Can anyone teach me some things about Google SketchUp?

[foamie crasher]

Hello everyone,

I just downloaded Google SketchUp(for those of you who dont already know its free on googles website)but am clueless on what to do.

I went over all of the tutorials but they dont show anything about how to do everything. I would like to learn the basics of rc CAD modeling with this program.However so far I Know how to make a flat plate wing, a box, and a tube! :p :confused: :)

If you are good at CAD please help.

thanks a million
foamie crasher

[pburress]

I'm definitely not "good at CAD" but I have been working with SketchUp lately, trying to design a model. I've messed with other CAD programs a couple of times in the past but was daunted by the initial learning curve. Sketchup seems relatively easy and the tutorials and stuff are good. I actually think I will finish this model.

If you can make those basic shapes you are off and running. Anything in particular you are wanting to know?

Phil

[foamie crasher]

Ok, well first of all I would like to thank you for taking the time to help me. :)

When starting out I have problems with rotating a piece around a certain axis.

How did you curve your tail feathers around that direction.


You are really good at this program!! Your stab looks like it came right out of the real plane!!

I'd like to be able to make a plane from motor mount down to tail section with stringers, and also make wings and stabs.

So what do you think, am I helpless? :D :confused:

[BMatthews]

I downloaded Sketchup as well but like you found that the tutorial was near useless for anything other than doing buildings. I was ready to delete it until I looked at some examples and saw a wonderfully curved sailing boat hull and natural looking sails in one example. I just have not gotten back to it.

Also if Sketchup won't output in DXF or DWG then you're dead meat on a stick anyhow since it won't be useable for doing any actual plans you can build from or get laser cut parts from. If this is the case then you're far better off going with a real CAD program or something like Solidworks or other such program.

[pburress]

No you are not helpless! This (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=614076&highlight=sketchup) thread shows a couple of things that I found useful.

Rotating and viewing your drawing the way you want definitely takes some practice. Place the cursor in the center and press & hold the scroll wheel (middle button) while you move the mouse around.

You use the arc tool to make a curve. See the thread above, particularly page three where he draws the airfoil.

The tutorials are geared toward building design, but are still pretty helpful. Have patience and go through the basic how-to stuff on the sketchup web site.

Finally, there is a "Google Sketchup For Dummies" book available. I got a copy at the local Borders.

[pburress]

True, my currently installed free version does not export to dxf. But the pro version does. The trial of the pro is good for 8 hours. My plan is to do all the design work in the free version, then when I am ready, install the trial of the pro version (on another PC if necessary) and use it to export the file. Sounds good on paper at least. I guess I should test this before I spend a few more dozen hours on it. :)

[foamie crasher]

:D Check out what i just made!! :D :D :D




Now what? :confused: :confused:

[pburress]

Looks good! Needs a nose though.

You have the basic skills for the tool now, but actually designing a model is not so easy. Study other plans/designs to see how others do it. Any specific questions?

[foamie crasher]

Man this is a lot better than that other plane I made.

This plane was actually scratch, hand, and originally made. No plans, not even plans to make it. Just started cutting some foam board and guess what, It flies pretty good. :) :)

[pburress]

That's great! Is it 3 channel? Looks like it might need a little more dihedral...