On Thu, 31 Aug 2017 07:34:23 -0400, "dadiOH" wrote:


"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
web.com...

Try this simple thing: A hollow box with open side. Draw a square, then
draw a square inside it. Use the push pull tool to pull the outer face
to the desired height. (You can select the tool then enter the value.)
Now use the push-pull tool to pull the inner face to the desired depth.

Two comments for the OP.

1. You learn Sketchup by using it. I had it for a couple of years, played
a bit but nothing clicked. Then I watched the videos, played some more and
voila...CLICK. I seriously doubt any program comes even close to being as
useful for woodworkers (or any other "makers"), just mind Leon's admonition
about components.

2. Entering dimensions can be very useful but it can also be confusing. As
you draw, the dimension of what you are drawing appears in the little box at
the lower right; if you want to specify a dimension, just stop drawing and
type it. Don't try to click on the box and type, just type.

And to me that's counter-intuitive, but I figured it out. Well, actually
the first tutorial told me. But I played around some before getting into
the tutorials.

I guess I just need to devote more time to using it. I think I have a
basic understanding of the basic tools -- however, I'm still waiting for
that Click to happen.

What started this is that I made a quality, very well insulated, and
heated Dog House. I have been adopted by three stray hound pups and it
gets down into the low teens and sometimes single digits here.

I did a few rough sketches, jotted down the dimensions, made a materials
list, bought everything and made the house.

Then.... I thought, What the Hell, I'll draw it up in SketchUp - it
should be an easy project - I was wrong. I've spent more time than the
whole project took - and still don't have it right in SketchUp. That
has made me determined to learn it well enough that it is fun and not a
chore. At least that is the plan...

Thanks everyone for your input.
--
Jerry O.