Google Sketchup

[chrisindfw]

I hope this is the correct forum, if not, I apologize.

I built one cabinet using the wonderful MS Visio to do the plans. Now I am ready for number 2 (To apply the lessons learned from number 1) but this time I was thinking about using Google's Sketchup to do the planning. This application is pretty nice and very easy to use!

My question goes out to the sketchup veterans out there. Is it better/easier to build the individual boards by themselves and then basically put them together to the final model or is it better to do like the demos do and start with blocks and carve it out from there?

I am trying the first method but am having issues taking the item and moving it where I need it to go and "snapping" to the existing panel. It may have to do with the different camera angles and such and which to use when. etc. blah.

Again, I did some searches and found most of the sketchup posts on here so if this is the wrong forum I apologize again.

Chris

[crummy]

I recently used Sketchup and was hugely impressed. It's so easy compared to other 3D tools I've used.

On mine, I drew the side, got it sized up correctly, expanded it to 3/4" (thickness of my wood), then copy and pasted it for the other side.

Then I just drew lines between the pieces for my boards to fit them together.

You can check out my near-final design here (and download the sketchup file, too):
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=72991.0

[fixedpigs]

i make a layer for each board...then i group all items together that make up each board...

this way...when two boards go together...they don't end up sharing a face...

and by having each board on its own respective layer...you can easily take away the parts you don't want to see...this allows you to focus more on the pieces that you want to later when it comes time to actually make the cuts...

 

[XyloSesame]

I'm with fixedpigs on this... Make each separate, then group. Use layers to hide/unhide specific components. Also, use materials wisely so global changes in color/material will be easier. Take your time and group and use layers wisely; you'll be glad you did.

In my design, I've got 11 layers:
Cab Sides
Cab Front
Cab Back
Control Panel
Frame
Bezels and Glass
Joysticks and Buttons
Monitor
PC and Electrical
Misc Components (I use this for coindoor, cab wheels, hinges, etc)
Human for Scale

[u_rebelscum]

Yup, individual parts, each joined as a group/component, are the way to go if you want to make sure the parts fit, see true shape and dimensions of each part, and do redesigns. 
Grouping is best for most stuff, but if you have a part exactly duplicated a few or more times (examples: joysticks, leveler feet), use component instead.  Edit any one of the component copies, and all of them are edited.

I haven't used layers yet, but I really should be.   IOW, if you don't to do layers, you don't need to as long as you group/component.

OTOH, if someone just wants the outside look, say for a fake arcade room instead of for cab designs, one block can be quicker.

[chrisindfw]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the help. I am looking forward to my long conference call at work tomorrow to work on it.

One question I have is dealing with the axis. I can create the layers but whats the best way to make sure that everything is starting from the same "plane" i guess would be the word. Since its in 3d and all.

This is a great app. The more I play around with it the more I love it. The tutorials are great too. I wouldnt say this would be the best app to design the control panel (visio is great for that), but if you are doing a cab from scratch and have some ideas and want to see the pieces fit, this works. (Or you can do like I did and get 4 dollar insulation panels from home depot that cut with a knife and put the pieces together by pushing nails in. Its great to see of things fit and is another great way to see any issues)

[fixedpigs]

One question I have is dealing with the axis. I can create the layers but whats the best way to make sure that everything is starting from the same "plane" i guess would be the word. Since its in 3d and all.

you can always change where the axis originate later...

i always just start at 0,0,0...right where the three intersect...and then 'build' up & right from there...

[chrisindfw]

Well... Here is my progress so far. Takes a little to get used to and to get the layers going. Once you master the moving and resizing, you are good to go. Now I get to figure up the measurments for the tv and where to place it and the braces.