I've been playing with the basics. I need a triangulated support strategy to rigidly attach the bike frames to a floor frame made up of aluminum ladder segments that are bolted together. Because the idea is to keep as much floor accessible as possible (for sleeping), I need something like a space frame arraignment to keep everything rigid. I know that this doesn't have much to do with modeling, but there are some engineers and designers that visit these pages. I hope this isn't too far off topic. I found some plumbing patches that bolt onto water pipes. They are rubber-lined and come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Not too difficult to model. So I have been playing with this idea, but I wondered if anyone had any suggestions.[image: 1yrn_Kit.jpg]

@pbacot said: Box, I got some files for you to fix up. Will PM soon.... Sure, no problem, you have the sacks full to send along with the files I assume, I don't accept firstborns these days, too much trouble.

No - the exported DAE [text-format] always has its related image-files in a folder of the same-name - but of course you can then make a ZIP of the DAE and its folder to send on to someone - if that is your issue... In passing... if you exporte a KMZ, then that is effectively a renamed ZIP, containing a DAE file and its images-folder inside a 'models' subfolder, with a KML file at its base level.

I suppose someone knows why. I expect it has to do with the toolbar manager they use. I'd take this over the old one any day. It's easy enough to make your own toolbars, anyway.

Yes, you can do it in in Pro OR Make... But you need to install the STL import/export Extension. Available from the Extension-WareHouse... https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/sketchup-stl There are some additional 'Solid' tools only in Pro, but you can do all of their operations 'manually' in Make if you need to - it just takes time and thought... There are also some Plugins which mimic some of these 'Boolean' operations, which you might find helpful... There are many threads in the SCF forums discussing the many various aspects of 3d-printing. You will need to make your object a 'solid' - so learn how to check for and effect 'solidity' in groups/components. Something else to keep in mind is the 'size' of your object. SketchUp's built-in tolerance is 1/1000". This is fine for all things relating to buildings, but once you go down to tiny geometry in small objects [as you might want to 3d-print] it can result in missing tiny edges and facets in some operations, destroying its 'solidity' [SketchUp assumes that the two ends of an edge closer that 1/1000" are coincident are]. These are processes like FollowMe, Intersecting and similar work by 3rd party scripts where potentially tiny facets could be created/attempted. There are well tried workarounds - e.g. making the object a component, scaling a copy of it x1000 and doing the risky operations inside that. Those changes will also replicate OK in the smaller version: delete the blown-up version when you are done. Learn to use the forums' Search tools - there are dozens of helpful posts...

@sdmitch said: Are we talking about actual fixed length component beams or just simple edges? If it is just two edges as depicted in your post, I think I can help you. Thanks for your response. I am looking at SolveSpace, which may be just the tool I'm looking for. If it doesn't work, I will contact you and see if you can hemp me. Thanks again.

Sorry, I have no experience with the exporter and how it reacts to textures.

I'm using a 2010 MBP, I'm not having any issues apart from the zoom on the trackpad really slowing down at times, a click on the Zoom Extents button clears it though.

ok I see, thanks guys

@techdave02 said: Parallel or perspective should be perspective. Told you it was a DUMB question. I generally never use the perspective view so I did not even think of it and it is not mentioned and any of the info I researched. Thanks a ton.......

I've followed the steps to correct the Square and achieved the same result as you! I really appreciate your advice on approaching and solving the problem. I'm going to try with the Oval at a later date. I'm quickly learning that for smaller sized objects to design them on a much larger scale first and scale them own to meet the need. For whatever reason, I'm reading a lot of things about how sketchup doesn't deal with things on the small scale as effectively. Thanks cotty!

Here's an example of the subdivision setting (Indigo Renderer)... [image: MtpL_subdivision.jpg]

The large toolset will only stick to the sides. However you can create your own toolbar with your selection of tools and snap it to the top.

Fantastic! Thanks. I had to mess around a bit to figure out how to look inside but I got there. Cheers.

HUZZAH! Thank you so much. It took me about 20 minutes to figure out exactly how that plugin worked, but after some trial and error it worked flawlessly. Thank for the "reverse" function as well. I couldn't figure out why some surfaces were different colors, but now I know (and knowing is half the battle!). I plan on 3D print this little guy (38mm X 38mm X 6mm) to use as a board game piece. I've made some final adjustments and I think it's "ready" but can you please look over the integrity to make sure I'm not missing something critical? You time has been much appreciated! SUCCESS!

You bet, and you may have shortcut key (H) as a toggle for this view. S

Unbelievable - and a loud responding DUH! Although I had tried that - but on reversing the opposite was face was blank. However... on then applying the material again, this time it was facing the correct way around. Dave to the rescue again! I swear - every time I think I better just take up making chocolate cakes or something, Dave comes to the rescue Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Noooo - it's a Dave!

Thanks Dave, I'll take a look.

Dave implied and demonstrated but didn't state explicitly the original cause of your problem: the geometry you intersected was too small, and this caused SketchUp to merge some vertices. Jagged edges, strange spikes, and missing faces generally result from this action. It is almost always worth your time to scale up before doing an intersect and scale back down afterward.

@gu5to said: Ok, fantastic... thank you. That was the first time I realized you could actually share the files. On that note I was wondering if it is possible to share those files between PC and Mac? For example I was hoping to install my pro version on my boss' Mac and be able to send him .skp files for him to do walkthroughs with clients. Is this possible? Cheers Mac and Windows skp files are interchangeable.