Anyone ever use Google SketchUp to build a cabinet?

[hoffy84]

Hi guys,
Like the subject says, I'm wondering if any anyone has used the models in Google 3D Warehouse to build a cabinet from. If so, how did the process go? Were the measurements close enough?
I want to build a Punch-Out!! Cab, but  there are no plans for that or a PC10 available, so SketchUp models look to be my last resort.

[drventure]

Welcome, and yeah, there's tons of people using sketchup here to draw up cabs

Just search for Ond's Metropolis as one example (and a damn good one too).

[05SRT4]

I loved using sketchup.


You can get a photo of an original cab and trace it. I got the plans from http://www.jakobud.com/plan-list.php and then traced mine.

[stigzler]

Recommended. I created a sketchup model from OND's metropolis plans. Then tweaked a bit for own needs. Great thing about it was, could import components into it and check that everything fitted. Also, once realized in 3D, could render into 2D cutting plans with guides for batons. If yer serious about making your cab bespoke - start with sketchup.

Some examples of how used here:

https://sites.google.com/site/alienarcade74/sub-projects/cabinet-design

[BadMouth]

Gozer's models of real cabinets:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/cldetails?clid=4ac3dc12784cb20bd06e6be4f8954ac

[mgb]

I second Gozers sketchups of real arcade cabs.
I'm not sure if they're 100% completely accurate but they're definitely close enough

[PL1]

I'm not sure if they're 100% completely accurate but they're definitely close enough

Gozer mentions that, "Generally, most measures have been rounded to the nearest half inch"


Scott

[DarakuTenshi]

I figured using Sketchup was the only way possible for me to get my measurements accurate enough to do my build.

[kahlid74]

I love sketchup.  I use it for arcade machines and designing 3D parts.

One thing about sketchup however is that it was coded as an architectural program so anything smaller than 1/16" isn't completely accurate.  Not really a big deal for arcade machines but for 3D printing it can be a nightmare.

[michelevit]

You can change the units in preferences to allow for higher precision.
Faces aren't created for when something drawn is less than 1/16.
A simple work around is to scale up the model by a factor of 100 or 1000.
Again this problem is for 3d printing - something sketchup wasn't created for.

For cabinet woodworking I work in inches with increments set at 1/8 of an inch.
For finer woodworking I work in inches with increments set at 1/16 or 1/32.

Sketchup is an awesome tool and recommend anyone to spend some time to learn it.
I use it to prebuild comissioned cabs for client approval.

[hoffy84]

Guys, thanks for the input. I downloaded Google SketchUp 8 and started playing with Gozer's Punch-Out drawing. One of the things I can't seem to figure out, is how to separate all the panels so that I can get them to  lay out on a 4x8 space to get cuts ready (like OND shows on his website).
Oh well. With anything new comes a learning curve. I'll dig in a little deeper!
Thanks again to all of you for your help and advice!

[SavannahLion]

IIRC there was a plug in to assist with that but you have to pay for it. I think it's generally marketed towards furniture builders.This was a while ago version 5 or something was the last time I checked. Things may have changed now that Google got rid of Sketchup.

When I create a cab in Sketchup I make extensive use of Component and Group facilities. This allows me to separate the cab into its basic pieces which I can then use to lay out a cut pattern on my boards. Don't forget to count for your kerf when you do this though.

The only draw back is that dimensional changes on one component or group that effects a different mating component don't automagically carry over.

[hoffy84]

I searched the web, and found a plug-in called BOMB, which explodes all the groups and components. It's a free DL. Maybe I'll try that. Here is the link: http://www.smustard.com/script/Bomb

[michelevit]

That plug in just explodes all groups and components, not what you are looking for.
Just build your cabinet and be sure to group as you go. Once your happy with the design
move all the groups onto sheet goods to layout your cuts.
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.

If you haven't used sketchup, just start building cubes. Practice modifying those cubes and even practice stacking them or reorienting them.
Once your good with that start building other shapes. Sketchup is a great tool, but you do need some time overcoming the learning curve.

[DaveMMR]

I am terrible at Sketch-Up but I am trying to keep with it as it's useful for a lot besides cabinet building.

[hoffy84]

That plug in just explodes all groups and components, not what you are looking for.
Just build your cabinet and be sure to group as you go. Once your happy with the design
move all the groups onto sheet goods to layout your cuts.
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.

If you haven't used sketchup, just start building cubes. Practice modifying those cubes and even practice stacking them or reorienting them.
Once your good with that start building other shapes. Sketchup is a great tool, but you do need some time overcoming the learning curve.

Problem with that, is that I am not building off my own plans. I am making a Punch-Out replica. So I need to take  Gozer's already done plans, and separate all the pieces, so that I can lay it out and make cuts. I've already built my own Mame cab, built a portable GT4 panel, and currently restoring a T 2 cab. Now I want to build a replica from scratch.

[michelevit]

Sketchup has a ruler and protractor tools which allow you to measure a 3d model.
Just use those tools to transribe the 3d model dimensions to your wood materials and start cutting.

That plug in just explodes all groups and components, not what you are looking for.
Just build your cabinet and be sure to group as you go. Once your happy with the design
move all the groups onto sheet goods to layout your cuts.
Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy.

If you haven't used sketchup, just start building cubes. Practice modifying those cubes and even practice stacking them or reorienting them.
Once your good with that start building other shapes. Sketchup is a great tool, but you do need some time overcoming the learning curve.

Problem with that, is that I am not building off my own plans. I am making a Punch-Out replica. So I need to take  Gozer's already done plans, and separate all the pieces, so that I can lay it out and make cuts. I've already built my own Mame cab, built a portable GT4 panel, and currently restoring a T 2 cab. Now I want to build a replica from scratch.

[lcmgadgets]

I've enjoyed fighting with sketchup for quite some time. Finally bought 'the dummies guide to...'. That helped some.

[TopJimmyCooks]

I just copy the entire model, ungroup everything, pull the faces apart and lay them down on a 4x8 sheet to cutlist.  After a while you get a feel for how many sheets you're going to need and don't worry about it as much. 

[hoffy84]

I just copy the entire model, ungroup everything, pull the faces apart and lay them down on a 4x8 sheet to cutlist.  After a while you get a feel for how many sheets you're going to need and don't worry about it as much.

When you say "copy", do you have to duplicate the already done up model somehow, or can you use the original, rename all the groups and break it up that way? Don't necessarily need to lay everything out. For instance: I'd like to take the left side panel off, dump it somewhere that I can view it in 2D, and draw out the dimensions, so I can reference it while I draw the lines onto my actual wood.

[TopJimmyCooks]

copy it within the model - place a duplicate somewhere else to take apart.  then, do exactly what you describe.  obviously, get the model how you want it first. 

[hoffy84]

copy it within the model - place a duplicate somewhere else to take apart.  then, do exactly what you describe.  obviously, get the model how you want it first.

Cool. Thanks for the advice! I'll give it a shot.

[TopJimmyCooks]

heres an example - not exactly a cutlist - but I drew a cp box then copied it and pulled it apart to get a good look at the angles on the pieces.    Rather than make actual plans for stuff, I just add dimensions to my sketchups which I draw full scale and build from those. 

[hoffy84]

heres an example - not exactly a cutlist - but I drew a cp box then copied it and pulled it apart to get a good look at the angles on the pieces.    Rather than make actual plans for stuff, I just add dimensions to my sketchups which I draw full scale and build from those. 

YES!!!! This is EXACTLY what I am trying to do. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction man! Much appreciated!