I am really, really new at this

kellenraid

The only design background that I've had is BobCad. Watching some tutorials, I found that SU is much easier. But there are a few things that I need help with:

is there a workbook that you have found to be of value; a book of projects that I could go through one by one to get the basics
I was proud of myself that I was able to download the curviloft plugin; I can't yet get the geometry to try it out on because of my newbie status
I want to design spoons, and there is not a straight line anywhere
before I make the spoons out of metal, I want to make models of them on my cubeX; and I cannot even get that to print out one of the "creations" to test; I am confused, for I thought that SU would export the models in .stl format, compatible with the CubeX
I know that I am still on the learning curve where it is really steep and not discouraged; but any advice would be well and greatly appreciated.
Kellen Raid

pilou

And take a look to this very cool detailed tutorial by Jean Lemire!
(only native tools !
Found at 3Dwharehouse! I have linked the file!
(of course there are a lot of models of Spoons there!

When Jean said I move with "AutoFold" = use + Alt Key!

PS 1. Cool numerous videos (80...) from the book where you can find on Youtube is "Sketchup for Dummies" by Aidan Chopra a very famous Sketchup evangelist !
He can speak French but he never speaks it!

Youtube Video

Spoon.skp

pilou

Didier Bur ( French Ruby coder has made an Export Import STL plugin!

@unknownuser said:

I was proud of myself that I was able to download the curviloft plugin; I can't yet get the geometry to try it out on because of my newbie status

I want to design spoons, and there is not a straight line anywhere

Training is the key!
Sure!

pilou

Welcome to the club!

A no orthodox method is using "subdivision" that native sketchup is not!
So you must use a plugin like Artisan or Subdivide & Smooth both by Dale Martens

Default is you are no sure to have the real curves that you want because you draw only "base cubic volumes" !

by Panixia

mitcorb

Look at this link for books by Bonnie Roskes (et al):
http://sketchupdate.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-sketchup-8-books-from-bonnie-roskes.html

That is for version 8, but the principles haven't changed. I have a book by her published for version 5.