Replies

1. 
   PatchogPhil | Apr 09, 2006 02:40am | #1

   u got a link?

    

    

1. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 09, 2006 02:43am | #2

   just this ..

   http://www.sketchup.com/cgi-bin/store/ord/basketMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   PatchogPhil | Apr 09, 2006 02:47am | #3

   Bugggers....  that site uses links that are "internal"....   meaning it only works for the person looking at their own shopping cart.  But at least I can find the product on the main website page.

    

2. 
   PatchogPhil | Apr 09, 2006 02:50am | #4

   Mike try looking thru this...

    

   http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=sketchup+%22promo+code%22

    

   Hope this helps you....  gotta go to dinner. 

2. 
   jonblakemore | Apr 09, 2006 04:13am | #5

   Mike,

   This info may be late or irrelevant, but Google recently bought SU so their direction/pricing/cust. service may be changing.

   Just something to keep in mind before you invest time becoming proficient.

    

   Jon Blakemore

   RappahannockINC.com Fredericksburg, VA

3. 
   NPitz | Apr 09, 2006 03:44pm | #6

   Mike -

   We use SketchUp for our first draft concepts... I don't know much about it, but I can ask Jim.

   We're actually in the process of switching from AutoCad for our working drawings to Inventor... I don't think Inventor has much application for regular construction, but it's a pretty amazing program. We think it is going to revolutionize our fabrication process.

   By the way, I've been meaning to pile on some additional praise for your "Adverse Conditions" thread... it's nice to see the embodiment of what residential construction SHOULD be; a lot of care and planning in materials and techniques, excellent execution, and a genuine interest in best serving the needs of the customer (and making a profit). Way to lead by example.

1. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 09, 2006 07:14pm | #8

   nick.. is that you ?

   i thought you guys were a Vectorworks company ?

    

    Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Apr 09, 2006 07:56pm | #10

   Mike, I have been muddling my way through Sketchup, working with the free six hours you can get at their site.  You probably did the download already, and know it is a full-bore version.

   I did a whole lotta 3D modeling, with my trusty old Cadkey 97 package, to proof out all the cabinetry and built-ins on the project I've got at 99.5 percent now, and it seemed to me it would have been a whole lot easier with Sketchup.

   We have as many as seven new kitchens in the forseeable future here, and thus my interest in getting proficient to see if it is worth the purchase.  When you look at all those fancy renderings people post at the Sketchup site, you say, WOW!

   We have been getting all our cabinetry and built-in stuff from Scherr's, and find that it is worth it to model in precise 3D so that Scherr's can make for us, just about every little detail including special fillers, lightrails, crown, base, etc.  We have had them do a lot of things way beyond what almost any other cab outfit will do, and with dimensioned 3D models we can email to Leon Scherr, we are assured of getting it right every time.

   I have been thinking I could build component files of all standard types of base and wallcabs, then import them into a design, resize as required, and voila!, have a rendering we could work with.

   Three hours into it, here is all I have got.  It has taken a lot of time to understand how the components are used, and how to maneuver so as to resize and place things.

   Good luck with your Sketchup hunt, and tell us how you make out on the learning curve.  Have you seen what the live tutorial sessions with tollfree phone connection are like with SU?

   View Image

   Edited 4/9/2006 12:58 pm ET by Gene_Davis

   
1. 
   JulianTracy | Apr 09, 2006 09:01pm | #13

   I've been playing around with SU for a while now and find it to be invaluable for bringing to paper what's in your head.Great for clients to be able to get a feel for what you've been trying to explain as well.Here are a couple sketches I put together for a few jobs...If you watch the video tutorials on their site you will be wowed. I looked at numerous other programs and could not get past the overly confusing cad-type interface.Sketchup is deceptively powerful but still sortof simple. Having said that, it's just as frustating as most other programs when trying to figure something out. Watch the videos - be amazed.JT

   
2. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 10, 2006 12:19am | #16

   gene .. if i were going to specialize in kitchens, i wouldn't be using SU or Chief.. or Softplan , Vectorworks, or Acad

   i'd talk to my principal supplier  ( Scherrs in your case )

    find out what they are using  ( probably 20/20 or such )

    and i'd get them to help you buy an extra seat

   the specialty cabinet software is so much better than the clunkey things we're working with.. and they get the details rightMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Apr 10, 2006 01:05am | #17

   As regards kitchens and CAD, you are exactly right, Mike, but I use 3D-ware in a lot of ways beyond kitchen work.  I just seem to have a lot of kitchens to do in the near future.

   Every piece of furniture I've built in the last ten years has begun as a 3D-ware model, then progressed into detail drawings and fullsized plots for the curved part templating.  I haven't found out yet how SU works when plotting patterns.

   I use jigs and fixtures for use with saws and routers and planers, to make funky parts, and all those jigs and fixtures get designed with 3D-ware.

   I have done house siting with 3D-ware, two examples of which are attached.  It was tedious with Cadkey.  But go to the Sala Architects site at http://www.salaarc.com and follow the links to "projects, in-progress projects, page 2" and watch the movie, to see how SU can show you a house on a site.

   As for what software a cab outfit like Scherr's uses, it is much more than I need.  But this is interesting.  In the last three projects we've done using KD packages from Scherr's, every one has had custom stuff their software couldn't draw or figure.  I gave them CAD models and drawings, and they had their engineers do the special programming to drive the CNC gear to make the parts.

   
2. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 10, 2006 01:29am | #18

   gene.. Chief will give you a lot better site plan and topo than what you showed..

    Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

3. 
   Gene_Davis | Apr 10, 2006 01:43am | #19

   Of course it will, Mike.  But did you see what SU can do at the Sala site?

   I'll bet Chief can even do better.

   But here are a couple things I probably wouldn't want to do in Chief, that were tedious in Cadkey, and that SU would eat up.

   Plus, it's about $500.

   
3. 
   Matt | Jul 23, 2007 02:30am | #20

   Gene - I know you use SketchUp a lot....

   Do you think SketchUp would be a good tool to do some floorplans that are kind of in a conceptual stage for now?  Some dimensioning would be needed, but I'm not needing to get field working drawing out of this.  Just some base layouts.  We will get an archi or designer to do the actual plan sets.

   For now, I'm talking the free version... not SketchUp Pro.

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Jul 23, 2007 03:41am | #21

   Of course it can be used for your need, but you need to know how to operate the software.  Have you worked your way up the learning curve?

2. 
   Matt | Jul 23, 2007 03:45am | #22

   I've been working with it for about 30 minutes now :-) I'm going through the tutorials.  I've worked with other drawing programs, so I'm hoping that some concepts might transfer...

3. 
   john7g | Jul 23, 2007 03:44pm | #23

   To help you move faster learn the keyboard shortcuts for the tools.  They can be found on the Quick Ref card fod under the Help Menu.  ou can also make your own keyboard short cuts via the Preferences found under the Window Menu. 

   I wouldn't limit the complexity of your initial models but plan on throwing them away and starting anew once you learn the tact that works bets for you. 

4. 
   john7g | Jul 23, 2007 03:47pm | #24

   Hey Gene

   Where've you been?  Thought you'd chime in on http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=92629.1

    

5. FHB Editor
   JFink | Jul 23, 2007 05:42pm | #25

   Hey Gene,

   I'm curious - you ever played around with Chief Architect? I just met with them the other day and saw their program in action. Pretty impressive, albeit expensive. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

   Your Friendly Neighborhood Remodelerator

6. 
   craigct | Jul 25, 2007 05:00am | #26

   I have used it (but have nothing that was developed for the market to compare it to) and think its outstanding. 

   I would say that I am a bit above average on the learning curve, as I grew up with much of this type of stuff, but I would think the learning curve would be quite low. 

   If you are spec-ing rooms, cabinets without details, etc.... generally showing someone quickly what a job would look like, it GREAT.  And FREE.

   I would certainly not say that I have mastered it, but it seems to be a bit of a defining point on jobs that I want.

7. 
   Gene_Davis | Jul 25, 2007 11:51pm | #27

   Let's not forget how many resources are out there for Sketchup users and newbies.

   At bookstores now, "Google Sketchup for Dummies."

   Many dozens of how-to videos on YouTube.

   If you do decks and room additions, check out the YouTube video that shows how photo match works with Sketchup.  Take some pics of the client's house, choose the one that best shows the corner or elevation where the proposed new build will go, and sketch it in.

   You'll be amazed.

    

8. 
   Matt | Jul 27, 2007 01:42pm | #28

   >> Let's not forget how many resources are out there for Sketchup users and newbies  <<

   What I really need is more complete component libraries.  Architecture, Construction, and probably Landscape Architecture.   I need is mostly standard stuff like windows and doors in all common sizes, cabinets, and plumbing fixtures.  I downloaded the bonus pack component libraries from the Google web site and that got me about 1/2 to 2/3s of what I need.  What I found in the 3D Warehouse was not much help...

   Thoughts?

9. 
   JMadson | Jul 27, 2007 03:43pm | #29

   Just keep looking for the items that you want. It seems that everytime I go to Sketchup, there's new components to pick from. 

10. FHB Editor
    JFink | Jul 27, 2007 04:46pm | #30

    I agree with you on that one, Matt. It's the standard stuff I need more of...shower/tub units, basic staircase, etc, etc - that's the nice thing about a program like Chief Architect - a lot more of that stuff is built right in.

    Then again, Chief costs a ton more...Google is great for what you get. Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

    "Everybody wants to know what I’m on...

     

    What am I on? I’m on my bike, busting my ass 6 hours a day…

     

    ...What are you on?"

     

    - Lance Armstrong

11. 
    john7g | Jul 27, 2007 06:57pm | #31

    It's not that difficult to make your own components & add them to your own library that will show up on the component list.  Make what you're looking for as simply as possible but with critical dimensions accurate and save.  There should be no components in the unit that you're making, explode them if you do (adding them from the Component List will make them a component in the model).  The Library is found under Google Sketchup (usually) under Program Files.  Either save the file to an existing Library or (better) create your own.  It's good idea to save it to a back up location as well in the event the Libraries get wholesalely replaced by an update or a loss of memory. 

    Correction: the file path might be something close to [Program Files] [Google] [Google Sketchup] [Components]

2. 
   NPitz | Apr 09, 2006 09:00pm | #12

   Mike - I used VectorWorks in a previous incarnation. I still have it, but since moving more into the woodworking field it doesn't have much use to me now. We have been using AutoCad, but are hoping to change over to something more powerful for our needs. Inventor is also made by Autodesk, but has a much different approach, which in some ways is more like CA or Vectorworks.Anyway, we also use SketchUp for initial presentations.Nick

1. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 09, 2006 09:55pm | #14

   Nick... are you signing up for TipiFest ?.. it would be great to see the two of you againMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   RW | Apr 09, 2006 10:16pm | #15

   I ought to comment here. I got SU after talking to you about Chief. I think its darn near the easiest thing to use that I've come across. Its a big selling point to me.

   You can do what you are talking about. You can sketch things very rapidly in SU, change or modify them equally as rapidly, and if you want you can export into other formats for various cad programs.

   I think things are very fast. I can do a simple ranch, detailed, with doors, windows, cabinets, carpet, etc in under a day.

   But there is a learning curve, like there is with anything. I see it as a simpler application than Gene does buy I'm not coming at it having used some other CAD program extensively. I almost wonder if that isnt a hinderance.

   There are things it isn't adept at. Because its primarily a design tool, and I think this is one of Gene's thorns, while you can get elements to snap on a 1/16" grid, that kind of detail is time consuming and moot in most situations. If you want to represent a window, or a flower pot, or whatever to a client, those aren't details that even show up inless you're exporting in a very high res format. And complex curves. It will do them, but again, that one isn't a forte. Theres a recent post by a guy who modeled a Smith & Wesson pistol just because someone told him he couldnt. Try that. Immensely difficult, which makes his model all the more mind boggling and impressive. I sure as heck couldnt pull that off.

   Theres a lot of speculation about what will become of SU now that Google has their paws in it. My own suspicions are the big change is going to be cost, which will go up as Google adds to the platform."Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think -- there are no little things" - Bruce Barton

4. 
   BarryE | Apr 09, 2006 03:55pm | #7

   I can't find any current promo codes for sketchup.

   I use Chief Arch 9.5 and downloaded the trial sketchup a year or so ago and never followed up. downloaded it again 2 or 3 days ago to play around with.

   still not sure how I would apply it. where do you see sketchup being of use?

   ---

   Barry E-Remodeler

    

1. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 09, 2006 07:16pm | #9

   since i've never used SU, i'm surmising that it can help on detailing

   one of the weak areas of Chief is the CAD.. it is not very intuitive.. i'm hoping  SU will be more like  a drawing pad that i can import details from directly to the working drawingsMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   BarryE | Apr 09, 2006 08:31pm | #11

   I guess that's kinda what I'm hoping. SU seems to have a lot steeper learning curve than CA.I've been toying with the idea of loading CA to my laptop to take to meetings. But I think it would take way to long to get to want the client wants to see. and I'd have to keep changing the dongle between the laptop & desktop

   Barry E-Remodeler