This is exactly what I need. Where can I find a tutorial on how to make this? Could you attach the actual file so I can do some further modifications?

Thanks,

Bob

I am trying to design a component for a project. Sketchup should be able to handle this but as a newbie, I am not sure how to get it done.

I want to create a 2" diameter by 2" high cylinder that has two 3/8" intersecting "tubes" bisecting the cylinder from the curved edge. The angle between the two tubes is 60 degrees.

When complete, the cylinder will have 3/8" rods inserted into the four holes created on the edge of the cylinder. When viewed from the top, you will see a circle with four rods radiating from it in a narrow "X" pattern. The angle between the rods will be 60 degrees.

I would really appreciate it if someone would help me get started on this project. Creating the intersecting tubes has been a real challenge for me.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

Thanks Mac, I have encorporated your roof into my model. It will be much easier to build. I will post a finished model soon.

Bob

Thanks again Mac1. I think I understand and agree that having a flat roof would be much easier to build and probably cost a lot less. If I raise the center post furthest from the fireplace, (or lower the hight of the post at the fireplace) to the point where the roof will all be on one plane, it should work out. I do not know how to do the math to figure out how much to raise or lower these posts. Could I use guidelines instead?

Bob

Thanks Mac1. Your solution appears to be flat while using Tig's method I ended up with several facits. How did you come up with your rendering?

Bob

I have come along way on this model. I know it is not perfect but for a first attempt, I will take it. The main purpose of creating this model is to sell the idea to my wife and get some bids from potential builders.

The last things that I need to do are to put on the roof and decorate with some furniture. I am at a loss as to how to add the roof. I have not heard from Tig, (who has been extremely helpful), in a few days so have to assume that he is busy helping some one else. If anyone can tell me how to make the roof, I would really appreciate it.

As for the furniture, I have scoured the Warehouse and not found any suitable outdoor furniture. Are there any other sources for components where I might find these items?

As always, I really appreciate all the help.

Bob

Outdoor Room-5.skp

I have made a lot of progress. The rafters are drawn and I have added some planters and started working on the fireplace. My latest stumbling blocks are how to paint on the roof and how to fix the errors I have in some of the panels, (is panel the the right word?)

I am sure that making the roof will be easy once I understand how this is done. A little help please.

One of the biggest problems that I run into constantly is that I somehow inadvertently draw a line or place a marker in the wrong place which causes panels to not behave the way they are supposed to.

There are several places in this model that display this problem. Some panels are white, some are blue, why is this? One panel appears to be a curve when it should be straight. If someone could tell me what I am doing wrong to cause this and more importantly what I can do to fix the problems, I would appreciate the advice.

Once I get the roof on and the geometry fixed, I will be ready to start applying textures, (again, is this the correct word?). I am sure that I will again be asking for some more help when I start that part of this project.

I plan on using wood for the wooden things and rock every place else. The texture library that comes with this program is fairly limited. I am fairly certain that there is a vast library of textures out there that I should be able to download. I would appreciate it if someone would direct me to these resources.

Thanks again to all who are helping me with this project. Here is the latest model.

Bob

Outdoor Room-5.skp

Wow! It is amazing how much easier things are when you know what you are doing. I did not know about the group or divide tools. I have drawn the rafter center lines on one half of the roof. Here is the lasted version of the model.

UPDATE:

I just figured out how to use the Extrude to Fact tool. Very cool. I now have the rafters on one side of the roof. The next step is to copy them to the other side. I do not know how to do that or how to install the ridge and intersect everything. Once I get through with that, I will probably need some help painting on the roof.

Just getting this done makes me feel powerful. Once you figure out how to do these things they are very easy. Unfortunately for the newbie who has no clue the first few steps are kind of tough. Thanks for your patience.

Bob

Outdoor Room-5.skp

Thanks for your help Tig. The problem is that I do not even know how to get started. Your tips assume that I have more knowledge of how to use SketchUp than I do at this point. I have the trapazoid that marks the edges of the rafters. I have installed the plug-ins that you provided.

Please give me a hint as to what the first few steps are.

Bob

Thanks to both Tig and Peter. I am afraid that I am just too new at this to be able to duplicate Tig's work. At this point, I do not even understand all the terminology. Is it possible to send me the model or post the file in this forum?

The next step will be adding the roof. Suggestions on how to do that would be greatly appreciated.

I really appreciate the help.

Bob