Google Sketchup

[crn005]

Does anyone use this to design their builds? How easy is it to use?

 

[Portsie]

It's a very user friendly program, but there's a bit of a learning curve, I teach middle school and we do a sketch up project every year. Most of the kids take a few classes to get the hang of it and then are better at it then I am by the end of the month long project.

 

[Nanoreef28]

I designed my trim design with it. I made the crow and other trim. Its pretty easy. It took a couple of times to get it to do what I wanted it to do.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747

 

[crn005]

Ok thanks. I'll check it out. I see people posting pictures on here all the time using designing software and it's so much easier to understand what their saying when they use the designs. Any advice on how to learn to use it? Just play around?

 

[PistolShrmp]

I found sketchup to be the most important tool in planning my system. Here's a before and after..

 

[tkeracer619]

Its an easy to use surface modeler.

Just follow some tutorials. I use it all the time so if you need some help let me know.

 

[crn005]

Ok cool. Thanks everyone! I might pm you tkeracer619 if I have some questions.

 

[Tradewinds]

There are also many user contributed sketchup templates available for download, which may help you get up to speed.

 

[rrasco]

Youtube is your friend. If you can't figure out how to do something, search for it on google and you might come across a video. Usually I do this for basic stuff, like cutting a hole in something. It's very easy to use software, but it also depends on your computer skills. Especially when it comes to modeling, doesn't hurt to have some CAD experience.

I just wish I could find models for bulkheads, etc.

 

[Tradewinds]

Youtube is your friend. If you can't figure out how to do something, search for it on google and you might come across a video. Usually I do this for basic stuff, like cutting a hole in something. It's very easy to use software, but it also depends on your computer skills. Especially when it comes to modeling, doesn't hurt to have some CAD experience.

I just wish I could find models for bulkheads, etc.

They have a few sketchup bulkhead models on 3D warehouse.

 

[crn005]

Yeah I have seen a handful of designs with bulkheads, gate valves, etc. They're there somewhere.

 

[crn005]

There are also many user contributed sketchup templates available for download, which may help you get up to speed.

Where would I find these goodies?

 

[Tradewinds]

Where would I find these goodies?

Do a Internet search on - sketchup templates, select the one that has 3D Wharehouse in the title. You can then search within the site for the template you want. (Aquarium, Sump, PVC pipe, Bulkhead, Etc.)

I'll also PM you the URL (I can never remember if you can post links to other sites on RC)

 

[chealy]

I started using it the other day to model a new stand I'm going to be building soon. It's great software and with a little playing around it's easy to learn. Does help to have a background in computers though.

 

[rrasco]

They have a few sketchup bulkhead models on 3D warehouse.

I can't ever find what I am looking for in there.