-so-average) woodworker could want. It is essentially version 4 of the software. The limitations are few and you certainly can’t beat the price. I learned on versions 3 and 4 and can’t think of anything that would be missing for woodworking.

Karson – I’m trying to decide if I want to go traditional (oak and fumed ammonia) or try something different. I really enjoyed working with the Lyptus (see my other post on the gates) and like the fact that it is so eco-friendly. I’ll probably go with the oak and I’ll have to check out Dusty’s twelve step finish.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

i love sketchup! great program!

-- "What one can make with good tools is limited only by one's talent" (lucius-hill@comcast.net)

Bob,

I recognized your gates from over at Knots (FWW forum). I noticed that you’re posting sketchup tutorials over there. How many have you done there? Since I’ve found this site, I don’t go to that one as often anymore.

You’ve inspired me (as well as many others, I’m sure) to finally try out sketchup. Is there a way for you to post your tutorials over here as well?

Scott

I meant to get back to this post earlier. I’ve actually just entered an arrangement with Fine Woodworking to help host a blog on Sketchup…they are actually going to pay me….not much but what the heck. One thing I can do is point to the site where the videos are hosted.

Go to brightcove.com and search for treefarmer…you’ll see all the videos I’ve posted.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org

Nice videos, Bob. You sure know how to use Sketchup. I’ve payed with it, but haven’t designed and built anything with it. Thanks for the info.

-- Jesus is Lord!

I used Sketch-up to drawout my shop for my builder and he was amazed at how easy it was. I need to play with it A LOT more to be able to do drawings in such detail as you Bob. Most of my drawings I’ve done in Visio, but Sketch-up offers better 3-D capabilities.

-- Sawhorse - Sulphur Springs, TX - www.sawhorseworkshop.com

Thanks, Bob! Very useful information!

-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)