SketchUp

[nickw]

For those of you that use it, or those who might want to start, SketchUp version 7 is now available.

[mrgrimsdale]

Right. I'm still on Pencil version 1.

cheers
Jacob

[modernist]

Was that exchange a set-up ;D

Brian

[sainty]

The new version looks interesting. It has dynamic components which means that you can scale an item, and it will change key dimensions of the components rather than all of the dimensions, eg you draw a window, and there is an amendment and it has to be 10mm wider or taller, so you scale it and the compnent sections remain the same but the lengths of the rails and stiles change automatically. It means you can have "stock" items and just scale the items accordingly. It will also do things lke add treads to a flight of stairs as you increase the total rise. When I get time I will have a play and report back.

[nickw]

I'm betting it won't be long until someone produces a universal 32mm cabinet.

[sainty]

It sounds perfect for that sort of application doesn't it. Just need to find out how hard it is to work with.


rgds


Stu

[engineerone]

because it works in a different way to a "normal" cad package, i have in the past found it difficult to use effectively.

however this latest version certainly seems easier, and more effective. however, there are still a few things that i find difficult.

when using the pencil, how do you stop the bloody thing after you have reached the last point???
secondly how can you interact between the tool you are using, and the dimensions you want to input?

how do you copy and place somewhere else,
and i have sort of copied the chair, but the patterned legs
i could not follow or understand, i sort of found out how to do the chamfer, but could not get it to go round the corners easily.

the test video seems very quick.

paul

[nickw]

Nov 22, 2008 11:23:21 GMT engineerone said:

when using the pencil, how do you stop the bloody thing after you have reached the last point???

Hit the Esc key or select a new tool, or re-select the existing tool.

secondly how can you interact between the tool you are using, and the dimensions you want to input?

Start to draw what you want (line, rectangle etc.), optionally click anywhere to place the point then just type the dimension.

how do you copy and place somewhere else,

Use the move tool and hit the Ctrl key after you have started to move the object but before you place it in its new position.

and i have sort of copied the chair, but the patterned legs
i could not follow or understand, i sort of found out how to do the chamfer, but could not get it to go round the corners easily.

The easist way to use the Follow Me tool is to select the path first (using the select tool and the Ctrl key) then select the Follow me tool and use it to select the profile.