Hello...and HELP!
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Hello - I'm a newcomer to sketch-U-cation, just registered.
I'm not really new to SketchUp, but I might as well be. I've used an old version (free) for about five years to make detailed plans for a workshop and a barn (both completed). I've also used it to accurately display my ideas for new tent designs, work benches, barn-cabinets, shelves, a simple A-frame out-house, etc. I am not very skilled at using SketchUp -- my efforts have been slow and laborious, with many setbacks and do-overs.
I always knew I should invest the time to really learn the program...but whenever I needed to design something, I simply didn't have the time, so I just did as best I could. Even though I'm unskilled, I kept at it, because the end result was always clean, clear, and easy to follow. My construction ideas have been way off the beaten path, and have raised some eyebrows at the county building department. The printed SketchUp plans have been instrumental in obtaining building permits -- once they could really see where I was going, they gave enthusiastic approval, and my final inspections have just been two-minute pro forma rubber-stamp sessions, then back to the cabin for a cup of strong coffee.
This summer, however, I have to build my wife a "meditation room" -- a 12x16 cabin she can use for private Buddhist meditaion, and also something we can use as a guest house for visitors or at reunions. This year I'm just doing the base, framing, floor, siding, windows, door, and a roof, with a small deck -- it'll just be a shell, but weather-tight and usable -- I can insulate and dry-wall next year. I want to do it right, so finally I'm ready to put in the time needed to learn SketchUp.
I listed my version as SketchUp Make 2017...but I haven't actually downloaded it yet. Does anyone have any observations about the latest Make version that would cause you to avoid it? Are there any as-yet-unzapped-bugs?
And then I'd appreciate any advice on the best simple tutorial videos and/or books. There are so many options, I don't know where to start. My criteria are as follows: 1st, I'm retired on a fixed income, and have little discretionary money, so nothing too expensive (...and free would be best); 2nd, I don't need to make my plans fancy or pretty, just simple, basic, and accurate...much like my woodwork -- so I don't need guidance on landscaping or architectural flourishes or curved surfaces or...; 3rd, as a certified old fart, I'm not ashamed to admit that maybe I'm no longer the sharpest knife in the drawer, so I truly believe in KISS. Finally, because of the work of maintaining two homes, and family responsibilities, I don't have hundreds of hours to study, practice, and improve, so I'm looking for something that will get me up to speed pretty quickly. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Sorry to be so long-winded. Comes with advanced age and senility. I'm glad I found this site.
So again...hello.
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There's 3 books I would recommend for this type of designing...
Matt and Nicks SketchUp for Architecture
http://url.sketchucation.com/su2layout4archi
Alex Schreyer's SketchUp for Design
SketchUp for Design
Tutorials and news about architectural design, 3D modeling, rendering, drawing, extensions/plugins, making, and scripting with Trimble's SketchUp and LayOut.
SketchUp for Design (sketchupfordesign.com)
And Mike Brightmans Workflow for Architecture
http://eu.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-1118421310.html
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A few bits of advice, read as much of the forum as you can and use the search function to find things that are relevant to what you are learning.
Ask questions, with screen shots or your model when you get stuck or think there may be a better faster way.
Spend any viewing time watching youtube rather than reality tv. Practice and play as much as possible.
The more you try and fail the more you'll know what to ask and what to look for in vids.
Pinpoint the things you struggle with and ask us how we would tackle them.
As for SU2017, don't uninstall the version you have now. Each version runs separately so they can be installed side by side, you can even have multiple version running at the same time.
Check that 2017 will work on your system, there have been significant system requirement changes from 2016 to 2017. So if your setup can't use 2017 it is still possible to download an older version if necessary. -
@box said:
Spend any viewing time watching youtube rather than reality tv. Practice and play as much as possible.
This is great advice from Box!
The basic videos at Sketchup.com are excellent. Master the basic tools!
and I particularly found "The Sketchup Show" series of tutorials on YouTube.com incredibly helpful.And if you make the time to read thru the different posts on this Forum, your modeling insights and skills will be seriously enhanced!
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My thanks to you all -- Rich, and Box, and sfto1 -- for your inputs.
I think, before I buy any books, I'll take Box's advice and read a lot more of the forum postings, and try the sketchup.com videos, and see what else I can use to learn on the fly.
I don't watch reality TV shows, but I do waste time watching NCIS and Blue Bloods and their ilk. [sigh] I'll try to do better.
Thanks again. If I produce a basic design for my 12x16 meditation room, I'll post it. It won't impress anyone.https://sketchucation.com/forums/posting.php?mode=reply%26amp;f=79%26amp;t=67671#
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