@johnwmcc said:

On a Mac, particularly, there's no easy way to list or search to FIND the material just from its name.

Material management on a Mac is quite lacking in several respects. To help with this specific problem, use TGmatlist ( https://sketchucation.com/plugin/1168-tigmatlist ). It allows you to pick materials from a dropdown list of material names:

If you prepick the material and invoke the plugin, then the material name is displayed at the top level without having to expand the list:

The more materials you have in your model, the more useful the plugin — especially if you have naming conventions for your materials (so that materials list in a predictable order)

I'll check out Golidlocks: sounds like it could be helpful in certain cases.

OK. Thanks for the quick reply Gary.

At the moment I don't have a direct need for CutMaster... but if it becomes must, then BootCamp here we come!

Hi Gary --

I just downloaded the CabMaker trial and was about to download the CutMaster trial, then saw it was Windows only... I don't suppose that you have any plans to port it to MacOS?

I realize that it the effort/reward ratio may make it a losing proposition... but no harm in asking

@mrwip said:

For the fredo Tool, the issue is quite Old. For some reason, He decided to change the way his tool behave, quite some time ago, and I frankly don't understand why, as I think it's way less easy to use it the way it is now. Maybe he will be able to explain it, if he see this post.

He must have seen it: an update of Joint Push Pull Classic has just been released to the Sketchucation Plugin Store

https://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=323%26amp;t=6708%26amp;start=330

@bobrsta said:

I often create a group or component, move to a layer, then hit the "m" key to move the object into place. Except I just created a layer "m" instead. I can't tell you how often I do that each and every day.
Bob

Agree with all of your points, but have little faith that they'll ever be addressed.

Just finished writing a short rant at the other forum on a similar theme — the number of times a day I accidentally rename layers and components (usually with "m") because SU doesn't release focus on pressing enter — it highlights the entered text instead.

@bobrsta said:

To have the top view / parallel automatically be over where I last was in the model would be superb!
Bob

An available solution to your last request is provided by the Eneroth Relative Top View plugin, which works pretty much exactly that way. (If only she was designing the SketchUP UI I'd be so happy ... I'm a big fan of her work and her way of thinking)

As I replied to pbacot in this thread (http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=179%26amp;t=67365) I have a Dell U3415W running off a 2014 13" MacBook Pro RD.

I was originally planning to go your route (27-28" 4K) but on researching it I was concerned about 4K compatibility issues and the impact on graphics speed with my IRIS 5100 integrated graphics, so I decided to go ultrawide and I'm really happy I did.

The huge real estate results in an equally massive increase in productivity, without the complication of a dual external monitor setup. If you're going to drive a lot more pixels (3440 x1440) might as well see a lot more on your screen - amazing to have full-size SU and LO windows side-by-side with no bezel in-between!

The .230 dot pitch / 111 DPI is higher than what I came from (dual monitor U2412M + 2007WFP) but is almost the same as a 27" QHD (2580 x1440) at .235 / 108. Menus and buttons are smaller than on my old monitor, but the plus is no visible pixelation.

Given that the U3415W is currently going for $639 on Amazon ( https://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraSharp-PXF79-34-Inch-LED-Lit/dp/B00PXYRMPE/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics%26amp;ie=UTF8%26amp;qid=1492800006%26amp;sr=1-1%26amp;keywords=dell+ultrawide ) it's a bit above your current budget: but I think the extra investment in productivity is worth it, given the amount of time we all spend staring at our screens.

The updated U3417W has a better screen with more curvature and much better speakers (2 x 9W) for $769, Both monitors include a 2 port upstream / 4 port downstream USB 3.0 hub, which also acts as a KVM for a dual computer setup. (eg laptop/desktop).

My current dream monitor is the new LG 38UC99-W 38" ultrawide monitor. It's a massive 3840 x 1600 pixels and future-proofed with USB-C / BlueTooth.... but costs $1500 . The entire LG 21:9 ultrawide series plays nicer with Mac OS than Dell does — which isn't a consideration for you, but is for me. There's tons of model choices — with a broad range of quality/features/price. ( http://www.lg.com/us/ultrawide-monitors )

Sorry for the long post, hope it's of some value.

@tuna1957 said:

Only thing I left out was the full extension drawer slides the piece would have in real world.

On such a nice piece — with dovetailed drawers — wouldn't undermount slides be a better option than (side-mount) full-extension?

Had a crazy week, but have been testing SU2017 on my MacBook for most of it.

Not sure overall if it's slowed down compared to 2015: overall graphics seem smother, but with a bit of lag in some operations. Whether or not that bodes poorly for really large models I can't say. Bottom line is that it's still works fine for my needs, at least on mid-sized models (~35MB).

I'm running a Dell U3415W off a MacBook Pro RD (13" 2014). I really like the huge real estate, and it's especially nice having SU and LO windows set up side-by-side. Haven't had any display issues with it, though the Windows-only drivers mean that software controls aren't available on the mac.

If I was buying now I would also look at the LG ultrawide and the newer Dell (U3417W, I think) — but the price/performance of the 3415 still makes it a compelling choice for a monitor of that size. (it can be had for ~CAN$900 if you wait for it to go on sale)

Came from a U2412M, so the one issue for me was the dot pitch... everything is relatively smaller on the ultrawide (menus, text etc) and it's sometimes tough on my old eyes.

Been following this throughout the process.

Really fascinating how it evolved, and all the material and design challenges that had to be addressed (the lifting frame being but one example). Totally impressive all the way around. Looking forward to seeing pics of the completed installation.

Congrats on making it to the end?!

Amazingly detailed models, beautifully rendered. Outstanding!

Great resource Bryan. Thanks for finding it and spreading the word.

Nice model and great renders Dave. Very cool in both colours, though I think I like the ivory version best.

Seconded. Always great to see what you come up with. Welcome back!

That's great Gary — looking forward to seeing future Stair Maker development.

Hi Gary -

I'm wondering if you're planning on adding L and U-shaped stair options to this plugin? It would seem a relatively easy thing, especially compared to what you've already created for spiral stairs.

I've been following your progress on Cabinet Maker, so I realize that you've likely not had a lot of time to devote lately to Stair Maker. It would be great if I could (eventually) use it for all the stairs I model — the majority of which are either U-shaped or L-shaped.

Any word for future development for this one?

Interesting observations regarding the centre screen inferencing 'blind spot'. This may explain why inferencing is, on occasion, so incredibly frustrating — when most of the time it works like magic. Seems the work-around for now is to draw
outside of that centre circle.

All that's missing is the beer!

I would be curious as to how you did apply the logo? Did you import a PNG (with transparent background) as a texture, then project it onto the glass? They look great.

Tray design is simple and very nice.

Thanks for your answers. I'm in the juice on a project at the moment, but when I have some time next week I'll put together some info to send you.

Not sure if I can get shop drawings for the attic truss, but I'll see if my builder can put a sketch together. He's also an engineering by training, so he shares your fastidiousness on structural details.

I've also asked him to draw the eyebrow dormer, since I've never modeled one (well, I've started started on one), let alone framed it.

I understand your approach for the framing plugin — of course you need to start with what is in highest demand.

Thanks again,

Doug

I've just downloaded the trial version and started playing with it. I've been following the development process all along, and I'm impressed with what you've accomplished.

A couple of questions:

1. Is there a specific reason why you've chosen to generate geometry as groups and not components?

It would seem to me — especially on complex models — that it would have a significant effect on file size. But more importantly, any manual changes required would propagate to all instances.

2. Do you have a timeline on when Gable walls will be enabled for attic trusses?

3. Would it be difficult to enable an option for floor/open joist truss as the bottom chord on attic trusses?

It would form a sort of attic bent that can extend the open span width — without having to place a support beam below. (we're looking at this option for our current project).

4. Any thoughts of coding eyebrow dormers? I realize that combination of coding complexity and rare demand for this style probably places it low on the priority list, if not off it entirely... but never hurts to ask!

I'm also really looking forward to your proposed framing plugin and seeing it develop as well. The design/build firm that I do most of my work for specializes in Passive House construction, so we would have different requirements for wall assembly types from most. If you're interested, I would be happy to provide our requirements / input on sample wall assemblies.

Thanks for all your effort in building a very comprehensive and useful tool.

Doug