LOG CABIN

[zackman]

Need to construct log cabin (exterior only). I can work with individual logs and copy
and repeat components.
Any tricks to speed it up by doing half logs on a solid wall and allow for cutting in windows and doors.
All help welcome. Thanks

[Dave R]

I don't think it would be any faster to use half-logs but it would reduce the entity count and keep the file size down. What version of SketchUp are you using?

[zackman]

I'M USING Sketchup 8 Pro

[mitcorb]

I did a log building some time back using components. This was an existing building for a Boy Scout Troop. The logs were specially cut on the ends to receive plastic foam splines for closing gaps. There were 4 different lengths of log so that the end joints were staggered and the corner logs were notched so as to extend slightly beyond the building line in a finger interlock pattern. The bottom log course was half logs.
I never could find the name of the manufacturer.
I really learned a few things during that episode.

[Dave R]

I'd go ahead and build up the walls either as log components if you want them or if you don't, as slab walls with the log profile--use Push/Pull for that. Then use the Solid tools to cut the openings. I'd make boxes that are the dimensions of the openings and thicker than the wall. Stick them where you want the openings and use Trim to cut the openings. Think of the sides of the boxes as your chainsaw cutting the openings in real logs.

[mac1]

Don't forget the following:

1. Component definitions are invariant under move, rotate and scale operation. Not with standing any special end treatments etc you only need 1 component for the logs just scale to fit;
2. For cases where no scaling etc is needed use the linear array approach to stack logs

[Gaieus]

The only problem with scaling the components is that the material applied to them will also stretch and shrink and if it is an image texture, it can be very unnatural if extreme scaling is applied.

[dtrarch]

Hi zackman

There is an old log cabin plugin that still works with SU 7.1 free and SU 8 Pro
Stroim_dom_1.0
http://rhin.crai.archi.fr/rld/plugin_details.php?id=414
Not perfect but a pretty good start.
See [View][Toolbars][We build the house] to get toolbar
See [Draw][Hause]

Check it out and see if it will help.

dtr

[dtrarch]

They are called Lincoln Logs
http://www.knex.com/Shop/home.php?cat=338&&ctt_id=27103927&ctt_adnw=Google&ctt_ch=ps&ctt_entity=kw&ctt_cli=2x9381x41418x683334&ctt_kw=lincoln%20logs&ctt_adid=7129368499&ctt_nwtype=search

dtr

[zackman]

Thanks, all of you for your input.