Been playing around with creating "dynamic components", using that new
feature now available in SketchUp7-Pro.

Below is a file that contains two .skp files, one for Base Cabinet FF's, and
one for Wall Cabinet FF's. (Be sure to open any folder if it downloads that
way):

http://e-woodshop.net/files/DC-FaceFrame.zip

If you're a SketchUp7 user, you might want to give these a try and let me
know how they work for you.

(Note: you will want to "import" into an open file. On some systems you also
to may have to "explode" the component itself _once_ after its loaded into
SU to the get the "component" to by dynamic ... but try it first.)

~The Base Cabinet face frame "component" should respond to a user selected
"Cabinet Width" list box, in industry standard 3" increments, or you can
"scale" the component to any desired WIDTH using the "scale tool".

~ The Wall Cabinet "component" should respond to both user selected "Cabinet
Width" and "Cabinet Height" list box, in industry standard 3" increments, or
you can "scale" the component to any desired WIDTH and HEIGHT using the
"scale tool".

Since I always build my face frames first, then assemble the sides, top and
bottom onto them, this is a useful tool for determining cabinet WIDTHS when
designing a kitchen, and to see what will fit where, or resizing and/or
scaling/snapping into unoccupied wall or floor spaces you need to fill with
cabinet.

But either way you build your cabinets, you may find the ability to
dimension, or scale, cabinet face frames handy.

This is now especially true if you want to generate a face frame cutlist
from your model and you also own CutList Plus.

The "Cutlist 4" Sketchup plug-in linked below, is specifically designed to
work with CutList Plus ... damn nifty!

http://www.box.net/shared/m9ryf1l0ni

This is my first try with DC's, so let me know if something doesn't work,
and any comments welcome.

Thanks,

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

Welcome to the world of paramentric design.

In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.

This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.

I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
harder to use. ;^)


On Dec 19, 9:23*am, "Swingman" wrote:
Been playing around with creating "dynamic components", using that new
feature now available in SketchUp7-Pro.

Below is a file that contains two .skp files, one for Base Cabinet FF's, and
one for Wall Cabinet FF's. (Be sure to open any folder if it downloads that
way):

http://e-woodshop.net/files/DC-FaceFrame.zip

If you're a SketchUp7 user, you might want to give these a try and let me
know how they work for you.

(Note: you will want to "import" into an open file. On some systems you also
to may have to "explode" the component itself _once_ after its loaded into
SU to the get the "component" to by dynamic ... but try it first.)

~The Base Cabinet face frame "component" should respond to a user selected
"Cabinet Width" list box, in industry standard 3" increments, or you can
"scale" the component to any desired WIDTH using the "scale tool".

~ The Wall Cabinet "component" should respond to both user selected "Cabinet
Width" and "Cabinet Height" list box, in industry standard 3" increments, or
you can "scale" the component to any desired WIDTH and HEIGHT using the
"scale tool".

Since I always build my face frames first, then assemble the sides, top and
bottom onto them, this is a useful tool for determining cabinet WIDTHS when
designing a kitchen, and to see what will fit where, or resizing and/or
scaling/snapping into unoccupied wall or floor spaces you need to fill with
cabinet.

But either way you build your cabinets, you may find the ability to
dimension, or scale, cabinet face frames handy.

This is now especially true if you want to generate a face frame cutlist
from your model and you also own CutList Plus.

The "Cutlist 4" Sketchup plug-in linked below, is specifically designed to
work with CutList Plus ... damn nifty!

http://www.box.net/shared/m9ryf1l0ni

This is my first try with DC's, so let me know if something doesn't work,
and any comments welcome.

Thanks,

--www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

SonomaProducts.com wrote:
Welcome to the world of paramentric design.

In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.

This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.

I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
harder to use. ;^)

Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet.

I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to
abpw. It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a
hole in it.

--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/

On Dec 19, 5:02*pm, Morris Dovey wrote:
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
Welcome to the world of paramentric design.

In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.

This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.

I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
harder to use. * ;^)

Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet.

At the risk of sounding a bit snobbish, Sketch-Up is a fun entry-level
product which hopefully will entice the curious into trying real CAD
software. That is especially true when you're trying to make the link
between CAD and CAM.
Having said that, for the price (even for the Pro version) SketchUp
appears to be an excellent value.

"Robatoy" wrote

At the risk of sounding a bit snobbish, Sketch-Up is a fun entry-level
product which hopefully will entice the curious into trying real CAD
software.

Don't look now, Rob, but your lack familiarity with the program is showing
.... SketchUp has always been upfront about NOT being "CAD software".

That is especially true when you're trying to make the link
between CAD and CAM.
Having said that, for the price (even for the Pro version) SketchUp
appears to be an excellent value.

All the Pro version does is add advanced printing, exporting, importing, and
presentation capabilities. Other than the ability to create dynamic
components, and the above mentioned, there is no functional difference
between the free and Pro versions.

Any tool is only as good as the craftsman who wields it ... it is always a
mistake to sell something short on the basis of cursory knowledge.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

On Dec 19, 8:21*pm, "Swingman" wrote:
"Robatoy" wrote

At the risk of sounding a bit snobbish, Sketch-Up is a fun entry-level
product which hopefully will entice the curious into trying real CAD
software.

Don't look now, Rob, but your lack familiarity with the program is showing
... SketchUp has always been upfront about NOT being "CAD software". *

I am the first to agree that I have yet to delve into all of the host
of features that SketchUp offers.
I , frankly, haven't had the need. So your assesment of my lack of
familiarity is sound. Somewhat.
And yet, my grandmother's wisdom haunts me: "I don't know how to lay
eggs, but I sure know when one shouldn't be eaten."
I am still somewhat curious how someone, like yourself, who has shown
a solid working knowledge of other software has bolted onto the
SketchUp product.
This is not a critique, but a question. You were a TurboCAD user at
one time, were'nt you? Why the change?
I have never been one to stay with a system/software 'just because'.
If that were true, wtf am I married 3 times? I am willing to change
and learn. I just don't see SketchUp as a path to growth, unlike
TurboCAD which ate least teaches CAD-style conventions.

Am I way off here?

snip

*Any tool is only as good as the craftsman who wields it ... it is always a
mistake to sell something short on the basis of cursory knowledge.

I agree, but why change a horse in the middle of a stream? There must
be real advantage to adopting SketchUp over Turbo. If there is, I
don't see it.
And when it comes to wielding tools in the CAD and 3D modelling world,
I hold my own quite well. SketchUp leaves me wanting more. Like NURBs.
Like extrusions along rails. Like sweeps along bezier paths. Skinning
and a full set of Bolean functions and a full set of rendering tools.
And after all that, a true export ability that all programs can
understand and parse. And don't get me started on infinite lighting
sources and radiosity. Textures in all their photo-realistic glory.

SketchUp has never made claims to fit my bill. They don't. But if
you're going to learn conventions, they should be cross-platform, and
adhere to some standard which is transportable.

Honestly, dude... nothing personal.

r

On Dec 19, 5:21*pm, "Swingman" wrote:

"Any tool is only as good as the craftsman who wields it"

Here here, good addition to my Grandpa's favorite "Its a poor workman
what blames his tools."

Morris Dovey wrote:

SonomaProducts.com wrote:
Welcome to the world of paramentric design.

In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.

This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.

I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
harder to use. ;^)

Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet.

I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to
abpw. It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a
hole in it.


Ah, that explains it. I saw the posting and was wondering how you got
those pipes drawn in the center there. I'll have to try that with VariCAD,
I don't think that would be an issue.

--
If you're going to be dumb, you better be tough

"Morris Dovey" wrote in message
...
SonomaProducts.com wrote:
Welcome to the world of paramentric design.

In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.

This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.

I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
harder to use. ;^)

Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet.

And methinks the operator may have a ways to go to understand how to operate
the program.

I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to abpw.
It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a hole in
it.

Like I said on apbw, this is elementary ... send me the file and I'll be
glad to show you how to do it.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

"Morris Dovey" wrote

Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet.

I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to abpw.
It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a hole in
it.

Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the hole
you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the hole(s),
then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the parts you don't
want.

When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to get
holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job.

http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/CurvedFaces.jpg

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

Swingman wrote:
"Morris Dovey" wrote

Methinks SketchUp may have a ways to go yet.

I discovered an interesting "feature" this morning and will post to abpw.
It doesn't like to make a hole through material that already has a hole in
it.

Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the hole
you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the hole(s),
then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the parts you don't
want.

When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to get
holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job.

Good stuff - thank you! My knowledge /is/ cursory, and I /did/ take 'em
at their word when they described the "push-pull" tool as being a good
way to make holes.

I don't really mind having to create three extra objects I don't want in
order to make one that I do, but this is like having a stack of
fencepost holes so you can pop 'em into the ground to build a fence...

It all went /really/ weird when I tried to delete the "pipes".

Umm - next up, I'm going to need a threaded hole/cylinder (1/4-20
please) for an Allen setscrew.

--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/

"Morris Dovey" wrote\

Good stuff - thank you! My knowledge /is/ cursory, and I /did/ take 'em at
their word when they described the "push-pull" tool as being a good way to
make holes.

I don't really mind having to create three extra objects I don't want in
order to make one that I do,

That's because you do it in woodworking all the time.

Besides, the only additional object necessary was the cylinder, which took
less that five seconds to draw ... think of it as a jig.

What folks, in their initial exposure to the program, can't seem to grasp is
that Sketchup is not a CAD program in the traditional sense, and it indeed
requires a different mindset to those stuck in the CAD gear. Sadly, and as
you see in this thread, it's all to to easy to dismiss the program based on
ignorance and misconceptions about "CAD" ... and probably also, because the
first things you learn to do when playing around with it do look
"cartoonish".

There is one guiding principle behind SketchUp's concept that makes it an
absolute PERFECT (astounding actually) fit with woodworking endeavors:

~ Sketchup deals with the manipulation of "surfaces" and "edges".
~ Woodworking deals with the manipulation of "surfaces" and "edges"*

A woodworker couldn't ask for more ...

Once this is grasped by an open mind, the program morphs into an astounding
tool for the woodworker interested in designing his own projects, from
simple tables, to complex joinery, constructing them, and, for the
professional woodworker, presenting them to clients ... all with a lot less
effort, and less lost shop time, than with most similar programs.

Simply speaking, build a SketchUp model precisely like you would a
woodworking project, by starting with the individual components, then join
the individual parts into the whole. Once you're done, you have both a model
(plan), for your own use or for presentation, and, most importantly, you
have solved most of the construction problems and gained an intimate
knowledge of what you need to do to build the model when you hit the shop.

The price is right, the program is much more intuitive than most CAD
software, doesn't require all that much time to become reasonably
proficient, and at that point the payback becomes way out of proportion to
the effort expended.

AAMOF, there are few tools more advantageous to a smart, serious woodworker!
It appears that more and more of same are beginning to realize that.

Great time to be alive ... this digital age!

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

Swingman wrote:

Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the hole
you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the hole(s),
then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the parts you don't
want.

Tried that (several times) and took screen shots at each stage. Pix on abpw.

When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to get
holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job.

Obviously I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it isn't a three
minute job yet...

--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/

"Morris Dovey" wrote
Swingman wrote:

Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the
hole you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the
hole(s), then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the
parts you don't want.

Tried that (several times) and took screen shots at each stage. Pix on
abpw.

When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to
get holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job.

Obviously I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it isn't a three minute
job yet...

Draw your cylinder; make it into a "component"; poke it through your curved
surface; "interface with model"; "explode" the cylinder; erase the parts of
the cylinder you don't want (three parts, plus the ends);, lastly, erase the
remnants (a circle on either side) of the cylinder on the face of the curved
surface.

It takes less time to do than tell ... if you're really interested, and I
can find the time today, I'll make you an animated "tutorial" of the steps
above ... using the "scenes" function, a tutorial is easy to do in SketchUp.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

"Morris Dovey" wrote in message
...
Swingman wrote:

Here you go, Bro ... make a cylinder "component" with diameter of the
hole you want, poke it though the curved surfaces where you want the
hole(s), then use the "intersect with model" function, then erase the
parts you don't want.

Tried that (several times) and took screen shots at each stage. Pix on
abpw.

When you know how, it takes longer to draw the box and cylinder than to
get holes in the curved surfaces ... about a three minute job.

Obviously I'm doing something horribly wrong, but it isn't a three minute
job yet...

OK, here's your "tutorial":

http://www.e-woodshop.net/files/Hole...edSurfaces.zip



As I said on apbw, this is just one method to drill holes in curved
surfaces. There are other ways to do this in SketchUp.

I'm still a newbie!

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

"SonomaProducts.com" wrote

Welcome to the world of paramentric design.

In my real job I am in the 3D CAD business. Parametric design was a
revolution for this industry 20 years ago. With complete parametrics
you can embed an amazing amount of intelligence into one base design.
They can be linked to spreadsheets, can hide and multiple parts and
features, matain ratios or more complex rules, nest one design inside
anothjer and drive changes up through the design; very cool stuff.

This was initially only available in the $20-$50k type software. The
second revolution was the "desktop" or "mid-range" solid modelers in
the $2-$8k proce range. Now I guess R3 is in Sketchup. Too cool.

I think pretty soon the $2-$8k guys are going to have a hard time
seeling their stuff when their only real differentiation is being
harder to use. ;^)

Well said ...

Having somehow missed out on the designer gene, 3D software, along with
e-books, has been one of my two biggest dreams for years.

Things I've designed in the past looked great in 2D software, and on the
shop bench, but put them on the floor, or a wall, and view them from
different perspectives, and I've often been disappointed in many respects.

For the first time ever I've been able to get my ideas down in 3D and view
them from those perspectives which my lousy design skills can't foresee, at
a reasonable cost, and without spending money and time on a steep learning
curve.

I'm also making money using the program, a good deal of money, and it amazes
me how little effort it took to garner that type of reward.

--
www.e-woodshop.net
Last update: 10/22/08
KarlC@ (the obvious)

Swingman wrote:
Been playing around with creating "dynamic components", using that new
feature now available in SketchUp7-Pro.

Below is a file that contains two .skp files, one for Base Cabinet FF's, and
one for Wall Cabinet FF's. (Be sure to open any folder if it downloads that
way):

This is my first try with DC's, so let me know if something doesn't work,
and any comments welcome.

I right clicked on the face frame and at the bottom of the pop up window
was "dynamic components". Clicking on that brings up "component
options". This all worked as expected. I was opening the components
window, and clicking on "view options"... I'm sure you explained this
before, but my attention span is decreasing day by day... Anyway,
worked great. I had clicked on dynamic components and component options
a number of times when perusing SU but every time it said, no options
available or some such. Now I see what it is.

--
Jack
Using FREE News Server: http://Motzarella.org
http://jbstein.com