Newbie questions
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Hello everyone,
I am a new user of Sketchup and have only downloaded the free version. As I read many of the posts on the SU forums I see reference to tools like 'flip', 'weld', and others that I do not see in my version. Are these tools only available in the 'Pro' version or am I missing something in the menus? I am using the Curviloft plug-in and would like to be able to reverse an image and join the surface selections.
Also, does the 'Pro' version allow the file to be saved in another format? The .skp file will not load into my CNC router software.
I am attaching the file I am working on. the image is actually half of what I need. I want to copy this image, invert it and attach the mating contour surfaces to form a carved seat profile. model of 1/2 of a chair seat profile
Thanks for the help,
vicrider
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Hi Larry,
Weld is available on Smustard.com
Flip is part of SU's sandbox tools you have this in the free version.
The Pro version has more export options. Which are you exporting to?
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Enable flip under Windows - Preferences - Extensions
There you'll see Sandbox tools
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The 'flip' tool is available in all SUp versions - select object[s] then right-click context-menu > 'flip-along' and choose the axis to flip it around.
If you want more subtle 'mirroring' about any picked axis/plane then there is my additional Mirror.rb tool...
There is also another 'flip' tool [flip-edge] within the Sandbox tools, which flips the direction of the diagonal that has been added to split a quadrilateral face - used if you want the surface to be formed slightly differently...
The 'Weld' tool is a free [almost indispensable] utility available from SMUstard.com that takes selected edges/arcs/curves and makes them into a 'Curve' object [arc/circle/polygon are special types of 'curve', BUT any connected set of edges can become a curve - some tools like EEby... need you to 'weld' profiles/paths into curves first - some tools like 'Bezier' make a set of edges as a Bezier-curve etc]... -
Your SKP looks pretty good...
The top surface is upside down - edit the container [group] until you can select just the surface then right-click context-menu > Reverse to get it facing 'up'.
To make the two halves joined... copy the half [group] using Move+Ctrl.
Now you need to 'mirror' it - right click and choose the correct axis.
Alternatively use Mirror.rb OR the other trick is to use Scale and click a handle on the correct side-center and start to stretch it, then type -1 - it will 'flip'...
Move the two parts together, explode them and regroup.
If the join is visible re-smooth the object using right-click context-menu > Smooth........
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@unknownuser said:
Hi Larry,
Weld is available on Smustard.com
Flip is part of SU's sandbox tools you have this in the free version.
The Pro version has more export options. Which are you exporting to?
Hi Rich,
Ok, more indications of my ignorance; which apparently is fathomless. Where are the 'sandbox tools'? Under 'Tools' I see move, rotate, scale, etc but no 'flip'.
And is Weld then another plugin?
I am trying to export to BobCad, a proprietary CAD program which will then export a G code file to my CNC router controller using Mach3 software. BobCad will only accept files like .dwg, .stp, .dxf, and .cad.
Note, This is practice only for me, I am trying to determine which CAD or Drawing software to purchase in order to create models of woodworking products.
(whew) as mentioned many places in SU, my head wants to explode.....
thanks very much,
Larry
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@tig said:
The 'flip' tool is available in all SUp versions - select object[s] then right-click context-menu > 'flip-along' and choose the axis to flip it around.
If you want more subtle 'mirroring' about any picked axis/plane then there is my additional Mirror.rb tool...
There is also another 'flip' tool [flip-edge] within the Sandbox tools, which flips the direction of the diagonal that has been added to split a quadrilateral face - used if you want the surface to be formed slightly differently...
The 'Weld' tool is a free [almost indispensable] utility available from SMUstard.com that takes selected edges/arcs/curves and makes them into a 'Curve' object [arc/circle/polygon are special types of 'curve', BUT any connected set of edges can become a curve - some tools like EEby... need you to 'weld' profiles/paths into curves first - some tools like 'Bezier' make a set of edges as a Bezier-curve etc]...Wow, the information is coming fast and furious now....
I have seen the .rb extension several times. Is that a plugin extension? I don't see that tool in the Plugins index. Where do I find it.
I am also trying to get to SMUstard.com, it might be there, huh?
thanks,
Larry
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@tig said:
Your SKP looks pretty good...
The top surface is upside down - edit the container [group] until you can select just the surface then right-click context-menu > Reverse to get it facing 'up'.
To make the two halves joined... copy the half [group] using Move+Ctrl.
Now you need to 'mirror' it - right click and choose the correct axis.
Alternatively use Mirror.rb OR the other trick is to use Scale and click a handle on the correct side-center and start to stretch it, then type -1 - it will 'flip'...
Move the two parts together, explode them and regroup.
If the join is visible re-smooth the object using right-click context-menu > Smooth........[attachment=0:2hu644t3]<!-- ia0 -->Capture.PNG<!-- ia0 -->[/attachment:2hu644t3]Whoa, this is great information TIG, but it will take me some time to learn all the tools and shortcuts you mention. the model you show is pretty much what I want produce. I will go back to practicing.
great responses from everyone,
thank you very much.
Larry
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