Sketchup as cutlist generator

revelever

Hi All-

I work primarily in metal and wood- furniture and millwork. Usually I will build a model in Sketchup for the client, then rework that same model for the shop. If I am building with plywood one of the last steps inevitably involves nesting all of the individual elements of the carcase into 4' x 8' sheets, adding dimensions, and using the printouts as cut lists for the shop. This is especially useful when working with a directional plywood ie. sliced walnut, etc., b/c it retains a holistic sense of grain orientation for the saw operator.

So, lets say the whole model is a group of groups, which groups are comprised of components. Usually I will create the model to within 90% completion, then make a copy of said model within the same document, then rearrange that model into a 2D array of sheets, boards, etc. Using this method, last minute changes to the original model are mirrored in my cut list. This is essential part of my Sketchup process as a designer / builder whos clients sometimes like to change their mind right as the wood is going through the saw.

With that process in mind, now to my question(s):

-Is there a script / plugin that will 'flatten' a 3D composition of components into a pseudo 2D arrangement? I'm not concerned about nesting them into given dimensions at this point, though that would be nice as well.
-Is there a plugin that will label components as per the outliners description, and / or with their dimensions along a given plane / face?

Is there a way to create a secondary group, such that, in the example above, components could be grouped per 4' x 8' sheet ras well as per carcase. This would require the ability for component to have two states I would imagine.

Any and all pointers greatly appreciated.

TECHDAVE02

I use these 2 items plus one of the cutlist plugins but you may need to make another model of all the groups exploded a look at the model would help

http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323%26amp;t=39152
http://www.maxcut.co.za/professional-vs-community-edition/csdz

revelever

@techdave02 said:

I use these 2 items plus one of the cutlist plugins but you may need to make another model of all the groups exploded a look at the model would help

here are a few examples. as you can see in the case of the store, I have everything arranged in situ, and then have a mirror model of it in the periphery, each with their own scene(s). this can get messy, but it works.

The closet carcass is a little neater, as I've taken the time to rearrange the mirror components into a 2D plane.

I've looked at maxcut, but maybe I need to take another look.

http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323%26amp;t=39152
http://www.maxcut.co.za/professional-vs-community-edition/csdz

heres a closet carcass I am working on now, sans doors

here's a store I did a while back.

TECHDAVE02

I PM-ed a file