The Ultimate Pelican Sketchup Thread
 

Although I'd never even heard of this free software until earlier this week, I've come to like it quite a bit. Granted, the only thing I've been able to make bears a resemblence to a walrus humping an early Bugatti but I am making progress. And I haven't figured out a few . . . okay, most . . . of the intracacies. But I learn quickly. Does anyone know what file types most rapid prototyping machines accept and whether or not a GSU file (think it's .skp) be opened in CAD software?

Have any cool SU pics? Post 'em here. No giant member pics, please. I'm thinking about doing Jordan-Hare Stadium. Um . . . those last two thoughts are not meant to be related in any way at all.

BTW- I hate you all for not telling me about this sooner.

I use SU to doodle some tracks. (Yes, I have track lengths & specs on most of these)


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/...519fa547_b.jpg


Vitesse Circuit - Anti-clockwise. Front straight is 1.42 miles. Haven't measured the rest of the track yet.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/...fafdebcd_b.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/...0642a54d_b.jpg


Carrera Circuit - Cockwise. 6.23 miles. Front straight is .85 miles. Turn 1 to Turn 2 is .987 miles.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/...0a67cb30_b.jpg

View from Turn 1

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/...c508a6ff_b.jpg


I'm drawing another one as I type this. :)

Scott have you been drunk posting again ?? I have no idea what you're talking about

Rapid prototyping machines use .STL (stereolithography) files.

Sketchup is... an extremely basic piece of software. But free.

I used Sketchup to do some stuff for my eagle project. Beat the hell out of hand sketches....

A buddy of mine has been using it to visualize the rock wall he is going to build in his garage. I've had to nix several of his ideas on the grounds of there is no way in hell we can build that. But being able to see it in 3D is awesome!

Cool stuff, where can I download it from?

Just Google Sketchup. It's quick and easy to download, just make sure you uncheck the 'install google toolbar' box when it prompts for install. Those bastards are always trying to put their toolbar up in my bidness . . .

I use Sketchup daily for my design and illustrative work. For me, it's simplicity is what makes it such a great program.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1286894687.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1286894727.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1286894706.jpg

Pics or ban!!!!

It is the Karma from you posting this link!
Overlord II - Tower Defense - whosegame

Downloaded this morning and initially it does look to be fun. I have a post and beam style cover over my outdoor kitchen to draw so that can be my first attempt

Seriously? That is amazing work.

I downloaded it a while ago too, and had a hard time with it. I keep meaning to go back.

I have some pretty deep (albeit outdated) CAD skills (CadKey as used as a Mechanical Engineer), and I still had a hard time.

For that matter, I may be hurt by my CadKey experience - I'm sure I'm stuck in an outdated paradigm.

Thank you. I was lucky in that I had no experience in any other electronic 3D programs prior to sketchup so I took to it pretty quickly.

I found that about it as well. It is extremely simple, however, that just means that you have to approach things differently than with other 3D software.

There is a lot more in Sketchup than I ever saw. You're doing point of view and shadows. I'm still making cubes with holes in them.

Wow, how large are those skp files, sarc?

Holy crap. And here I thought I was doing well building a skewered covered-wagon looking thing.

Screw you guys, I'm going home.

Depends on how detailed I want to get with the model; anywhere from 10-80 megs. You can upload images into the model to make surface textures that have a tendency to increase the size. Detailing the interior adds up pretty quick as well.

I should clarify that sketchup plays only a part in the overall illustration. I use it primarily for modeling, shadows and (sometimes) building textures before I export out and move on to painting in another program.

A typical export:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1286987416.jpg


The final product:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1286987449.jpg