Any Guru's want to help me with some sketchup basics?

[jimmy2x2x]

I really need to learn sketchup, I am thoroughly impressed with some of the images I have seen on this site.

But Im stumbling at the basics!

Can someone please help me create a mockup for a new control panel?

First things first

I want to create a rectangular slab, which will be the top panel for my cp.

I want it to be 18mm high, 700mm wide, 250mm deep.

I click the rectangle tool draw a rough shape, how do I change its dimensions once I have drawn it?

Then how do I extrude this thin piece to 18mm thick?

I really hope someone can help me through this!

More questions to follow!

Thanks

[EightBySix]

In sketchup, you can type the dimensions you want and override those of the shape you drew.

e.g. Draw a rectangle to represent the top of your CP, then type "700,250" and it will redraw to that size. Similarly with the push pull tool, adjust the height to something thats about right and then type "18".

You can add the units too, if you didnt choose a template that is based on mm, eg type "700mm, 250mm"

Tip: When you have drawn it, select it all and make it into a 'component' (hot key: G). If you make most things into components you will make things much easier for yourself.

The thing I like about sketchup is the amount of tutorial videos online. You can pick up loads from them in 3 minute bites.