Thanks Dave..I too also like to try to accomplish things with native tools first before using plugins and such..though having plug ins is always useful...and since im new to SU i will be trying both methods as soon as i get a chance..

Quick question for either of you...should i keep asking questions within this post or create mew topic per question??

@earthmover said:

I would just delete the inner edges until you get the shell of each piece. Then use the plugin Joint Push Pull and set it to thickening (tab key) and extrude all the faces (simultaneously) a quarter inch. Then group the piece.... doing the same for each.

THank you, definetly need to get plug ins it seems..also thanks for the other files i will take a look at them when i get a chance..

As stated previously jsut started this and seeing how im new to Su im having trouble figuring stuff out..in the attached SU file you see a image of the grill im modeling along with that top of it modeled (quickly) what im havent trouble with (and probably just overthinking it) is hollowing out the inside of the top..basically just giving it like an 1/8" thickness and hollow the rest..you know like a real grill...lol..any help would be grealy appreciated..

Thanks

Grill.skp

@unknownuser said:

To add to mitcorb's advice....

Convert the spec PDF to jpeg and import as image into SU

Use tape measure to measure a known length, say the 9" bit, then type 9" and hit enter. The drawing is resized to reflect the correct scale.

Now start modeling in sections. The hood, base etc....

Then add the detail like handles, dials etc.

Finally turn it on and cook a mean steak

Thank you, was just going to ask about this

@mitcorb said:

Just to keep this one floating, and to help you out a bit.
I think you were implying that you would build this of distinct parts- which is what Sketchup would call Groups or Components. A group is a temporary unnamed collection of faces and edges representing a distinct object, and a Component is all of that and a "bag of bits". The difference in a Component is that it is named and placed in a the Components folder.
Additional procedure would be to make the component in the default layer0. Optionally, assign it to some other layer, and so forth. This is just a start.
Come back for more. Others please help with this.

Are you suggesting to model the different components of the grill than put them all together..What i was reffering to was modeling the grill..than the sink or fridge or whatever else im putting in it..than combining all those in one model and completing the final assembly you could say..does that make sense??

For the grill in particular i was going to just start modeling it with maybe different layers or something..though on second thought maybe i should model it seperatley..ie the top, the grates, the burners etc...think thats a better way of going about it?? Model one than make it a component than model the other than put them together??

Thanks for the help

Ok i am starting my first big project using SU..its a outdoor kitchen for my father..I have modeled one using Autocad before but would like to use SU to model a different design, getting as detailed as SU will let..I am going to start with modeling the grill (figured id model everything than put the whole thing together).. Here is a link to the grill i will be using http://www.bullbbq.com/products/bbq-grills/angus-bbq.asp
bottom of page has a spec sheet...

My question is how would other go about modeling this?? Just like to get some different views on how people model in SU...I will have more techinical SU questions as i start modeling, im sure..

Any input/advice would be helpful..

Thanks Dale. I will be starting my first project here shortly
So I am sure I will have many questions. Like you said the best way to learn
Is to just jump right in..

Hello All,

My name is Sonny and I am a relatively new user to Sketchup (ive done some simple models in the past) and new to this forum. My background is in the Civil Engineering Field utilizing Autocad. Though I am looking to get mor into the Architectural/Interior Design field and would like to use Sketchup to get somewhat of a portfolio going. I know I have much to learn in order to make my models look realistic, so I was just wondering if any of you that use SU for interior Design have any plug ins or Rubys that you reccomened I get in order to help me along the way. My first project is to design an outdoor kitchen are for my father. Well hope to get to know some of you very well and look forward to learning from everyone.

Thank you,
Sonny