SoliForum - 3D Printing Community — Should I give up?

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 13:24:37 +0000

Thanks, Krythis. Yeah, follow me is pretty slick. I appreciate the advice, fer sure.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Krythis) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 04:06:00 +0000

SketchUp is pretty good once you get used to it. Try searching YouTube for SketchUp Tutorials, they help a lot.

To slice an object for a lid etc the best way I've found is how mconsidine described it. You 'slice' an un-grouped object with a shape (rectangle), then intersect edges with model which will create the lines within your object.

If you're having trouble identifying planes on your object you can change your line colors to match that of the axis if they are on it perfectly. You can do this by going to Window>Styles>Edit and change the Color drop-down to 'By axis'. This is very helpful for identifying problem lines.

My first design in SketchUp was a rifle magazine so I feel your pain. Once you get the hang of it it is pretty good as long as you are not working on a very organic shape. Another tool to look into (if you haven't already) is the Follow-Me tool. Arc/Follow-me for your rounded edges.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 02:54:44 +0000

Matt, I keep alternating between working and studying SU. I just found out I can cut the lid off with the Section Plane tool. In fact, I think I will do a lot more studying before I resume building. Like any good newbie I'm starting to see segeral things I'm doing wrong or the hard way. SU is really a cool piece of software. Almost as cool as the folks on this forum, patiently trying to herd the noobs along toward expertise. I sure appreciate it and will pay it forward as soon as I am able. Graci.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 23:16:54 +0000

Okay, that looks like what I need. Thanks, Matt. You're great.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (mconsidine) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 20:28:47 +0000

I think if you put a rectangle around the item and then draw your lines, it might be easier. When you start or end a segment you'll get hint if you're on a face or not. See attached.

Hope this helps ...

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (mconsidine) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 15:37:43 +0000

I won't get a chance to look at the SKP file until tonight. Usually what I do is draw guideline across a plane onto which I want to put a segment and then work off of that.

Also, there the Fredo6 tools, though I've not yet gotten very good at using them
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtop … 78#p144178
It looks like "Tools on Surface" would be the one you want. That said, I've not used it ...

As far as cutting off the lid goes : Once you've got the part complete (yes, I'd round the edges of the completed piece) I'd probably pass a plane through a copy of the part at the point where the lid and part meet. Interface the two and delete everything except the lid. Do the same for the body of the part. When you're done you should have the original complete part, the lid and the body of the part. There are probably more elegant ways of doing that, but I don't know them.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:37:32 +0000

Forgot the dang Add File button. D'oh!

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:36:24 +0000

Here's the drawing:

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:24:46 +0000

Ok, here is the pic

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:24:05 +0000

Here's a snap of the design after you fixed it and I tried to evolve it toward the desired end result. I still need to make a couple of holes in the edges of the part for switches to stick out and a lid.

BTW, I want to make the top edges rounded (it is a pistol grip) so I downloaded the RoundedEdges plugin. Since the lid/cover will be fairly thin, like 2MM, I think I need to put the lid on the part, round the corners, then slice/cut the lid back off. In other words, the rounding will involve both the lid and 2-3MM of the edges as well. So, I will be wanting the best way to slice/cut the lid off after rounding.

Clear as mud?

Anyway, my persistent problem is keeping new lines in the base plane. If I mount the part on a big rectangle will that help? I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking time to school me.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (mconsidine) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 12:40:26 +0000

Can you describe or post a screenshot of what you're trying to accomplish? It might be that there is an add in or two for SketchUp that will help.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 02:07:13 +0000

Every time I touch this drawing I knock it out of kilter. How do I ensure that any new lines are on the same plane? Does everyone have this much hassle? I've never felt this inept in my life.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 20:19:07 +0000

Roger that, friend.

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (mconsidine) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 20:00:10 +0000

No problem - pay it forward

Re: Should I give up?

null@example.com (Heartlander) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 17:59:08 +0000

Matt, thank you so much! I'm so grateful that you would take time to straighten out my mess and then explain what I did wrong. What a guy. And on the Fourth of July!