1:04 Which version of Sketchup do you need? 3:26 Starting Sketchup and 6:55 Getting oriented 7:41 Make a simple board 11:50 Making components 24:15 Making dados 29:20 Making rabbets 33:12 More on components 41:00 Making the side panels 46:57 Drawer shelves 59:07 Making drawers 1:00:09 Fixing a problem 1:12:20 using the 3D Warehouse 1:16:21 Adding support strips 1:18:54 Additional tools
FYI the 2017 version they have doesn't show the Outliner by default. You have to right click on the default tray, manage trays, and select the Outliner before it will show up!
Hi, Steve! When making a rectangle or a line, as soon as you hit anywhere as your starting point, you can type your dimensions already. That way, you will have the dimensions run perfectly
A couple of tips I discovered that could be useful: At 25:52 you could have found the center point from both of the parallel edges in the middle guide and used the rectangle tool that expands from the center using CTRL when using the rectangle tool to make the same rectangle without drawing two extra guide lines. Also if you are to drag out the rectangle to the length (green axis) that you want you can type "6/8," Note the 6/8 is for 6/8" for the entire width of the dado and the "," says keep the dimensions that you already have for the length of the rectangle. This is useful as you don't need to remember or measure the length to make the rectangle to size. This trick would have also been useful at 1:11:45 as you are making a rectangle that is centered on top another rectangle. You can also use the shift key when using most tools to lock an inference, which basically just places a temporary point you can use while using that tool. E.g. to make the over hang rectangle at 1:11:45 from the center you would need to start the rectangle from the center of both edges, but you can't hover over both centers at once. To remedy this you make an inference at both centers (using shift when mousing over them while the tool is selected) and follow them until they meet. Then you use the expand from center rectangle (by using CTRL) and type your dimensions. When using the Push/Pull tool, if you just pushed/pulled something to some length then double clicking with the tool will push/pull something to the same length that you just did prior. This length is "saved" until you change tools or push/pull to a different length. This would have been really useful at 1:10:20. You can also use the eraser tool to delete lines and guides without having to tediously select everything. On Sketchup free the hotkey is "e". By typing "x3" after copying and moving something, or copying and rotating something you can repeat the operation 3 times. At 50:51 you could have typed out "x2" for instance to make the two copied dadoes. Similarly at 56:28 you could have done the same thing with the insert that goes into the dadoes. You can also use the arrow keys to snap to axis directions. Up follows the blue axis, Right follows the blue axis, Left follows the green axis, and Down can follow the parallel axis (and/or I believe perpendicular axis depending on you angle and what you are doing). At 1:14:15 you can also use the tape measure tool to select from one corner to the other corner that you want to be 5 inches and then type 5" and it will re-scale the model. NOTE: Be sure to be in component editing mode otherwise it will scale ALL of your work and not just the one component!!! As a final comment you can also use the follow me tool to make designs for wood lathe projects as well!
Every single video I watch on YT about woodworking has someone using Sketchup. They all say its so easy to use but this is the 1st time I am seeing someone take to the time to actually show not only how to use it, but how to use it for designing woodworking projects. THANK YOU so much for this. I got frustrated and just had it on my 'to do' list. I would subscribe but I did that over a year ago. Steve Ramsey THANKS, and this is coming all the way from Trinidad. God bless man.
The free online SketchUp version has the following default mouse shortcuts: Middle mouse button: Orbit (click and then drag while holding) Middle+left mouse button: Pan (click and hold middle, then click and hold left, then drag while holding both) Scroll wheel: Zoom Those have been super convenient for me, and very similar to the shortcuts in many other CAD programs. It looks like middle+right mouse buttons brings up a context menu with some additional options too.
You have one hand on keyboard most of the time, so I find the shift + left the best. You can also do this in the middle of an operation. Eg, you're moving something and need to pan to see where moving it to. You can otbit/zoom/pan and then go back to what you were doing.
Great tutorial! When flipping a component, flip along the axis that you copied along. If you copied along the red axis, then flip on the red axis. I found that I get best results printing to go into Print Preview and in the Print Size group box, check Fit to Page and uncheck Use model extents. Hope that helps.
I like this tutorial. One thing I do with my drawers. I make the drawer sides go the full depth of the cabinet but make the drawer shorter. This makes the drawer stop where I want it without any additional blocks and it makes the drawer less tippy when pulled all the way out to the back.
Great tutorial Steve, well done! My contribution: If you’re making multiple copies, you can write “3.75 3x”, as in a copy spaced 3.75 inches apart 3 times, to make 3 copies at once (like when you were making the dados for the drawers @ 50:40)
Could you explain how you do that for an area cut out of the materials? I can understand what Josh is saying about that with objects, but how does that translate to areas taken out of other material? What is it you're making a copy of?
I'm not sure if someone already mentioned this tip, but at 54:12 you are making several dados the same depth. If you make the first one 3/8 with the push/pull tool, you can do the rest just by double clicking the rectangles you already have drawn. It uses the measurement from the last push/pull.
Steve that was probably the best hour of my woodworking life. Having never used Sketchup before and hesitated to dabble I believe there was more than enough content here to take the plunge. What made it work for me was the use of a project to demonstrate the practicalities of the program. In simple terms it worked for me as that\s how I learn. Great job.
I know this video its been out for a while, but the way you explain sketch up is extremely easy, after watching this tutorial, I went ahead to look for more tutorials, but there were complicated and too technical, no were near how you explain the process. So I went back to your video and immediately started drawing my first cad project. Thanks for everything Steve, keep up the good work 👍👍!!!
A couple tips I don't know if you know. After using push pull on something you can double click somewhere else to repeat the action if you're creating several dados for example. Also when doing those repeated moves you could instead create sketch>move 3.75> type 2x and it will create 2 copies instead of 1.
Steve, I've been following you since I started to try woodworking about 1.5 yrs ago. I always find your videos interesting and well paced. The safety ones helped me the most when I started. But this my friend is a rare, well-done tutorial. I've had to do many instructional videos for my old career and maybe you have carefully edited, but in the end this is so much smoother than I've pulled off. Like others, this has gotten me over the hump of using SketchUp and I'm totally impressed with your obvious fluency and comfort with the tools. You stuck to the basics, no grand tour, just the exact elements a woodworker would need to get started. Brilliant. And you did it during the pandemic lockdown days. We are all grateful to you.
This is awesome Steve. Thank you so much for taking the time... If I may ask... I am sure heaps of us would love to see it... could you show how you deconstruct the end product to make a cut list with dimensions please.... that would have topped this video off just perfectly
I believe he actually did show how he made the cut lists in a previous video in the LOCKDOWN series. Sorry for not providing the link, but I'm 99% sure it is in one of them.
Exactly what I needed. I've watched other "beginner" sketch up videos and only got frustrated. Steve explains it simply and clearly. i made some mistakes i couldn't figure out how to fix but fortunately Sketch up told me "Hey somethings messed up do you want us to fix it" and I said sure and it fixed it. I really was glad for the beginning part explaining which version I needed. Steve is the Goods!
When you were going to make the middle vertical divider you measured the base from one side to the dado, then made that measurement on your horizontal divider. That works. OR, using the Tape measure tool, double click the edges of the dado (vertical lines of the dado) to add a guide line. That will transfer the measurement to the horizontal divider. I use guide lines all the time and the help me.
I have watched numerous TH-cam videos, to gain an understanding of how to operate the online free version and have hit the wall many time because I've missed parts during the video. This video has provided more take away information and UNDERSTADING than I've found from any of the other Sketch up Tutorials, thank for making it more under standable.
This is the best tutorial I've seen for Sketch Up by far. I tried using it a while back and it seemed too complex and time consuming so I gave up. You've made me want to give it a go again.
Really? I have trouble with cad and fusion etc. I can speed draw with sketch up. My issue is it poorly exports STL files and have even more trouble importing them. Tho My sad PC does not help with that. I use stech-up 8. You might also want sketch up 2017. To use 3d warehouse. Because it can save in 8. Letting you open it with the most beloved version of sketch up. Before they started striping it down for the paid version. In my opinion 8 is the best of them. I just wish I had all my old plug ins. I lost when I lost my old PC. They make life much easier.
Best two hours of TH-cam I ever spent. I opened Sketchup on another screen and built it along with you, watching several sections multiple times. I thought I knew Sketchup pretty well, but I just learned several awesome new tricks. Thanks!
Something that helped my workflow in Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint is the Razer Tartarus V2. You basically assign keyboard shortcuts or any combination of keys to perform an action to the buttons, allowing you to execute them with one touch. You can set profiles for separate programs, so I now have one set up for Sketchup. It was designed for gaming, but works incredibly well for programs like this. Thank you so much for the great videos Steve, I've been watching everyday!
I use a Logitec G510s keyboard which allows 3 set of 18 "G" keys to be programed with various macros, shortcuts and key combinations. I use this for AutoCAD, Games, etc... It also has a profile system that you ca store for specific games and programs which has preset shortcuts to use.
My job is a CAD Technician and even though I do this kind of modelling day in and day out, I still found this therapeutic and just interesting to listen to. Nice and simple explanation at a pace everyone can follow along with, great job Steve. Not sure why I'm 3 or 4 days behind on uploads but oh well!
Very useful keys are the arrow keys on the keyboard to lock object movement on the axis Up arrow (blue line or Z axis) Left arrow (green line or Y axis) Right arrow (red line or X axis) You just push the key once to lock (you don't need to hold it) and push again to unlock the movement on the specific axis.
This tutorial is so awesome! I’m both a Sketchup n00b and a novice woodworker. I’ve been trying to learn Sketchup but videos I’ve seen so far were either broken up into separate video lessons or a bit too complicated for my use. This video was all I needed to get me started with Sketchup frustration-free. Thanks for your efforts in putting this together. I’m a big fan of your channel,
Thanks you talk slow enough for an absolute beginner to follow yet fast enough to keep it interesting. You have a real talent for training!! Thanks very kindly
WOW, as a former drafting/CAD professor, that was an excellent instructional video. You hit most of the basic construction techniques and made it look so easy to follow. I started off in CAD in the early 70's when it was called computer grapics and you had to program everything you wanted drawn. I then moved on to working for large companies using their industrial version CAD systems and started solid modeling in the mid 90's when solid modeling technology was first introduced. My career then changed and I got away from the CAD industry and I haven't really kept up with CAD improvements over the years. So, I'm amazed how easy Sketchup makes 3D solid modeling and will start using it for my woodworking during my retirement years. Thanks for your help. 👍
Amazing tutorial! I've tried to teach myself sketchup a couple of times but would always quickly give up and just draw out my project with pencil and paper...this is a lifesaver! Thanks Steve!
I am 2/3 of the way through your SketchUp video. I don't know how many of your viewers will watch through the entire video, because it's long, but I will for sure. I think it is excellent! As I watch the repetitions of various actions I become more and more familiar with the tools available and how to use them. The "mistakes" you make are great for novices (total beginners, even not-yet-starters, like me) because I will certainly need to make corrections and adjustments when I attempt a first sketch project. I think the component list that is generated in the purchased version provides an important advantage. Thank you for this superb instructional video. BTW, all of your other videos that I've seen are really good. Thanks again.
didn't know if you knew, when moving an object along any axes and you want to lock the movement in a certain direction (axes) you tap the shift key. What I do is use my arrow keys to do the same thing before I move an object. LEFT key fir GREEN axes, RIGHT key for RED axes, and the UP key for the BLUE axes. I select an object I want to move (or hover on it), tap the key for what direction I want to move and move to where I want to place the object. Hope this helps.
Hi Steve. Just signed to the Weekend Woodworker course and I'm loving it. I took this tutorial and did what you recommended: open 2 windows and try to copy what you do on the tutorial. In few hours now I'm able to create my own simple plans for simple projects. Now only waiting for the weather to get a little warmer to start the first Weekend Woodworker project. I can't work in my garage at -6C. Thanks a lot! Cheers!!
I've been using Sketchup for a short while now. I just watched this entire video and took away so many useful tips! Thank you! I would also like more about how you make your cut list!
I just want to say how incredibly helpful this video has been for me over the past year. I've referred to it literally dozens of times and watched it all the way through twice. I can now use Sketchup confidently and efficiently thanks to Steve and this amazing tutorial.
Hi Steve, I've been following you for almost a year, learnt alot from you, never commented on a vid, but this one is realy appreciated! Keep up te good work and the motivation to do this.
Steve, I've seen several of your videos and have been subscribed for quite a while, but I never thought of looking for a SketchUp tutorial from you. I have been trying to learn SketchUp by watching dozens of youtube videos. I felt like I was doing ok, but I had a few things that were annoying me. Having to move the mouse to select pan and orbit were the worst part of SketchUp. Your suggestion of using the forward and back buttons was the ticket. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your way of teaching was far and above all of the previous videos I have watched. I feel like I really understand the program better. Thanks again for the GREAT video.
You're a great teacher; it's very easy to follow. SketchUp is hard to master intuitively; I've opened it up, fiddled around and thought, hmmmmmm.... interesting....... This definitely goes into my "Knowledge to Remember" favorites-list!! And ofcourse I grabbed a copy of the 2017 desktop version.
Thank you Steve for clearly explaining Sketchup. I have tried in the past to draw my projects on Sketchup and failed hopelessly and resorted to scrap paper scribbles to design my projects. I have now tried your simple method of drawing and now I have a new tool to add to my workshop. Thank you.
I learned sketch up as a part of my Civil engineering program at Uni 2 years ago and I use to practice off of your projects like the 2x4 bed, the shoe rack, the writing desk and the Folding camp seat 😁 Thanks you for that Steve 👍
Great video Steve. I've worked with SketchUp enough designing a few projects that I was very familiar with it, but I still learned a few quality of life techniques from you. While I had to learn from several different TH-cam videos, I think yours sums up everything for us casual woodworkers in one! Additional shortcut: To lock axis, you can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard, Up locks Blue axis, Left locks Green, and Right locks Red for movement.
Steve, I got to tell you this video is really what I have been looking for for a long time. I am not new to these types of programs. I designed my home I built in France with a similar program but my biggest problem with this Sketchup and another PROGRAM that I bought is the manipulations of objects and the build. I have watched several videos for beginners and still come away not being able to build the simplest of cabinets or bookcases. In this video, you have shown me things that no others have. It's as if they take things for granted that a beginner needs to know and yet you cover them over and over again and that is what a beginner needs. I got bored with your shoebox build (didn't like it at all) and stoped watching you until I stumbled onto this video. THANK YOU SO MUCH. GREAT STUFF.
Although Steve doesn't know it, he's quickly becoming my best friend. I have been looking for a SketchUp tutorial specifically for cabinets, and this is by far the best one. One question Steve, although you're building this cabinet out of 3/4 plywood, we all know 3/4 plywood isn't 3/4. How do you compensate for this during construction?
Helps if you have the stock on hand but generally 3/4 ply is 11/16in. So that is usually what I go with in sketchup and is usually closer then using 3/4.
Hi Steve, While sanding the other day I got to pondering about your five basic saw cuts - Rip, Crosscut, Resaw, Miter, Circle - and concluded there are only two basic cuts.(Rip and Crosscut). All other cuts are variations or combinations of these two. Resawing and Beveling are variation of Ripping. Rabbeting can be either Ripping or Crosscutting. And so it goes. Just musing.
Steve, thank you so much for what you have managed to produce over the previous month. I have always struggled with Sketch up possibly due my age, but this has helped me. I would donate but can't find the donate button. Please keep this subject going, it is just so helpful...Again I am truly grateful. Best to you and stay safe. Frederick
Steve, thanks for making this "down to earth" video. Your presentation was the only one I could understand. You are helping others who are just starting out with SketchUp to get a handle on using it and wanting to experiment further. Great job and once again Thank You Steve.
Absolutely the best training video on Sketchup for woodworkers ever. At first I said to myself, "Wow, this will be way too long to hold anyone's attention." Then I started watching and almost an hour had passed before I could tear myself away. Many, many thanks to you, Steve. I have been a Sketchup user for about 10 years, but you gave me up many valuable tips.
When doing multiple Push/Pull, push the first one to the desired length/measurement. Then when you are ready for the next one and each one after that, and still using the Push/Pull tool, double click each one and it will automatically be pushed or pulled to the same length/measurement of the first one. As long as you haven't pushed or pulled to any other length after that, you can move to another object (component) and it will push or pull to the first length/measurement (the first dado of 3/8").
I wish i could give this a star or something for value, as i think a thumbs up isnt enough ;) very good tutorial on Sketchup, thanks a lot for doing it.
Thanks Steve this is great I have been using Sketchup several years But I gave learned a lot. I use it for woodworking and Sheetmetal work. There is an add on we have so when we draw sheetmetal products we can flatten out the design and export it to a plasma table program and cut out the design.
You have to download the "cut list" extension, that will take your components and place them most efficiently on sheets or boards depending on what you specify and also produce a itemized list with dimmensions
Here’s a way to autogenerate a true cutting diagram within SketchUp that will show you how to cut your parts in the most efficient manner with a minimum of wastage. 1) Open Sketchup and create or open your model. 2) Download the OpenCutList extension from the Extension Warehouse. 3) Now use the Materials section in the Default Tray to assign a color or a wood pattern to each part that is to be cut from the same type of wood (make all parts that will be cut from a 4’x8’x3/4” sheet of plywood one color or wood pattern, all parts from a 4’x8’x1/2” sheet of ply another, all parts to be cut from a 1”x2” yet another, and so on for each different type of raw material you will be using). Make sure your model is saved. 4) Now do a TH-cam search for “Generate Cut-list Woodworking 3D SketchUp” by FollowAndrew. Starting at the 10:20 mark shows you how to use OpenCutList to create a cutting diagram for your project.
Great tutorial Steve, especially where you mess up and then show us how to fix the mess. Not sure if anyone else has mentioned in the comments, but the Make 2017 version that is available is only a free 30 day trial. Any idea if it is possible to still get a completely free desktop version? (Edit: just found on the SketchUp site that the Make 2017 version has a 30 day trial of Pro features, after which it is still free to use, but you lose a few features.)
Steve, thanks for a straightforward guide to Sketchup with a real woodworking example. I so wish this was around when I learnt Sketchup to design my L shaped desk, fed up with highly detailed (long!) training guides, I then fell into the trap of not grouping each panel resulting in hours spent getting things looking right.
@@caballeroPL Do you find you like inventor better? I started cad with autocad, then solidworks, then ProE. Some of these programs are a little goofy compared to pro modeling tools but you can get them for free.
Another suggestion, at the beginning when you were showing the model info where you can change units of measurement. If you change from 1/64 to something like 1/8, when you are using the mouse it will "snap" to measurements in 8ths. This allows you to easily draw the length and width without having to type the measurement each time. Comes in handy when making small adjustments and if you are like me, im right handed and use the number with my right hand so I don't have to move my hand back and forth between the keyboard and mouse.
Agreed. That’s why I love Procreate so much, it’s a buy now, free update forever kind of app (not that it replaces sketchup, it’s just a very good art program for iPad 👌)
Hey Steve. Just for the sake of interest. If you have a scroll wheel on your mouse, it has a third button under it. by default, if you press it in, rather than rolling it, ORBIT is mapped to it by default in Sketchup. If you press CTRL whilst pressing it, it is mapped to the HAND/PAN function. Just saying.
Damn, just tried to download 2017 :) and they don't make it available anymore :( I don't suppose anybody has the 2017 Make version I could download, please? SketchUp Make 2017 Access SketchUp only offers downloads of the last two major versions of SketchUp Pro. To be consistent with our policy, we will no longer offer the ability to download SketchUp Make. If you are still using SketchUp Make, it is important to understand that this version has not been updated since 2017, making it more vulnerable to security issues related to outdated open source libraries. Open source vulnerabilities can lead to problems such as disclosure of sensitive information. In addition, this version was built for Windows 7 & 8 which are no longer supported by Microsoft, and Mac OS X 10.10, 10.11, and 10.12 which are no longer receiving security updates from Apple.
Even though this video was published 9 months ago, it is a valuable tutorial I wish I could have seen 9 months ago. I recently viewed your video where you built a printer table. I was intrigued by your brief overview of the project using Sketchup. I struggled with the app until I viewed this video. I designed my first project and have nearly completed it with astonishing accurate results. THANKS!
Steve, can I just stay that I’ve ALWAYS liked your ‘no nonsense’ (and often humorous) style of presentation, but what really hit me watching this is that your biggest attribute as a teacher of skills is that, despite your own abundant experience, you ALWAYS REMEMBER to cover all the tiny little details so many others skip over, because they’ve forgotten what it was like to not know them and assume the audience knows them too. Now I’m no beginner at Sketchup, but I use it so infrequently it takes me ages to get back into it and there were always lots of holes in my knowledge (because others didn’t explain it well enough). So when I saw you’d done this long, in depth video it was great to start from the very beginning even though 99% of what you said I already knew. I’ve got to congratulate you on delivering the best explanation of the basics I’ve ever come across (and I’m only 20 mins in when writing this). You’re such a brilliant teacher/educator because you ALWAYS make sure the foundation principles are covered properly, and don’t rush just to satisfy stupid TH-cam algorithms (or those with short attention spans!). Well done and thank you - Just fantastic 🙌
Outstanding! Thank you so much for this. I tried SketchUp a couple months ago and could barely draw a board. I followed along the whole video, and while I made some mistakes, and need more practice, I have a much improved idea of how it works. 👍
I am a patrion member who has been watching for years. I have also been building computers for years. I have tried sketch up in the past but I was trying to build it by making a board and then trying to make it into my project. Steve, this was the best hour and some I have spent in a long time. Thank you so much for explaining sketch up in this way. I can’t wait to start my next project. Best regards
Something nobody seems to utilize, the slot holes in the drill-press foot. They are there so you can mount and move the press front to back. If you extend the floor of the stand out the back further creating a shelf, you can strap in long stock for end drilling by swivelling the drill-head around, loosening the bolts in the slots and sliding the press back, retighten (big wing nuts). Various clamping/height devices can be fashioned to hold stock. Press stand only puts the press stand out a few more inches off the wall. Also use the long cubby created to store long-ish press accessories, fence and stuff.
Excellent tutorial! I have tried to use Sketchup with very limited success. You have answered a number of questions which caused me problems, and I now feel much more able to design my own project. THANK YOU very much for taking the time to make this video!
Steve: Finally I found someone that really knows how to explain the use of SketchUp. I will try what I have learned today and if I have doubts I will go back to the video in order to reinforce the learnings, I have subscribed to your site and I will be looking for new videos, by the way I am 87 yrs. old and I started in carpentry about 2 years ago as a hobby I live in Mexico and defending myself from Covid!!!
I've used Sketchup for years to help design projects and I muscled my way through each project. Your tutorial has changed my view and my world. I'm gonna love making plans again. Too cool!
There are probably too many comments to see this, but THANK YOU! this is the sketchup tutorial I needed. I enjoy your teaching method and am used to it with your other videos. This gave me insight into basic things that went over my head from other videos. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Not sure why but I understand this Sketchup tutorial video more than the others people recommend for woodworking. Thanks for making this. I have been extremely frustrated with sketchup in the past but now I understand what I was doing wrong.
Steve, just got to tell you. I love your videos, thanks so much. I'm an occasional DIYer but been upgrading my shop inspired by your videos. Bought a sliding miter saw, and a kreg jig, and now learning sketch-up. You are a good teacher! Greetings from Covid-19 home confinement in Belgium.
Thank you so much Steve! I have dabbled with Sketchup several times but gave up because ot appeared to behave very randomly on my pc. I have the 2017 install but made the mistake of clicking the Try Sketchup Free?Sketchup Pro buttons instead of heading straight for Start using Sketchup, and just got lost entirely. Your video is an absolute godsend. I will finally be able to plan what I intend, as long as I can get it to print the plan as well!
I can't believe an entire hour and a half of sketch up tut, this says a lot about your presentation skills. Very thorough and easy to follow. Keep it up @Steve Ramsey 💯
THanks so much Steve. You remind me of the best teachers in my life. Smooth, self-effacing, articulate, thoughtful of what we need, and of course immensely skilled in the subject. You conveyed so much to us in such a short packet. THANK YOU>
I needed this video. I'm planing to make 3 in 1 workbench. Bought Makita rt0700 router, makita 5705r circular saw and bosch gst160 jigsaw. This will help me make a plan to build a table. Thank you.
Hi Steve, Thank you so much for this tutorial. I've tried sketchup before and couldn't quite get it...this build along was exactly what I needed to get going on projects. I recently lost my job due to COVID shutdown and it feels really good to be able to gain a skill regardless if I'll ever use it in my professional life. If you ever doubt that you have made a positve impact on the world just look to this comment to know that you've made a difference in mine. Using Sketchup helps me stay positive and optimistic about the future and it's needed now more than ever.
Just a quick one. When you make multiple copies of the same cut like the ones for drawer runners all you need to do is move one and then type 2x or 3x or however many you need and it will create that many for you separated by the same distance. I hope that makes sense. Say you created the whole drawer. You move the whole group by 3.75" then you press 2x and it creates 3 drawers for you spaced 3.75" apart
Hands down the best tutorial on sketchup for building things! I have watched many videos on this subject but they all do it from a point of you of someone that already knows about sketch up and how it works. This is the first one I have seen that has been explained as if you’ve never seen it before so that I can understand it as a beginner. Thank you!
Great video. I've used sketchup five or six times a year basically since it came out, and I've got to say I've been doing it very wrong. You've probably reduced my design time by 2/3, so you've probably saved me 20 hrs/year from now on. Not a bad return for watching an hour long video. I just wish it had been out 2 days ago, you coulda saved me a couple more hours. Thanks
Hi steve, I have watched your woodworking videos for a few years and I always believed you to be a VERY good teacher, well, this has proved to me you are A brilliant teacher ! I used to use Sketchup , but kinda stopped when i bought a tablet, having just bought a 2 in 1 tablet come laptop, i decided once again to use S/up, decided to find a short video to remind me how best to use it, and found yours.I am 70 year old, not brilliant health, lung problems and now prostate cancer, so cant do much woodworking as i used to enjoy.But now I can start to re use S/up, and this is tnanks to you my friend, so a big thanks for all your efforts and i am trying to donate £50 to you as a thanks, i know its not much, but i hope you take it in the spirit it is given, all the very best for your future, big thanks from Garry in the UK
Thank you very much for this. I've been working on teaching myself Sketchup and am relieved it's not just me who struggles with the axis flip thing! It drives me berserk since I'm usually quite good at thinking dimensionally.
I’m almost certain I have never commented on a TH-cam video, been a fan of yours for a long time now. Started wood working 8 years ago or so (officially). Your channel drastically and instrumentally took my wood working to a serious level (at least according to friends and family). Steve, I have to be honest, this video just took me to another level again. I can’t thank you enough! There’s a good chance I will be extending my learnings to your website as well. Thank you again!
After reading the Comments that have been posted it stands out to me that your intuitive method of teaching sketch up is by watching something like this, but having said that your tutorial is hands down the best I've seen. I bought a book on sketch up ! I think it's a doorstop now lol I would echo the sentiments if all who have posted adding that it's also the Dogs Gonads. ! Keep up the good work !
Great tutorial to get started! The flips are easier with new Sketchup versions as they highlight all of the component's axes with the actual axis colour when you select "Flip" so figuring out which is correct is very intuitive. Minor issue: The mirrored dado after copying the base doesn't work - the edit is reflected on the top copy at a relative position, not a "mirrored" position. So you need to flip it along another axis, exactly as you later do to correct the same issue with the sides. Not sure how the top and bottom worked originally...
Thank you for making such a comprehensive tutorial - very easy to follow along with! I was confused about using SketchUp when I first saw it, now I feel much better about it. One thing for my fellow Mac users: To duplicate, do the same thing Steve does with the Move tool, except it's Option+Click
Steve, Thank you so much for this. I am member of Weekend Woodworkers (highly recommended) and I am designing my own miter table with collapsible extension wings. I did it with pencil and paper but using Sketch up really helps with perspectives. You are a master of many skills, Steve, thanks for sharing them with us mere mortals.
When I'm making any thing, I use guide lines all the time. It helps to snap to where I want it. And at time I let the guide lines get out of control where I have too many. I hit my assigned short cut "CTRL+G" and all the guide lines are now gone. I also want to point out that I do understand you stated this video is guided towards someone who never used Sketchup. I'm just adding some pointers to help. I am in now way of an expert. I have been using Sketchup for some time now (off and on) and I do continue to learn more about Sketchup. Great videos and educational. Thanks for making them.
I'm about 11 months late in this game but I have to tell you that this is a great tutorial. This one along with another one by April Wilkerson has given me a lot of info and confidence to work use Sketchup. Thanks Steve!!!!!
Simple way to remember your flipping is same way you Described your axis to start X,Y,Z (Red, Green, Blue) Red is Flip Left/Right, Green is Flip Forward/Back, and Blue is Flip top/bottom. Hope this helps.
Steve; Thank you so much for this video on Sketchup. I've been using it for several months, but couldn't' find answers to several questions...until now. I really enjoy your videos and like the way you present them. Thanks again...Steve Forster
Well... 2 years ago I built the California King bed from your video. (I dunno; only took you 20 mins, but I spent a month of afternoons on it! LOL) Now I need a night table for my wife's side. I'm going to use Sketchup to design it. This video is awesome. I watched it thru once, now I'm going to follow along. (Using Web based prog b/c my graphics card can't handle the 2017 version)
1:04 Which version of Sketchup do you need?
3:26 Starting Sketchup and
6:55 Getting oriented
7:41 Make a simple board
11:50 Making components
24:15 Making dados
29:20 Making rabbets
33:12 More on components
41:00 Making the side panels
46:57 Drawer shelves
59:07 Making drawers
1:00:09 Fixing a problem
1:12:20 using the 3D Warehouse
1:16:21 Adding support strips
1:18:54 Additional tools
I always struggle when taking a sketch project to a cut list. I've tried a few downloads but haven't found one that maximizes my wood/lumber.
@@Otto-W You can use Maxcut Software to make cutting list and to arrange your Plywood cuttings, it's a Good Software check it 👍
FYI the 2017 version they have doesn't show the Outliner by default. You have to right click on the default tray, manage trays, and select the Outliner before it will show up!
@@PR-WoodWorkingCreations thanks, I'll look that up.
Hi, Steve!
When making a rectangle or a line, as soon as you hit anywhere as your starting point, you can type your dimensions already. That way, you will have the dimensions run perfectly
A couple of tips I discovered that could be useful:
At 25:52 you could have found the center point from both of the parallel edges in the middle guide and used the rectangle tool that expands from the center using CTRL when using the rectangle tool to make the same rectangle without drawing two extra guide lines.
Also if you are to drag out the rectangle to the length (green axis) that you want you can type "6/8," Note the 6/8 is for 6/8" for the entire width of the dado and the "," says keep the dimensions that you already have for the length of the rectangle. This is useful as you don't need to remember or measure the length to make the rectangle to size. This trick would have also been useful at 1:11:45 as you are making a rectangle that is centered on top another rectangle.
You can also use the shift key when using most tools to lock an inference, which basically just places a temporary point you can use while using that tool. E.g. to make the over hang rectangle at 1:11:45 from the center you would need to start the rectangle from the center of both edges, but you can't hover over both centers at once. To remedy this you make an inference at both centers (using shift when mousing over them while the tool is selected) and follow them until they meet. Then you use the expand from center rectangle (by using CTRL) and type your dimensions.
When using the Push/Pull tool, if you just pushed/pulled something to some length then double clicking with the tool will push/pull something to the same length that you just did prior. This length is "saved" until you change tools or push/pull to a different length. This would have been really useful at 1:10:20.
You can also use the eraser tool to delete lines and guides without having to tediously select everything. On Sketchup free the hotkey is "e".
By typing "x3" after copying and moving something, or copying and rotating something you can repeat the operation 3 times. At 50:51 you could have typed out "x2" for instance to make the two copied dadoes. Similarly at 56:28 you could have done the same thing with the insert that goes into the dadoes.
You can also use the arrow keys to snap to axis directions. Up follows the blue axis, Right follows the blue axis, Left follows the green axis, and Down can follow the parallel axis (and/or I believe perpendicular axis depending on you angle and what you are doing).
At 1:14:15 you can also use the tape measure tool to select from one corner to the other corner that you want to be 5 inches and then type 5" and it will re-scale the model. NOTE: Be sure to be in component editing mode otherwise it will scale ALL of your work and not just the one component!!!
As a final comment you can also use the follow me tool to make designs for wood lathe projects as well!
Every single video I watch on YT about woodworking has someone using Sketchup. They all say its so easy to use but this is the 1st time I am seeing someone take to the time to actually show not only how to use it, but how to use it for designing woodworking projects. THANK YOU so much for this. I got frustrated and just had it on my 'to do' list. I would subscribe but I did that over a year ago. Steve Ramsey THANKS, and this is coming all the way from Trinidad. God bless man.
This is the best, most thorough TH-cam introduction to using SketchUp for woodworking that I've seen. Well done!
there are plenty of better ones that have been around longer.
@@allwoundup3574 Thank you for your thoroughly helpful comment full of links to the better videos you referenced.
Ye i watched 5 others and it never answered
My questions and this one did. Thanks!
The free online SketchUp version has the following default mouse shortcuts:
Middle mouse button: Orbit (click and then drag while holding)
Middle+left mouse button: Pan (click and hold middle, then click and hold left, then drag while holding both)
Scroll wheel: Zoom
Those have been super convenient for me, and very similar to the shortcuts in many other CAD programs. It looks like middle+right mouse buttons brings up a context menu with some additional options too.
Interesting about middle+left for pan. I always end up doing middle + shift to pan
@@beardeddragonwood Same here....I didn't know about the middle > left click. Learn something new every day.
You have one hand on keyboard most of the time, so I find the shift + left the best. You can also do this in the middle of an operation. Eg, you're moving something and need to pan to see where moving it to. You can otbit/zoom/pan and then go back to what you were doing.
Great tutorial! When flipping a component, flip along the axis that you copied along. If you copied along the red axis, then flip on the red axis. I found that I get best results printing to go into Print Preview and in the Print Size group box, check Fit to Page and uncheck Use model extents. Hope that helps.
I like this tutorial. One thing I do with my drawers. I make the drawer sides go the full depth of the cabinet but make the drawer shorter. This makes the drawer stop where I want it without any additional blocks and it makes the drawer less tippy when pulled all the way out to the back.
I can see how that will work! That is an awesome tip!
A man who KNOWWWS
Great tutorial Steve, well done! My contribution: If you’re making multiple copies, you can write “3.75 3x”, as in a copy spaced 3.75 inches apart 3 times, to make 3 copies at once (like when you were making the dados for the drawers @ 50:40)
Learned that one a while back when needing to copy studs 16 o.c. Great tip!
Could you explain how you do that for an area cut out of the materials? I can understand what Josh is saying about that with objects, but how does that translate to areas taken out of other material? What is it you're making a copy of?
@@jum5238 I haven't tried, but I think you'd use it after you've drawn your dado, but before you use push/pull?
@@edwardholmes91 draw the rectangle, move it required distance, then you can type *2
So keystrokes are : m ctrl, drag, click, 3 enter *2 enter
maybe I could make a video
I'm not sure if someone already mentioned this tip, but at 54:12 you are making several dados the same depth. If you make the first one 3/8 with the push/pull tool, you can do the rest just by double clicking the rectangles you already have drawn. It uses the measurement from the last push/pull.
Steve that was probably the best hour of my woodworking life. Having never used Sketchup before and hesitated to dabble I believe there was more than enough content here to take the plunge. What made it work for me was the use of a project to demonstrate the practicalities of the program. In simple terms it worked for me as that\s how I learn. Great job.
I know this video its been out for a while, but the way you explain sketch up is extremely easy, after watching this tutorial, I went ahead to look for more tutorials, but there were complicated and too technical, no were near how you explain the process. So I went back to your video and immediately started drawing my first cad project.
Thanks for everything Steve, keep up the good work 👍👍!!!
A couple tips I don't know if you know. After using push pull on something you can double click somewhere else to repeat the action if you're creating several dados for example. Also when doing those repeated moves you could instead create sketch>move 3.75> type 2x and it will create 2 copies instead of 1.
Steve, I've been following you since I started to try woodworking about 1.5 yrs ago. I always find your videos interesting and well paced. The safety ones helped me the most when I started.
But this my friend is a rare, well-done tutorial. I've had to do many instructional videos for my old career and maybe you have carefully edited, but in the end this is so much smoother than I've pulled off.
Like others, this has gotten me over the hump of using SketchUp and I'm totally impressed with your obvious fluency and comfort with the tools. You stuck to the basics, no grand tour, just the exact elements a woodworker would need to get started. Brilliant. And you did it during the pandemic lockdown days. We are all grateful to you.
This is awesome Steve. Thank you so much for taking the time... If I may ask... I am sure heaps of us would love to see it... could you show how you deconstruct the end product to make a cut list with dimensions please.... that would have topped this video off just perfectly
+1 on this suggestion!
Yes!
Steve, a cut list creation video would be a tremendous help to us new to SketchUp wood workers. Thanks!
+1
I believe he actually did show how he made the cut lists in a previous video in the LOCKDOWN series. Sorry for not providing the link, but I'm 99% sure it is in one of them.
Exactly what I needed. I've watched other "beginner" sketch up videos and only got frustrated. Steve explains it simply and clearly. i made some mistakes i couldn't figure out how to fix but fortunately Sketch up told me "Hey somethings messed up do you want us to fix it" and I said sure and it fixed it. I really was glad for the beginning part explaining which version I needed. Steve is the Goods!
When you were going to make the middle vertical divider you measured the base from one side to the dado, then made that measurement on your horizontal divider. That works. OR, using the Tape measure tool, double click the edges of the dado (vertical lines of the dado) to add a guide line. That will transfer the measurement to the horizontal divider. I use guide lines all the time and the help me.
I have watched numerous TH-cam videos, to gain an understanding of how to operate the online free version and have hit the wall many time because I've missed parts during the video. This video has provided more take away information and UNDERSTADING than I've found from any of the other Sketch up Tutorials, thank for making it more under standable.
This is the best tutorial I've seen for Sketch Up by far. I tried using it a while back and it seemed too complex and time consuming so I gave up. You've made me want to give it a go again.
This is exactly my comment as well. Thank you!
Thanks much, I echo the sentiment above!
Yeah, I agree. It filled a lots of gaps I had especially about components. Very helpful and thank you for all your work - it is much appreciated.
I gave up on it after it wouldn't install on my Win10 laptop... Something about not being able to register some DLL...
Really? I have trouble with cad and fusion etc. I can speed draw with sketch up. My issue is it poorly exports STL files and have even more trouble importing them. Tho My sad PC does not help with that. I use stech-up 8. You might also want sketch up 2017. To use 3d warehouse. Because it can save in 8. Letting you open it with the most beloved version of sketch up. Before they started striping it down for the paid version. In my opinion 8 is the best of them. I just wish I had all my old plug ins. I lost when I lost my old PC. They make life much easier.
Best two hours of TH-cam I ever spent. I opened Sketchup on another screen and built it along with you, watching several sections multiple times. I thought I knew Sketchup pretty well, but I just learned several awesome new tricks. Thanks!
1:11:10 I've restarted entire projects once I've discovered similar miniscule details, the way you corrected that was inspirational
Something that helped my workflow in Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint is the Razer Tartarus V2. You basically assign keyboard shortcuts or any combination of keys to perform an action to the buttons, allowing you to execute them with one touch. You can set profiles for separate programs, so I now have one set up for Sketchup. It was designed for gaming, but works incredibly well for programs like this. Thank you so much for the great videos Steve, I've been watching everyday!
I use a Logitec G510s keyboard which allows 3 set of 18 "G" keys to be programed with various macros, shortcuts and key combinations. I use this for AutoCAD, Games, etc... It also has a profile system that you ca store for specific games and programs which has preset shortcuts to use.
My job is a CAD Technician and even though I do this kind of modelling day in and day out, I still found this therapeutic and just interesting to listen to. Nice and simple explanation at a pace everyone can follow along with, great job Steve.
Not sure why I'm 3 or 4 days behind on uploads but oh well!
Very useful keys are the arrow keys on the keyboard to lock object movement on the axis
Up arrow (blue line or Z axis)
Left arrow (green line or Y axis)
Right arrow (red line or X axis)
You just push the key once to lock (you don't need to hold it) and push again to unlock the movement on the specific axis.
This tutorial is so awesome! I’m both a Sketchup n00b and a novice woodworker. I’ve been trying to learn Sketchup but videos I’ve seen so far were either broken up into separate video lessons or a bit too complicated for my use. This video was all I needed to get me started with Sketchup frustration-free. Thanks for your efforts in putting this together. I’m a big fan of your channel,
Thanks you talk slow enough for an absolute beginner to follow yet fast enough to keep it interesting. You have a real talent for training!! Thanks very kindly
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! This is exactly what I was hoping for from the master. This will help many many people.
Definitely helped me ! Moving on the different axis' now seems so easy lol
The master himself!
WOW, as a former drafting/CAD professor, that was an excellent instructional video. You hit most of the basic construction techniques and made it look so easy to follow. I started off in CAD in the early 70's when it was called computer grapics and you had to program everything you wanted drawn. I then moved on to working for large companies using their industrial version CAD systems and started solid modeling in the mid 90's when solid modeling technology was first introduced. My career then changed and I got away from the CAD industry and I haven't really kept up with CAD improvements over the years. So, I'm amazed how easy Sketchup makes 3D solid modeling and will start using it for my woodworking during my retirement years. Thanks for your help. 👍
Amazing tutorial! I've tried to teach myself sketchup a couple of times but would always quickly give up and just draw out my project with pencil and paper...this is a lifesaver! Thanks Steve!
I am 2/3 of the way through your SketchUp video. I don't know how many of your viewers will watch through the entire video, because it's long, but I will for sure. I think it is excellent! As I watch the repetitions of various actions I become more and more familiar with the tools available and how to use them. The "mistakes" you make are great for novices (total beginners, even not-yet-starters, like me) because I will certainly need to make corrections and adjustments when I attempt a first sketch project. I think the component list that is generated in the purchased version provides an important advantage. Thank you for this superb instructional video. BTW, all of your other videos that I've seen are really good. Thanks again.
didn't know if you knew, when moving an object along any axes and you want to lock the movement in a certain direction (axes) you tap the shift key. What I do is use my arrow keys to do the same thing before I move an object. LEFT key fir GREEN axes, RIGHT key for RED axes, and the UP key for the BLUE axes. I select an object I want to move (or hover on it), tap the key for what direction I want to move and move to where I want to place the object. Hope this helps.
Thanks for that tip!!!
Only available in certain versions unfortunately
18:20
He actually states it multiple times when you actually watch the video.
@@SW-zu7ve um....yeah....he states in the video.
Hi Steve. Just signed to the Weekend Woodworker course and I'm loving it. I took this tutorial and did what you recommended: open 2 windows and try to copy what you do on the tutorial. In few hours now I'm able to create my own simple plans for simple projects. Now only waiting for the weather to get a little warmer to start the first Weekend Woodworker project. I can't work in my garage at -6C. Thanks a lot! Cheers!!
I've been using Sketchup for a short while now. I just watched this entire video and took away so many useful tips! Thank you!
I would also like more about how you make your cut list!
I just want to say how incredibly helpful this video has been for me over the past year. I've referred to it literally dozens of times and watched it all the way through twice. I can now use Sketchup confidently and efficiently thanks to Steve and this amazing tutorial.
Hi Steve, I've been following you for almost a year, learnt alot from you, never commented on a vid, but this one is realy appreciated! Keep up te good work and the motivation to do this.
Steve, I've seen several of your videos and have been subscribed for quite a while, but I never thought of looking for a SketchUp tutorial from you. I have been trying to learn SketchUp by watching dozens of youtube videos. I felt like I was doing ok, but I had a few things that were annoying me. Having to move the mouse to select pan and orbit were the worst part of SketchUp. Your suggestion of using the forward and back buttons was the ticket. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your way of teaching was far and above all of the previous videos I have watched. I feel like I really understand the program better. Thanks again for the GREAT video.
You're a great teacher; it's very easy to follow. SketchUp is hard to master intuitively; I've opened it up, fiddled around and thought, hmmmmmm.... interesting.......
This definitely goes into my "Knowledge to Remember" favorites-list!!
And ofcourse I grabbed a copy of the 2017 desktop version.
Thank you Steve for clearly explaining Sketchup. I have tried in the past to draw my projects on Sketchup and failed hopelessly and resorted to scrap paper scribbles to design my projects. I have now tried your simple method of drawing and now I have a new tool to add to my workshop. Thank you.
I learned sketch up as a part of my Civil engineering program at Uni 2 years ago and I use to practice off of your projects like the 2x4 bed, the shoe rack, the writing desk and the Folding camp seat 😁
Thanks you for that Steve 👍
Great video Steve. I've worked with SketchUp enough designing a few projects that I was very familiar with it, but I still learned a few quality of life techniques from you. While I had to learn from several different TH-cam videos, I think yours sums up everything for us casual woodworkers in one!
Additional shortcut: To lock axis, you can also use the arrow keys on your keyboard, Up locks Blue axis, Left locks Green, and Right locks Red for movement.
I like how the component colorings matched the planter boxes/house paint scheme :)
muddsnyder ‘Management’ input!
Steve, I got to tell you this video is really what I have been looking for for a long time. I am not new to these types of programs. I designed my home I built in France with a similar program but my biggest problem with this Sketchup and another PROGRAM that I bought is the manipulations of objects and the build. I have watched several videos for beginners and still come away not being able to build the simplest of cabinets or bookcases. In this video, you have shown me things that no others have. It's as if they take things for granted that a beginner needs to know and yet you cover them over and over again and that is what a beginner needs. I got bored with your shoebox build (didn't like it at all) and stoped watching you until I stumbled onto this video. THANK YOU SO MUCH. GREAT STUFF.
Although Steve doesn't know it, he's quickly becoming my best friend. I have been looking for a SketchUp tutorial specifically for cabinets, and this is by far the best one.
One question Steve, although you're building this cabinet out of 3/4 plywood, we all know 3/4 plywood isn't 3/4. How do you compensate for this during construction?
Helps if you have the stock on hand but generally 3/4 ply is 11/16in. So that is usually what I go with in sketchup and is usually closer then using 3/4.
Hi Steve,
While sanding the other day I got to pondering about your five basic saw cuts - Rip, Crosscut, Resaw, Miter, Circle - and concluded there are only two basic cuts.(Rip and Crosscut). All other cuts are variations or combinations of these two. Resawing and Beveling are variation of Ripping. Rabbeting can be either Ripping or Crosscutting. And so it goes. Just musing.
Steve, thank you so much for what you have managed to produce over the previous month. I have always struggled with Sketch up possibly due my age, but this has helped me. I would donate but can't find the donate button. Please keep this subject going, it is just so helpful...Again I am truly grateful. Best to you and stay safe. Frederick
Steve, thanks for making this "down to earth" video. Your presentation was the only one I could understand. You are helping others who are just starting out with SketchUp to get a handle on using it and wanting to experiment further.
Great job and once again Thank You Steve.
Thanks for this - it really got me up to speed fast!
lol my two hobby worlds colliding, synths and woodworking
@@amdclx4635 srsly. double lol
@@djmattpositive It's kind of like seeing your teacher at the mall, and thinking - - - What are YOU doing here ?!
Absolutely the best training video on Sketchup for woodworkers ever. At first I said to myself, "Wow, this will be way too long to hold anyone's attention." Then I started watching and almost an hour had passed before I could tear myself away. Many, many thanks to you, Steve. I have been a Sketchup user for about 10 years, but you gave me up many valuable tips.
Great tutorial. The only thing l missed is how to make a cutlist. For the rest, best tutorial l've seen sofar.
Download the CutList SketchUp extension.
I wanted to add click the scroll wheel button to orbit by default. While in orbit hold shift to switch to pan. Good video
YES! I’ve been waiting for this video since you mentioned it. I’d love to be able to make more comprehensive plans for my projects.
When doing multiple Push/Pull, push the first one to the desired length/measurement. Then when you are ready for the next one and each one after that, and still using the Push/Pull tool, double click each one and it will automatically be pushed or pulled to the same length/measurement of the first one. As long as you haven't pushed or pulled to any other length after that, you can move to another object (component) and it will push or pull to the first length/measurement (the first dado of 3/8").
Nice tip!!!!
I wish i could give this a star or something for value, as i think a thumbs up isnt enough ;) very good tutorial on Sketchup, thanks a lot for doing it.
Thanks Steve this is great I have been using Sketchup several years
But I gave learned a lot. I use it for woodworking and Sheetmetal work.
There is an add on we have so when we draw sheetmetal products we can flatten out the design and export it to a plasma table program and cut out the design.
Great tutorial, the only thing missing is the cutting plan, would you be so kind as to show how it’s made? ‘Thanks.
Yes, that's what I'm interested in, too. GREAT tutorial, Steve. Thanks.
You have to download the "cut list" extension, that will take your components and place them most efficiently on sheets or boards depending on what you specify and also produce a itemized list with dimmensions
This part would be much appreciated as it’s the missing link between computer and workbench!
Joshua Mies how do you do that? Download and then use the cutlist extension.
Here’s a way to autogenerate a true cutting diagram within SketchUp that will show you how to cut your parts in the most efficient manner with a minimum of wastage.
1) Open Sketchup and create or open your model.
2) Download the OpenCutList extension from the Extension Warehouse.
3) Now use the Materials section in the Default Tray to assign a color or a wood pattern to each part that is to be cut from the same type of wood (make all parts that will be cut from a 4’x8’x3/4” sheet of plywood one color or wood pattern, all parts from a 4’x8’x1/2” sheet of ply another, all parts to be cut from a 1”x2” yet another, and so on for each different type of raw material you will be using). Make sure your model is saved.
4) Now do a TH-cam search for “Generate Cut-list Woodworking 3D SketchUp” by FollowAndrew. Starting at the 10:20 mark shows you how to use OpenCutList to create a cutting diagram for your project.
I am a complete beginner and this tutorial is amazing, not boring at all and super useful, thank you for creating this
Great tutorial Steve, especially where you mess up and then show us how to fix the mess. Not sure if anyone else has mentioned in the comments, but the Make 2017 version that is available is only a free 30 day trial. Any idea if it is possible to still get a completely free desktop version? (Edit: just found on the SketchUp site that the Make 2017 version has a 30 day trial of Pro features, after which it is still free to use, but you lose a few features.)
Steve, thanks for a straightforward guide to Sketchup with a real woodworking example. I so wish this was around when I learnt Sketchup to design my L shaped desk, fed up with highly detailed (long!) training guides, I then fell into the trap of not grouping each panel resulting in hours spent getting things looking right.
My engineering teacher makes us use this as a substitute for inventor during quarantine
You can get Inventor for free to use as a student.
@@caballeroPL yeah but our tablets cant handle it. We had specialized computers for it
How about Fusion 360?
@@caballeroPL Do you find you like inventor better? I started cad with autocad, then solidworks, then ProE. Some of these programs are a little goofy compared to pro modeling tools but you can get them for free.
Another suggestion, at the beginning when you were showing the model info where you can change units of measurement. If you change from 1/64 to something like 1/8, when you are using the mouse it will "snap" to measurements in 8ths. This allows you to easily draw the length and width without having to type the measurement each time.
Comes in handy when making small adjustments and if you are like me, im right handed and use the number with my right hand so I don't have to move my hand back and forth between the keyboard and mouse.
I hate how all programs have gone to subscription. Remember when you could buy the program and actually own it and install it on whatever you want.
Agreed. That’s why I love Procreate so much, it’s a buy now, free update forever kind of app (not that it replaces sketchup, it’s just a very good art program for iPad 👌)
Hey Steve. Just for the sake of interest. If you have a scroll wheel on your mouse, it has a third button under it. by default, if you press it in, rather than rolling it, ORBIT is mapped to it by default in Sketchup. If you press CTRL whilst pressing it, it is mapped to the HAND/PAN function. Just saying.
Damn, just tried to download 2017 :) and they don't make it available anymore :(
I don't suppose anybody has the 2017 Make version I could download, please?
SketchUp Make 2017 Access
SketchUp only offers downloads of the last two major versions of SketchUp Pro. To be consistent with our policy, we will no longer offer the ability to download SketchUp Make.
If you are still using SketchUp Make, it is important to understand that this version has not been updated since 2017, making it more vulnerable to security issues related to outdated open source libraries. Open source vulnerabilities can lead to problems such as disclosure of sensitive information.
In addition, this version was built for Windows 7 & 8 which are no longer supported by Microsoft, and Mac OS X 10.10, 10.11, and 10.12 which are no longer receiving security updates from Apple.
Even though this video was published 9 months ago, it is a valuable tutorial I wish I could have seen 9 months ago. I recently viewed your video where you built a printer table. I was intrigued by your brief overview of the project using Sketchup. I struggled with the app until I viewed this video. I designed my first project and have nearly completed it with astonishing accurate results. THANKS!
Steve "Sketchup Yoda" Ramsay
Steve, can I just stay that I’ve ALWAYS liked your ‘no nonsense’ (and often humorous) style of presentation, but what really hit me watching this is that your biggest attribute as a teacher of skills is that, despite your own abundant experience, you ALWAYS REMEMBER to cover all the tiny little details so many others skip over, because they’ve forgotten what it was like to not know them and assume the audience knows them too.
Now I’m no beginner at Sketchup, but I use it so infrequently it takes me ages to get back into it and there were always lots of holes in my knowledge (because others didn’t explain it well enough). So when I saw you’d done this long, in depth video it was great to start from the very beginning even though 99% of what you said I already knew. I’ve got to congratulate you on delivering the best explanation of the basics I’ve ever come across (and I’m only 20 mins in when writing this). You’re such a brilliant teacher/educator because you ALWAYS make sure the foundation principles are covered properly, and don’t rush just to satisfy stupid TH-cam algorithms (or those with short attention spans!). Well done and thank you - Just fantastic 🙌
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Outstanding! Thank you so much for this.
I tried SketchUp a couple months ago and could barely draw a board. I followed along the whole video, and while I made some mistakes, and need more practice, I have a much improved idea of how it works.
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The whole video I just kept gasping... I've been using SketchUp very very wrong!
Same here ! Lool
I am a patrion member who has been watching for years. I have also been building computers for years. I have tried sketch up in the past but I was trying to build it by making a board and then trying to make it into my project. Steve, this was the best hour and some I have spent in a long time. Thank you so much for explaining sketch up in this way. I can’t wait to start my next project. Best regards
Something nobody seems to utilize, the slot holes in the drill-press foot. They are there so you can mount and move the press front to back. If you extend the floor of the stand out the back further creating a shelf, you can strap in long stock for end drilling by swivelling the drill-head around, loosening the bolts in the slots and sliding the press back, retighten (big wing nuts). Various clamping/height devices can be fashioned to hold stock. Press stand only puts the press stand out a few more inches off the wall. Also use the long cubby created to store long-ish press accessories, fence and stuff.
Excellent tutorial! I have tried to use Sketchup with very limited success. You have answered a number of questions which caused me problems, and I now feel much more able to design my own project. THANK YOU very much for taking the time to make this video!
Steve: Finally I found someone that really knows how to explain the use of SketchUp. I will try what I have learned today and if I have doubts I will go back to the video in order to reinforce the learnings, I have subscribed to your site and I will be looking for new videos, by the way I am 87 yrs. old and I started in carpentry about 2 years ago as a hobby I live in Mexico and defending myself from Covid!!!
I've used Sketchup for years to help design projects and I muscled my way through each project. Your tutorial has changed my view and my world. I'm gonna love making plans again. Too cool!
There are probably too many comments to see this, but THANK YOU! this is the sketchup tutorial I needed. I enjoy your teaching method and am used to it with your other videos. This gave me insight into basic things that went over my head from other videos. Thank you Thank you Thank you!
Thanks Mike! 👍
I wish woodworking were more popular with my generation because your channel deserves many more eyes on it. Thank you a ton!
I've watched a handful of Kickstarter videos on SketchUp and this blows most of them out of the water. Thank you for sharing.
Not sure why but I understand this Sketchup tutorial video more than the others people recommend for woodworking. Thanks for making this. I have been extremely frustrated with sketchup in the past but now I understand what I was doing wrong.
Steve, just got to tell you. I love your videos, thanks so much. I'm an occasional DIYer but been upgrading my shop inspired by your videos. Bought a sliding miter saw, and a kreg jig, and now learning sketch-up. You are a good teacher! Greetings from Covid-19 home confinement in Belgium.
Thank you so much Steve! I have dabbled with Sketchup several times but gave up because ot appeared to behave very randomly on my pc. I have the 2017 install but made the mistake of clicking the Try Sketchup Free?Sketchup Pro buttons instead of heading straight for Start using Sketchup, and just got lost entirely.
Your video is an absolute godsend. I will finally be able to plan what I intend, as long as I can get it to print the plan as well!
I can't believe an entire hour and a half of sketch up tut, this says a lot about your presentation skills. Very thorough and easy to follow. Keep it up @Steve Ramsey 💯
THanks so much Steve. You remind me of the best teachers in my life. Smooth, self-effacing, articulate, thoughtful of what we need, and of course immensely skilled in the subject. You conveyed so much to us in such a short packet. THANK YOU>
I needed this video. I'm planing to make 3 in 1 workbench. Bought Makita rt0700 router, makita 5705r circular saw and bosch gst160 jigsaw. This will help me make a plan to build a table. Thank you.
This is really helpful tutorial for a beginner like me. Thanks Steve Ramsey
Hi Steve, Thank you so much for this tutorial. I've tried sketchup before and couldn't quite get it...this build along was exactly what I needed to get going on projects. I recently lost my job due to COVID shutdown and it feels really good to be able to gain a skill regardless if I'll ever use it in my professional life. If you ever doubt that you have made a positve impact on the world just look to this comment to know that you've made a difference in mine. Using Sketchup helps me stay positive and optimistic about the future and it's needed now more than ever.
Just a quick one. When you make multiple copies of the same cut like the ones for drawer runners all you need to do is move one and then type 2x or 3x or however many you need and it will create that many for you separated by the same distance. I hope that makes sense. Say you created the whole drawer. You move the whole group by 3.75" then you press 2x and it creates 3 drawers for you spaced 3.75" apart
Hands down the best tutorial on sketchup for building things! I have watched many videos on this subject but they all do it from a point of you of someone that already knows about sketch up and how it works. This is the first one I have seen that has been explained as if you’ve never seen it before so that I can understand it as a beginner. Thank you!
Great video. I've used sketchup five or six times a year basically since it came out, and I've got to say I've been doing it very wrong. You've probably reduced my design time by 2/3, so you've probably saved me 20 hrs/year from now on. Not a bad return for watching an hour long video. I just wish it had been out 2 days ago, you coulda saved me a couple more hours.
Thanks
Hi steve, I have watched your woodworking videos for a few years and I always believed you to be a VERY good teacher, well, this has proved to me you are A brilliant teacher ! I used to use Sketchup , but kinda stopped when i bought a tablet, having just bought a 2 in 1 tablet come laptop, i decided once again to use S/up, decided to find a short video to remind me how best to use it, and found yours.I am 70 year old, not brilliant health, lung problems and now prostate cancer, so cant do much woodworking as i used to enjoy.But now I can start to re use S/up, and this is tnanks to you my friend, so a big thanks for all your efforts and i am trying to donate £50 to you as a thanks, i know its not much, but i hope you take it in the spirit it is given, all the very best for your future, big thanks from Garry in the UK
Thank you so much Garry. Sorry to hear about your health. Glad to hear I've been helpful. 👍👊
Thank you very much for this. I've been working on teaching myself Sketchup and am relieved it's not just me who struggles with the axis flip thing! It drives me berserk since I'm usually quite good at thinking dimensionally.
I’m almost certain I have never commented on a TH-cam video, been a fan of yours for a long time now. Started wood working 8 years ago or so (officially). Your channel drastically and instrumentally took my wood working to a serious level (at least according to friends and family). Steve, I have to be honest, this video just took me to another level again. I can’t thank you enough! There’s a good chance I will be extending my learnings to your website as well. Thank you again!
After reading the Comments that have been posted it stands out to me that your intuitive method of teaching sketch up is by watching something like this, but having said that your tutorial is hands down the best I've seen. I bought a book on sketch up ! I think it's a doorstop now lol I would echo the sentiments if all who have posted adding that it's also the Dogs Gonads. ! Keep up the good work !
For someone who never looked at Sketch up this was an amazing tutorial,man you’re a natural, thank you .
Great tutorial to get started! The flips are easier with new Sketchup versions as they highlight all of the component's axes with the actual axis colour when you select "Flip" so figuring out which is correct is very intuitive.
Minor issue: The mirrored dado after copying the base doesn't work - the edit is reflected on the top copy at a relative position, not a "mirrored" position. So you need to flip it along another axis, exactly as you later do to correct the same issue with the sides. Not sure how the top and bottom worked originally...
Thank you for making such a comprehensive tutorial - very easy to follow along with! I was confused about using SketchUp when I first saw it, now I feel much better about it.
One thing for my fellow Mac users:
To duplicate, do the same thing Steve does with the Move tool, except it's Option+Click
Steve, Thank you so much for this. I am member of Weekend Woodworkers (highly recommended) and I am designing my own miter table with collapsible extension wings. I did it with pencil and paper but using Sketch up really helps with perspectives. You are a master of many skills, Steve, thanks for sharing them with us mere mortals.
When I'm making any thing, I use guide lines all the time. It helps to snap to where I want it. And at time I let the guide lines get out of control where I have too many. I hit my assigned short cut "CTRL+G" and all the guide lines are now gone. I also want to point out that I do understand you stated this video is guided towards someone who never used Sketchup. I'm just adding some pointers to help. I am in now way of an expert. I have been using Sketchup for some time now (off and on) and I do continue to learn more about Sketchup. Great videos and educational. Thanks for making them.
I'm about 11 months late in this game but I have to tell you that this is a great tutorial. This one along with another one by April Wilkerson has given me a lot of info and confidence to work use Sketchup. Thanks Steve!!!!!
Simple way to remember your flipping is same way you Described your axis to start X,Y,Z (Red, Green, Blue) Red is Flip Left/Right, Green is Flip Forward/Back, and Blue is Flip top/bottom. Hope this helps.
Steve; Thank you so much for this video on Sketchup. I've been using it for several months, but couldn't' find answers to several questions...until now. I really enjoy your videos and like the way you present them. Thanks again...Steve Forster
Well... 2 years ago I built the California King bed from your video. (I dunno; only took you 20 mins, but I spent a month of afternoons on it! LOL) Now I need a night table for my wife's side. I'm going to use Sketchup to design it. This video is awesome. I watched it thru once, now I'm going to follow along. (Using Web based prog b/c my graphics card can't handle the 2017 version)