I believe the graphics card won't make much difference in sketchup.
I have two virtually identical computers - I running with a K4000, the other with a GTX680. Both perform equally well with sketchup.
My understanding is that CPU speed (which you have) is the key thing for sketchup, and of course optimising your models to reduce complexity. T

thanks Dave

• Mick

Hi,

I've been away from sketchup for some time... I went to open a downloaded file today and it said it had been created by a newer version of sketchup. I went to the check for updates menu item and it says it can't find an update.

I've got a pro licence and here's my current version:

do I just download the trial installer and add my licence details or is there a better way?

Thanks

• Mick

Why not create an xyz file in excel or similar: 3 columns for X, Y and Z coordinates describing your grid (which doesn't have to be uniform), then use a plugin to import the points and triangulate - you only get one set of points that way. I seem to remember the plugin might have been something like 'cloud' or 'points cloud' and there was a version that TIG had which did the same thing which I think is called TIG_points_cloud_triangulation.rb
Cheers

• Mick

Have a look at this thread http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=393786#p393786 and download the file in that post for an example.
Best of luck

• Mick

I seem to remember Artisan will allow you to 'roughen' (i.e. opposite of smooth) a mesh. I forget how though, but might be worth a look.

I'm not sure where I've heard this, but I understand that CNC laser cutting will be heaps slower on cutting arcs from a sketchup file compared to something like autocad that does true curves. So this could translate into higher cutting costs given all the curves in your design. Only going on hearsay, but might be worth investigating.
Cheers

• Mick

Here's a bit more detail on the drape/stamp method: http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=393786#p393786
Cheers
-Mick

Very nice work ! amazing progress since your last post.

I guess you've seen some of the inspirational boat work by Axeonalias in the WIP forum? I don't remember any how to guides in his posts, but you can see the progress over time on some great models.