Nice drawing, can I use it?

[nzlowie]

Hi guy, My name is Dave and I'm a new Sketchup user... Sounds like an AA introduction! Anyway I've just started using Sketch up and think it's great, just what I've been looking for. Basic and really easy to use. I've just started to build a 3D printer and then I'll do a CNC mill or router so I need some software to draw the things I want to make. I've tried several but most have a steep learning curve but Sketchup is so simple. Only problem is out putting it to a format that 3D printing or CNC software can work with.

Can anyone point me in the right direction as I've drawn the first piece a want to make and the artifactory have a CNC router which I can use to make it.
I downloaded Cadspan and I'm starting to see how that works.

So if anyone can help I'll be most greatful. Or do I just need to upgrade to Sketchup Pro?

Thanks very much. Dave

[mitcorb]

Hi, Dave, and welcome:
The one question I can answer is that you do not necessarily need Sketchup Pro for modeling. However, as you may know, Pro does have a few extra advantages, such as Dynamic Components, Boolean capabilities, and a closed volume verification, as well as Layout. You may have to take the .skp file and convert through .obj to .stl for CNC work, which is simpler to read, than to do.
Best wishes.

[TIG]

Pro has several advantages including various additional exporters that a CNC machine's software should be able to cope with - like DXF - there are some exporters that might do it 'for-free' with Free. So first work out what the formats your machine[s] need and then see what you can do with 'Free' [+ 'free'-scripts] - otherwise, you'll have to bite the bullet and upgrade to Pro