I don't know if this helps,

I used the CurviShear plugin to move the traced rail line into 3d space, then extruded that line and thickened the extrusion.

I could load both of these files. Renaming the zip file as rbz caused no problem.

I also note that the actual name of the file when it is installed is as per the plugin's real name - it matters not what name the rbz file is given. (I haven't used this method of installing plugins before so this was slightly unexpected but perfectly logical of course).

Gai,
You are right of course - it was the mention of 300 leftovers from previously downloaded models that tripped me up.

Just delete the relevant skm files using the file system.

I tried this on my Mac with my own files. The icon of the zipped file I renamed with an rbz extension became the generic unix executable file icon. In Sketchup, this file was not greyed out but the loader said it couldn't load it for "some unknown reason".

I then recalled that not all zip files and utilities are created equal and there is a variety of flavours. For the aforementioned test, I was using the Mac's built in file compressor but when I used a third party zip file utility (BetterZip) I was able to install the renamed file without problems.

The icon of the rbz file was different too- this time it showed up as a document icon

@mitcorb said:

....
As you can see, if you use too tight a curve, the components in the string wander off.

That doesn't seem to be the case for me, Instead, the components just scrunch up and intersect one another

The Solid Tools in the Pro version have plugin counterparts that can be used with the Free version;
Bool Tools ($ 10 at smustard) and Boolean-Oscoolean (which is free.

I used Bool Tools before I got the Pro version of SU and it worked fine, saving a lot of clicking and erasing.

@dave r said:

I understand about the unique leg now. A close look that the crossing of the two stretchers is revealing.

Almost like real woodwork..

TIG,
Got this from the latest version:-

Error Loading File OBJexporter.rb
/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins/OBJexporter.rb;262; parse error, unexpected '}', expecting ')'
            }
             ^
/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins/OBJexporter.rb;276; parse error, unexpected kEND, expecting ')'
/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins/OBJexporter.rb;280; parse error, unexpected kEND, expecting ')'
/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins/OBJexporter.rb;801; parse error, unexpected kEND, expecting ')'
end#class OBJexporter ##########################################################
   ^
/Library/Application Support/Google SketchUp 8/SketchUp/Plugins/OBJexporter.rb;816; parse error, unexpected $, expecting ')'

A nice model. Another question though. There is something odd about the fluting at the bottom of the legs - was it intended to stop where it does?

Curviloft splines

I tried to edit this by adding a couple of extra shortcuts but they do not appear in the circular palette.

One was a shortcut to a plugin, the other a shortcut to a Draw Menu item.

Is there a way to add extra spaces/icon on the palette?

Didier, those things you mention work fine for me.

I got this working now. The setup file left the file CrysisRigth.rb behind in the installation folder. I moved it manually to the Google plugins folder and everything worked.

I normally use keyboard shortcuts but there is no doubt your plugin is very fast and because I use a Space Navigator, I think with a little practice, I would be faster by using your plugin as then I could keep my left hand on the Space Navigator and my right hand on the mouse.

I think if you could customise what appears in your system it would be even more useful.

Do please port this to the Mac!

I followed your instructions but nothing appears for right click, except the usual context menu.

To try your plugin, I am using Sketchup 8 free version in Parallels on a Mac. Every other Windows program I use in Parallels works perfectly so I think that the problem lies with the plugin or something I am doing wrong.

Nice demo Jean! I like your second method, pretty crafty.

Only on a Mac though...

I'm stunned I knew something you guys didn't! Do I get a medal?

I am sure I learnt about it somewhere here though. I owe all I know about SU to this forum..

This is not a Plugin and it is available in the Free version of 8 for both Windows and Mac; I normally use a Mac but downloaded the Windows version to try it and it is basically identical.

Go to Window>Preferences>Shortcuts and then enter View for the filter criterion. Scroll down a bit to find the color by axis command. Set a shortcut and there you go.

This is from the Pro version for the Mac

and this fropm the Free version for the PC

That is a nice piece - well done!

I am intrigued by the use of ebonised cherry. Here in the UK cherry is an expensive wood and I would have used something cheaper if it were to be ebonised - probably beech for use in the frame.