Anyone ever use Sketchup?

[padroo]

It is a free drawing program and there is a pro version.

Looks like a great tool for designing a new garage, pole barn or anything else.

I downloaded it but haven't really got started on using it yet.

http://www.sketchup.com/download

 

[firworks]

I've used it quite a bit. If you want some good tutorials for generally getting around in it and drawing things check out Jay Bates' Youtube Channel:

He has a playlist of SketchUp videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoEggaYbboJEVR_uRhSO4LfiSpp41dXn_

He doesn't do any architectural stuff like designing a garage but for learning the basics I find him to be pretty good. "Spacebar triple-click G for component"

 

[JCQuick]

if you where to ask "what do you guys recommend to draw shop" you would have received many that says sketchup

 

[dfiler2]

It's a great program, has been around for about 15 years, one cool thing I just discovered is Google Earth allows you to place your garage drawing into your map.

 

[yfz 450]

I used it for a little while in high school 10 years ago during our cad class. We used sketchup more for drawing parts like gears and nuts and bolts. I took cad for 2 years in high school and 1 year in college. I feel it is a better program but I may be partial to it because the amount of experience I have in it over sketchup

 

[Bessy]

I'm mildly addicted to Sketchup actually! the free version is limited sure, especially when trying to do compound curved surfaces and whatnot, but overall for more than a few projects in the shop, or for "dreaming" (since I don't currently have my own shop) and whatnot, it's the Cat's A$$!

I'm pretty well 90% self taught in terms of CAD software, so I know that I probably only know 75% of it's capabilities, but I've still done some pretty cool stuff with it!

 

[jonascap]

it's awesome, I use it daily for all sorts of projects. I am an engineer by day and use AutoCAD at work and have used others as well. I actually believe it's user interface is faster and easier than professional versions.

TAKE ADVANTAGE of the 3D warehouse, it's awesome to utilize other's work and then put your own touches on things. Spend the time to go through the tutorials, it will greatly improve your speed and capabilities.

 

[padroo]

I hope to take time this winter to spend time and learn the program.

I hope some more people find this link and try it.

 

[BeachBoy]

I ise it for some projects.

If you are used to Catia/Solidworks it's totally different so takes a lot of google to do what you want.

I am getting pretty good but I have a very hard time with layers and trying to hide/show parts of my plan..



Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have used Sketchup a little and find it a very powerful tool.

Depending on how complex your drawing is, you do NOT need a very powerful computer. I do most of my work on a laptop.

Take the tutorials. The most difficult thing is to think in 3D ALL OF THE TIME !!

 

[YukonXL04]

I have been using it for about a year now. I first started so I could draw out and design subwoofer boxes, then started drawing out the garage. It really is amazing what you can do with it. Now it's my go to to view anything in 3d. It's great that you can take measurements of odd angles and lengths

 

[cliftonbros89]

I've used it before. I mainly used it for a few ideas for tables I wanted to make

 

[MushCreek]

I'm old (62) and not very computer literate, but I designed my entire house with it. The drawings were good enough to submit to the Building Department; in fact, they commented on how nice my drawings were.

 

[YukonXL04]

I'm old (62) and not very computer literate, but I designed my entire house with it. The drawings were good enough to submit to the Building Department; in fact, they commented on how nice my drawings were.

My building dept like mine alot as well. However they weren't stamped by an engineer so no go.

First guy said they were good but I had to move the building a little bit. Next guy was good till he realized I was missing something. The 3rd said it had to be stamped lol.... come on!

 

[speed bump]

I'm thinking about making a 3d printer my winter project so I downloaded it recently. The non-pro version makes me think of a clunky version of Autocad 05 or 07 (whichever version they decided you could work in 3d rather than connecting 2d planes for 3d). I suppose once I learn the keyboard shortcuts it will be faster and easier to draw stuff. Until then I keep having to remind myself to read the screen and see what is happening.

 

[MushCreek]

No engineering required here. In fact, they only wanted three of the hundreds of drawings I made- basically enough to determine what my TAXES would be.

 

[Nexussian]

Those that have used Sketchup, I would be very interested to know if that was before, or after Google sold it?

Which version would be good to know as well.

 

[Todd.Brock]

For you guys that designed your house, how did start ? With a drawing or s template? I am building a deck and covered porch and while going through the permit discovery session, my "drawings" were too rough to submit. They said do it on a PC, but had no recommendations. Essentially I need a side elevation, top down and front elevation. Do I upload a picture of my house and then draw it out? I got so frustrated with it in August , I gave up until spring time. That would give me time to get the permit out of the way and break ground when the weather breaks in March/April. Any suggestions ? Or anyone want to draw a deck and covered porch?