Can't find resize-option
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Hello.
I just tried wo make a technical drawing for something I want to build.
But I wonder how I can change different sizes in my object with accuracy. I found this Video, but I just can't find these options in my SketchUp. Can somebody help me?
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=c-OYXKwg2WY
In General: Can I make technical drawings with SketchUp? I'm not a professional in this, it's just a hobby. I just try to put something together on the screen and maybe give it away to a company to produce it for me accoring to my drawing in SketchUp. Is this programm able to do what I want or is it more a toy and not really made for accurate technical drawings?
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i think that video is of a yet to be released plugin, so its not surprising you couldnt find the option
In general SU isnt really suited for technical drawings. It is possible, but not really recomended.
Theres lots of programs more suited for it listed in this thread: http://www.sketchucation.com/forums/scf/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=7235
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Hello,
Sure SketchUp is capable of accurate drawing. Notice the little Value Control Box in the bottom right corner of your SU window (if you cannot see it, it's hiding behind the task bar - maximize your window and it will appear).
Now for a simple exercise, start drawing a line and notice how the length value is changing in the VCB. If you now type an exact value (don't click in there just start typing) then hit Enter,your line is drawn at that very exact length.
You can do this with any entity where accurate dimensions/angles can apply. When you read the manual ("SU Guide") , at about the end of each such tool there are tips about entering exact values.
Also read about the scale tool to get some ideas how you can scale parts of an already existing model.
Finally a tip for your mechanical designs (especially if they consist of rather small parts): SU has a certain limitation with creating too small faces (say about 1mm or 1/16 inch). The general workaround is to model everything 10 or even 100 times bigger and at the end scale it down to real life size.
Have fun
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Yes, I know the VCB-Box and finally found out, once I use the resize-tool, that I'm able to use this box again and put the size into it.
But what I can't figure out is how to position a new object into an existing at a specific position.
In my case I want a circle being 30mm away from the corner of the other object. IS there a way to do this?I made a Video, but can't upload because of avi-restrictions (even if it's only 300kb).
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Use the tape measure tool.
Select the tool, click on an edge and then drag the construction line the required distance (enter a value in the VCB). Use orthogonal edges to set up the centre of the circle.
Hope this helps,
Bob -
Hi,
I have used CAD for years. At first I thought SU was inexact but I just needed to learn how to use it--and for architectural work it's fine. Also I've seen extensive mechanical engineering work on it.
Use the measuring tape tool, protractor, snapping and inferences. There's demos on these. Try Aidanchopra.com videos.
For some things commonly done in CAD it will not be as efficient. Big thing in CAD is effective dimension and text tools. Actually spend a lot of time on that side of things for working drawings and SU is limited there.
It is not a CAD program, designed for making working drawings and such. I've seen it incorporated in a CAD workflow. But it is not a toy if you use it right for modeling. Just check out the Gallery. I've heard mention of one person trying to use exclusively SU for working drawings.
Try using in conjunction with a simple CAD 2d program that can export DXF or DWG. I actually don't know of a cheap one, or if that would be reliable enough for you.
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